Los Angeles Clippers 2006-07 Preview  

 The Staples Center suddenly has more than one team. The arena was rocking as L.A. finished off the Nuggets to register the franchise’s first playoff series win since 1976, when they were the Buffalo Braves. The Clips then lost an exciting seven-game Conference Semifinal to Phoenix, but the ’05-06 season was an unqualified success nonetheless. All of the pieces are in place to keep the good times rolling.

Elton Brand scored a career-high 24.7 points per game, and ranked in the top ten in rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage en route to his first All-NBA selection (2nd team) and second All-Star appearance. Brand should continue to anchor the Clippers’ attack with his consistent production

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Shaun Livingston was lethal in the open floor and toward the end of last season, he began to really understand how to feed Brand and Kaman on the block — more specifically, where and when they like the ball. In addition, toward the end of the season, his turnover rate dropped measurably.

Then there are some excellent role players in Sam Cassell who will continue to mentor Livingston and there’s plenty of firepower on the wings with playoff stud Tim Thomas (who pretty much single handedly beat the Clippers in last years postseason) joining Cuttino Mobley and Corey Maggette as threats to provide instant offense

The Western Conference is stacked, particularly the Pacific Division. The ‘x’ factors for the Clips are the growth of Shaun Livingston and Chris Kaman. If these guys can elevate their game, the Clippers have a legitimate shot at a #2 seed.