With only one post-season appearance in the last twelve years, Clippers fans had to make it through some tough times over the past decade. However, GM Mike Dunleavy is confident that he has finally assembled a competitive group that will make some noise in the Western Conference in 2009-10.

Without any doubts, the Clippers did not have much luck last year as the team suffered from a series of injuries keeping several key players off the floor for most of the season. In fact, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and Baron Davis missed a total of 84 games combined which ultimately led to a disappointing 14^th place finish in the Western Conference. However, the Clippers’ luck appeared to change for the better when they came out of the NBA draft lottery with the first overall pick. Subsequently, Dunleavy picked heralded college star Blake Griffin who will further improve the team’s dangerous front-court.

As frustrating as the 2008-09 season might have been for the Clippers, the series of injuries provided significant playing time for LA’s rookies. More specifically, shooting guard Eric Gordon had a stellar rookie season averaging 16.1 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. Similarly, sophomore Al Thornton managed to put up 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 37 minutes per contest.

Since Dunleavy moved overpaid forward-center Zach Randolph to Memphis in July, the Clippers might enjoy a better locker room atmosphere and solved their front-court logjam to some extent. Moreover, the addition of Rasual Butler gives them more depth on the wings and could be the last puzzle piece to a season in the playoff race for LA. Provided the team stays healthy, Baron Davis and the Los Angeles Clippers are overdue for a significant improvement in 2009-10.

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