KL: Are the Clippers relevant now?

Yes, I am ecstatic that my Clips somehow managed to steal Baron Davis from the Warriors yesterday. Yes, to think that even 8 years ago that Clippers owner Donald Sterling would shell out even $20 to the local pizzeria would be nothing short of a miracle--and now he is giving Baron Davis 65 mil over the next 5 years? Well, surprisingly, this is no longer the story ever since the Clippers locked up Elton Brand and Corey Maggette to long term deals circa 2003. Since then they have been giving out money to whoever will take it. Even the annually lazy Tim Thomas has a long-term, multi-million deal in his pocket from the suddenly spendy Clippers. Hey, Sam Cassell is 38 years old, let's give him a two-year contract!

But, should I really get my hopes up this time? I mean, what makes it different than any other year? On paper, the last 7 or 8 years, The Clippers have had a nice 'young' team. On paper. Then stuff happens. Injuries, busts, disappointments, attitudes; you name it: it has happened.

Let's look at the choices that have been made in only one area: drafting.

2007 - (14) Al Thorton, FSU: I will give them a pass here; for the 14th player selected, he was the most productive rookie in the 2007-2008 class not named Kevin Durant.
2006 - No pick here.
2005 - (12) Yaroslav Korolev, Russia: Drafted in 2005. Out of the league in 2007.
2004 - (4) Shaun Livingston, High School: All the potential left with one ugly injury.
2003 - (6) Chris Kaman, Central Michigan: I will give Pass #2 here. This goofy white guy is a top 5 center in this center-depleted league.
2002 - (8) Chris Wilcox, Maryland; (12) Melvin Ely, Fresno St: Wilcox was misused by the coach and it was then turned into a trade for Vladimir Radmonovic who jetted out as soon as he could; the money left over turned into the aforementioned (and enigmatic) Tim Thomas. Remind me who Melvin Ely is again?
2001 - (2) Tyson Chandler, High School: Pass #3. Chandler turned into Elton Brand a few minutes after being drafted. This is almost as lopsided as the Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol heist.
2000 - (3) Darius Miles, High School: The high flying Miles retired around the ripe age of 26.

Okay, I will give the Clippers 3 quality decisions that came out of the last 8 drafts: Brand, Thornton, and Kaman. But 5 of these selections were top 10 picks! Interestingly, the draft picks of the 1990's were even worse--led by 1998's #1 selection of Michael Olowakandi. Granted, some of these decisions seem fine when they were made. Who wasn't happy to see Darius Miles or Shaun Livingston play for this squad? Who isn't happy--to see Baron Davis added? See how this logic works? In other words, initial happiness leads to disaster with this team. Until proven otherwise.

With the Clippers fortune, Davis' notorious back problems will resurface during training camp, and Brand will blow out his other achilles. Yet, despite all of these things, I will still hold out hope one day that this team will turn the corner. And even if Baron Davis leads this team as Sam Cassell did in 2006, they need more than just one playoff run to "turn the corner". They need an organizational-wide transplant in their entire philosophy. In the meantime, I can still be found deriving enjoyment while watching the Clippers. I also am interested in other self-inflicted wounds.