Everything But Poker

A new season is upon us, which, for Clipper fans, means dealing with the inevitable failure of our favorite team. Only a few times in the franchise's history has there been any kind of optimism heading into season, but there is something decidedly different about this instance, as the team gets ready for the season with a deep mix of veterans, role players and young studs. The flaws of last year's team are no secret, from the feud between Baron Davis and coach Mike Dunleavy, to the injuries that took time away from most of the team's best scoring threats and the complete lack of cohesion among the players.

But as I found out last week when I stopped by training camp for about 30 minutes, the Clippers of 2009-10 seem to play with the subtle confidence that is more common among teams that have actually succeeded on the court. Nevertheless, the team seems to understand that, at least as the roster stands now, they have plenty talent to compete for a playoff spot, and nothing outside of injuries should hold them back. Below is the video of Dunleavy's press conference the day I went to camp (there were only three of us asking him questions). Despite what idiots like The Sports Guy say, Dunleavy is a great guy to talk to about the game -- he appreciates a good question and will go out of his way to explain what he sees going on the court.