Outsider’s Perspective: Questions with Clipperholics

The New Orleans Pelicans fly into Los Angeles Tuesday on an eight-game winning streak. Waiting for them will be a Clippers team trying to win their third straight. LA is also a half-game out of eighth in the playoff race and two away from the Pelicans. Matchup’s like these may provide a huge level of importance come playoff time. For more on the Clippers and their rollercoaster season, we connected with Ryan Snellings from Clipperholics. Ryan is a co-editor and has been doing beautiful work for FanSided for some time now. Enjoy our latest edition of “Outsider’s Perspective”.

1. The Clippers are one of the most underrated stories in basketball. From injuries to drama to trades, Doc Rivers has had his hands full. Through it all, Rivers has kept the Clippers in the thick of things in the playoff race. Talk to us about the job Doc has done this season. Is this his most impressive stretch in L.A?

Doc has been amazing and I think the re-focus on coaching has been key. He’s experimented with so many different lineups and has had a revolving door of guys from the G-League. Yes, he may have only played the young guys this season due to the injuries, but it’s worked. This team has a fight and spirit to them and Doc’s voice has been instrumental to that. People love to mock Doc, but he’s proven this year why he was at one point considered a top tier coach.

2. We can’t talk the Clippers without talking the blockbuster trade. What were your feelings as the trade went down? What are they now?

I was heartbroken when the trade went down, but the logical side of me understood the reasoning. Blake Griffin was the franchise and I really wanted him to be a Clipper for life, but the injuries and a huge contract would leave us in such a bad place. A few weeks later and my head has healed in part to the excitement of Tobias Harris’ future. Plus, how could Boban not fill your heart?

3. The Los Angeles Clippers will make the playoffs if _____?

They keep fighting. Obviously, some teams above them have to falter, but they can’t focus on that. The Clips just need to stay the course and take care of things on their end. Things will work out.

4. What’s the biggest misconception about the Clippers?

I think the biggest misconception is that they are going to remain a middling team. They may not have room to make a move next summer, depending on what happens with DeAndre Jordan, but don’t think for a second that Jerry West doesn’t have a plan A, B, and C ready to go.

5. Outsider  Perspective on the Pelicans.

The Pelicans scare me. I, like everyone else, counted them out when DeMarcus Cousins went down, but look at where we are now. AD could have a monster game, as DJ doesn’t step out well on a big man that can shoot. If DJ isn’t in, I can see Montrezl having issues with AD’s length. It should be tough, but the Clips may have too much depth for the Pels tonight. Here’s hoping!

Next: The Continuation Of NOLA’s Success Rides On The Shoulders Of Anthony Davis

That’s all for our time with Ryan and Clipperholics. Be sure to follow Ryan on Twitter @rsnellings25 and the Clippers @ClipperholicsFS. Give us a shout as well @pelicandebrief. Enjoy the game tonight and remember: No matter what you do in life, #DoItBig.