A reinvigorated Kaman gives Clippers an edge
The center, an underachiever last year, has been a big factor in the team's great start this season.
By Lonnie White, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
12:23 PM PST, November 8, 2007
Four games. Four victories. The undefeated Clippers could not get off
to a better regular season start as they head into Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
The main reason for the Clippers' great start? The outstanding play of center Chris Kaman. After stumbling around for most of the 2006-07 season, Kaman has been the NBA's best center over the first two weeks of play. His numbers say it all.
Kaman has two games with 20 rebounds or more and four consecutive double-doubles. He's shooting 50% from the field and has made 13 of 15 free throws.
Just imagine if the Lakers had a 25-year-old center averaging 16.8points, 16.5 rebounds, two blocked shots and 1.8 assists per game.
Offensively, Kaman has stepped up to become that rare NBA big man capable of beating single coverage with an array of moves around the basket and then breaking down double teams with unselfish passing.
And Kaman may be playing even better on the defensive end. Displaying footwork like a soccer goaltender, Kaman has grown into a shot-blocking machine and a player capable of shutting down opposing big men in the paint.
The key behind Kaman's turnaround is his improved overall conditioning. By changing his diet, losing some weight and taking a more serious attitude toward his game, Kaman is now able to make plays that he was unable to execute last season.
From getting to loose balls to defending perimeter pick-and-roll plays, Kaman now has the energy to be a major difference maker for the Clippers, who are playing without injured Elton Brand, the team's leading scorer and rebounder from last season.
A dominant Kaman has opened things up on both ends of the court for the Clippers over the first four games.
Because teams often have to use a second defender on him, the Clippers'perimeter players have enjoyed much more room to work with after they pass the ball inside to Kaman.
Corey Maggette, Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas already have had strong shooting games as a result of extra space on the court created by Kaman's solid low-post game.
Defensively, Kaman has been effective by being active around the basket, and he's done it without getting into foul trouble. That's important for Kaman, who has a history of getting called for ill-advised fouls.
In the Clippers' victory at Indiana on Wednesday, Kaman displayed his quick feet and tenacity with 22 rebounds and 15 points and was impressive defending the Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal. The night before, Kaman got it done with 16 points and 11 rebounds in a win at Chicago.
There's no question that the Clippers are not the same team with Brand sidelined, but whether Kaman is knocking down a jump hook in the paint or challenging a shot on the defensive end, he has been a reliable force for Coach Mike Dunleavy's squad.
But the question is, can Kaman keep this up for an entire season?
Summary: The Clippers are in position to be the surprise team of the league if Kaman continues his strong play. With so many teams lacking strong centers, Kaman gives the Clippers an edge that could carry them into the postseason.
lonnie.white@latimes.com