The Sport Count

Diddy in street clothes: get accustomed, Clip fans.

Now that the Nuggets have inexplicably gifted Marcus Camby to the Clippers, Los Angeles’ other team is starting to look like a genuine threat in the still loaded western conference.

Even with a busted bench, the Kaman-Camby-Diddy trio should — on paper, at least — guide the Clips to the post-season. If they can stay healthy. Which is unlikely.

Indeed, in the past three seasons that trio collectively missed 17% of their games, a rate of ill-health which may well lead to a Staples Center flooded with tears. (Further cause for concern: last year was actually oddly healthy for Baron, as he played in 67+ games for the first time in four seasons; Camby’s 79 games were the most he’s ever played in 12 years, besting his previous record by nine).

Coupling that collective tendency towards serious injury with the famous Clippers curse — ask Shaun Livingston’s knees about it — nearly guarantees that the Los Angeles hardwood will be covered in blood (or cruciate ligaments).

All of which shouldn’t imply that the Clippers did the wrong thing. Far from it, actually; when a team offers you a shot-swatting, carom-collecting veteran big man with a top-notch low-post passing game, you take him. Especially if they’re asking for loose change, a 1997 issue of Penthouse, and a second round draft pick in return.

You always pull the trigger on that trade, whether you’re R.C. Buford or Isiah Thomas.

And you call the USC Medical Center to tell ‘em to keep the scalpels warm.

Posted By: Anton