Clippers bring determination to media day

The Los Angeles Clippers held their official media day on Sept. 25, which consisted of player photo shoots, news conferences, and an insight into the upcoming season.

The first news conference began with Coach Doc Rivers, who shared what we can expect in the upcoming season.

“This is clearly the most talent that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Rivers said. “We’re deep, multi-positional, and that was the goal going into the summer.”

Gaining prominent players during free-agency season can have a great impact on the Clippers bench. Some names include Pablo Prigioni and Josh Smith from the Houston Rockets, Cole Aldrich from the New York Knicks, Wes Johnson from the Lakers, and also Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets.

Another name that was signed during free-agency is former Celtics and Wizards player, Paul Pierce. Pierce was a key factor to the Celtics under the coaching years of Rivers.

“This year is getting over that hump,” said Pierce. “If I didn’t think this team had a chance, I wouldn’t be here.

The conference also involved a major focus on the infamous almost-loss of center DeAndre Jordan. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Jordan all discussed the “hostage situation.” All three agreed that the whole thing was blown out of proportion and that they’re moving forward from it.

“Hopefully we can put that to rest because I think we’re all tired about talking about it, and we’re ready to get back to talking about basketball, and not our travel this summer,” Griffin said.

“I want to be an all-around player, and improve every year,” Jordan said. He announced he will be here for a long time, and that his number one motivation is to win that championship.

Paul mentioned that there are multiple guys on this team who have things to prove just like they do.

This season the Clippers are determined to come back with a bang after the tough loss in the playoffs against the Rockets.

“Any loss,  and any end to a season with a chance lingers. The last two summers have lingered longer,” said JJ Redick.

New additions to the team had some thoughts on being an official member of the Clippers:

Josh Smith: “I can bring defense and offense, [the Clippers] will be the deepest I play for.”

Lance Stephenson: “There are great experiences on this team, Doc [Rivers] is going to help me alot.”

Cole Aldrich: “To get to where we want to go, we got to take those baby steps.”

The Clippers will play their first preseason game on Oct. 2 at Staples Center against the Denver Nuggets.