THROUGH THE YEARS
	Year	Record	Playoffs
	1994-95	17-65	--
	1995-96	29-53	--
	1996-97	36-46	0-3
	1997-98	17-65	--
	1998-99	9-41	--
	Totals	108-270	0-3

Analysis
With the influx of fine young talent like Odom, Taylor, Anderson, Olowokandi, Skinner, Piatkowski, Tyrone Nesby and Troy Hudson -- if the Clippers had only signed some of the free agent players they let get away (Rodney Rogers, Bo Outlaw, Malik Sealy and Isaac Austin), they would be a playoff team. Even without the latter, there's enough talent for this team to look forward to a very bright future.

The team also needs to show its players that it's a first-class organization. That starts with providing an updated, attractive, convenient practice facility as well as other amenities that are common in the NBA today. The Clippers don't have Shaquille O'Neal, but they have a true star in Odom and others with the potential to contend with the Lakers for popularity in Los Angeles. Right now, it's no contest. Courtside seats for Lakers games are $1,150; the same seats for Clippers' games are $350.

Status of the team
The Clippers are well-coached by Chris Ford, who has adopted a patient, more tolerant demeanor than he had at Boston and Milwaukee. It's needed with the young Clippers. Although the won-loss record isn't good now (9-21), this team needs to keep its attitude positive and try to improve its overall game as the season progresses.

I see nothing but an upside for the 6-10 Odom. He has a complete game, is unselfish, competitive and wants to improve. He also has good leadership qualities. Olowokandi needs to get in better physical shape and toughen up his total game. Those two qualities go together.

Anderson is a fine two-guard and should only get better if he stays injury-free. Taylor has a ton of offensive skills, but must become a stronger defender and rebounder as well as a better team player. Nesby and Hudson have nice talent and are learning how to put it together in the NBA game. They're both improving.

Skinner is a perfect sixth man for the front line -- he runs the floor, scores and rebounds in bunches; and Piatkowski should be good off the bench with his effort play and perimeter shooting. Eric Murdock can lend his veteran experience to his young teammates.

The Clippers should score enough to win most games. That means their defense has to tighten up (they allow just under 100 points, 46 percent opponent shooting, and are weak on the boards) to improve the record.

Future
It's all up to Donald Sterling. If he'll loosen the purse strings, his Clippers can become a winner -- a team he should love to show off to his friends, as well as one which turns a profit.

Don't mess it up, Donald.