This May Be a Case of No Mo, No Less

Normally when a Clipper player leaves as a free agent, I don’t think much about it because it happens so often, but the loss of Maurice Taylor is truly monumental. Where else can the Clippers find a power forward who doesn’t rebound, pass, defend or shoot a high percentage? For once, the Clippers’ penny pinching has worked to their advantage by ridding them of perhaps the NBA’s most overrated player. In this case, Mo was definitely less.

ANDY GOODSTEIN

Los Angeles

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If anyone thinks things have changed in Clipperland because of some shrewd draft-day moves on Elgin Baylor’s part, think again. The Clippers have lost Derek Anderson and Mo Taylor, two of their three best players, with no compensation. Why? So Donald Sterling could keep his payroll low and he could teach them a lesson about bad-mouthing him.

Let me look into my crystal ball and make a bold prediction for the coming season. I see young, talented athletes without focus or leadership. I see lots of losses and empty seats. I see disharmony. I see another coach waiting for the ax to fall. I see frustrated players looking for the door. I see the Donald preparing for draft day 2001 so he can offer his few loyal fans more false hope.

PATRICK CIRILLO

Moorpark