It’s hard to give the Clippers rookies a letter grade because they didn’t get much playing time. Center Paul Davis played in 31 games this season and he averaged 5.8 minutes, 1.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. He might wind up being a decent reserve for the Clippers in the future. Point guard Will Conroy played in 7 games and he averaged 7.3 minutes, 1.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Conroy didn’t score a point for the Clippers.

The Clippers finished a very disappointing 4th place in the Pacific Division with a 40-42 record, 21 games behind the Phoenix Suns. They were a solid 25-16 at home, but were only 15-26 on the road. They were not good against Western Conference teams as they were 23-29 against them and they were 8-8 in their Division. They averaged 95.6 points per game and allowed 96.1 points per game. The Clippers won 5 of their last 10 games and they could have made the playoffs if they had played better down the stretch.

With all of the injuries that have crippled the Clippers roster, they really need Tim Thomas and Quinton Ross to give them good minutes off of the bench as they are the only two players the Clippers have been giving big minutes to other than their starters. Tim Thomas has played in 3 games this month and he’s averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. The main problem for the Clippers has been Thomas’ shooting as he’s only hit 34.6% from the floor and 25% from three-point range. When Thomas is on the court they need him to shoot well to open the paint for the Clippers big men or opposing teams will just pack the paint. Quinton Ross has also had a rough start to the month as he’s only averaging 3.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. The Clippers need mush more from Thomas and Ross if the Clippers are to make the playoffs.

Chris Kaman is playing a good big man’s game and it’s helping out Elton Brand and the team in general in the paint. In his last 6 games, he’s averaged 9.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. The Clippers might even need a little more offense out of Kaman if they are to make the playoffs this season.

The Clippers are barely holding onto the #8 spot in the Western Conferenence Playoff Standings. They have won 7 of their last 10 games but they are only 1 game ahead of the Golden State Warriors and 2 games ahead of the New Orleans Hornets so the Clippers must remain hot if they are going to hold on and make the playoffs. But, the Clippers are only 2 games behind the fading Lakers so it’s possible that they could move up.