25-year old Al Thornton was outstanding last season for the Clippers. He played in 71 games for the Clippers last season and he averaged 37.4 minutes, 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Thornton’s numbers should improve a little bit this season but the Clippers have a lot of players that like to shoot the ball. 30-year old Ricky Davis exercised his player option to return to the Clippers this season so they will give him a chance to earn it behind Thornton. Davis played in 36 games for the Clippers last season and he averaged 21.8 minutes, 6.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. 26-year old Steve Novak will be #3 in line for minutes at small forward and he is a sharp shooter. Novak shot 41.6% from three point range last season for the Clippers. Novak played in 71 games for the Clippers last season and he averaged 16.4 minutes, 6.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B-

20-year old Eric Gordon will be the starting shooting guard for the Clippers this season and he is a player on the rise. He played in 78 games for the Clippers last season and he averaged 34.3 minutes, 16.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He can score more if the Clippers need him to and that will likely be determined early in the season. 30-year old Rasual Butler will back up at both SG and SF this season for the Clippers. He played in all 82 games for the Hornets last season and he averaged 31.9 minutes, 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Butler is a good shooter from long range as he hit 39% of his three point attempts last season. He should give the Clippers instant offense off the bench. 25-year old Mardy Collins will likely back up at both guard positions for the Clippers this year. Collins played in 48 games for the Knicks and Clippers last season in which he averaged 18.5 minutes, 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SHOOTING GUARDS IN 2009-2010: B-