It's a new year and I'm attempting to start writing for my site again. It's really hard when there are no other writers out there. At least I survived the dot.com bust. On Hoops is dead, but I survive. That makes me feel a little better.

So now, it's basketball time. I was watching the Clips-Mavs game last night. It was great basketball. Fast action, high scoring and great athleticism. It's a shame Elton Brand didn't make the All-Star team. The Clippers look really good. I saw them play the Raptors earlier this month, and even in an ugly game, they won. I'm thinking they might have what it takes to get to the playoffs. Are they championship quality? No. Not with Michael Olowakandi, but they do like a fun team to watch. A friend of mine told me that those young teams, who have grown together, like Boston, Sacramento, Dallas and now the Clippers, are coming on. These are the young teams that are exciting, fun to watch and are winning. But I digress. Let's get back to the Clippers.

The Clippers have an abundance of talent. Jeff McInnis, who gets blasted by his coach constantly, is making big shots and is playing huge. I know the Clips don't want him next year with Keyon Dooling coming back from injury next year, but he's playing himself into a contract. Quentin Richardson is a stone scorer. Corey Maggette might have the best NBA body I've ever seen. He's super fast and is coming a very good player. Lamar Odom is troubled, but he's as talented as any small forward in the NBA. Darius Miles is improving every game. He's got long-ass arms. When he puts on some weight, he's Kevin Garnett. And Elton Brand. Mr. Solid. Should be All-Star. Too bad Olowakandi is a bust. But he doesn't play too much. Brand slides to center. Odom moves to power forward. Then Miles, Q and Magette rotate at 2 and 3.

Bottom line. Clippers look good. They beat the Mavs at home, handily. They score easily and when they get better defensively, I think they might make a move to the next level.