Q: With Tim Duncan getting older, do you think it would be good for the San Antonio Spurs to have a losing season in order to get a top rookie through the draft?
— Davian Herrera, New Braunfels, Texas

A: No. The Spurs have done a terrific job in snaring Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker low in the draft. But they are the luckiest team in the world in falling into Tim Duncan in David Robinson's one injured and poor season. Remember, Robinson never won until Duncan came. Duncan has won a few times since Robinson left. Yes, their so called Big Three is getting a bit older, perhaps Ginobili as much as anyone for the pounding he takes, but they have several good years to go together. They just need to fill in some youth and athleticism around them, which they are doing. They are too smart to believe losing and getting into the draft is better. And no one gets that lucky twice.

Q: With all the turmoil surrounding the Clippers, what do you think their chances are of making the playoffs?
— Lalo Valle, Madera, Calif.

A: Actually, not bad. Yes, they wanted to keep Elton Brand, but he is coming off an Achilles injury and is somewhat of a risk. But one I would have taken. I thought they did a nice job of picking up Marcus Camby, which gives them two 7-footers who can block shots and a top point guard in Baron Davis. With two big guys they can get something out of Tim Thomas now, as he's best on the perimeter. And their young perimeter guys of Al Thornton and Eric Gordon are intriguing. I like their playoff chances.

Q: Now that the Sonics are in Oklahoma, do you think the new ownership will suddenly start spending money on players?
— Edward, Seattle

A: No. It cost a lot to get there in paying off Seattle to get out of the lease and no one talks about the substantial relocation fee they have to pay to the league that goes to the other teams. I see them going slowly through the draft for several years and not being much in contention until they get their financial issues straightened out, as the community now will be only to glad to have them no matter what their new name.

Q: Will the acquisition of Jerryd Bayless and the signing of Rudy Fernandez, along with a healthy Greg Oden, make Portland a dominant force in the Western Conference?
— Adam Bray, Reidsville, N.C.

A: It could. Summer league means nothing. Less than nothing. Nothing that ever has happened there has mattered. But Bayless has looked very good and the way Brandon Roy pretty much plays point guard in the fourth quarter means Bayless could play with him and they wouldn't need a classic point guard. Obviously, a healthy Oden is the key and no one has seen him play yet. I'd say dominant for next season is a little premature given their youth, but perhaps in a season or two. You have to like their team.

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