Action Item Code: 110X43970
Subject: Brand, Elton
Status: DEFECTION
....

Initiating Primary Emergency Backup Protocol
Codename: Smith, Josh
Status: Restricted.
Deploying Primary Woo Inventory

The fans of the Los Angeles Clippers are reacting to the Philadelphia 76ers' signing of Elton Brand in a myriad of ways. Some are in shock, others are angry, and some are just accepting of life as a Clippers fan. The Clippers organization, however, aren't afforded the luxury of wallowing, however. They have cap room, a season to prepare for, and a gigantic gaping hole at power forward.

On Wednesday night according to the LA Times, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy had dinner with Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith. Smith is now the most important free agent left on the market, even with his restricted tag. Known as the pre-eminent "stat stuffer", Smith, while not a true power forward, has a combination of speed, size, and athleticism rarely seen. He's not Elton Brand, in terms of down-low scoring ability and muscle, but he's no slouch.

A combination of Baron Davis and Josh Smith, along with new rookie Eric Gordon and sophomore Al Thornton, could be an amazingly entertaining team, and possibly a playoff contender. The issues that now come into play in this crazy musical chairs (of money) are Clippers owner Donald Sterling's willingness to dish out the necessary cash to dissuade Atlanta from matching an offer from Smith, and Atlanta's fractured ownership coming together to decide to match whatever hefty offer is made for Smith.