--G Rasual Butler was traded, along with cash, from the Hornets to the Clippers for a conditional second-round pick in 2016. Butler averaged 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds last season. --F Craig Smith said in a recent interview that he's excited to be in a familiar environment, because he's a native of Inglewood, California. Smith also said he is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase his abilities in front of his greatest supporters. "It's a great feeling to be back home, getting to play in front of my family and friends. It's like a dream come true, obviously growing up in the inner-city. To actually be a Clipper, it's a great feeling."
--The Clippers will open their 2009-10 season within the friendly, familiar confines of the Staples Center versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The game is on October 27 and the Lakers will be the home team. The Clippers will also engage in a showdown at Phoenix versus the Suns on Christmas Day. Overall, the Clippers are scheduled to compete in three games on TNT and five games on ESPN, while making five appearances on NBATV. It seems the buzz building around Blake Griffin coupled with the recent additions the Clippers have made has helped the team build its national exposure.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Coming to play in L.A., I was really excited about it, knowing we got a good team, we got an opportunity to win some games, so I'm pumped for it." -- G Sebastian Telfair.
