Put a fork in the Clippers. They're done.

Bad news for Clippers fans. According to this report on ESPN.com, Elton Brand ruptured his left Achilles tendon yesterday during his daily workout. He'll be out for at least six months, but could be out for as much as a full year. Without Brand, I just don't see the Clippers being very competitive in the Western Conference. Even if he comes back after just six months, the Clips will probably be too far behind in the standings to make a legitimate run at the playoffs. It's a shame, because I really enjoyed watching the Clippers during their playoff run two years ago. They regressed a little last year, but I was hoping that they'd regain their mojo this year. Brand's injury, coming on the heel of Shaun Livingston's rather gruesome knee injury last year, probably puts the kabosh on that hope.