First overall pick Blake Griffin has been cleared to practice and is expected to play in the Clippers exhibition Friday against Portland.His left knee had forced him to miss the first preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.Coach Mike Dunleavy says that he intends to play the rookie 20 to 24 minutes. After a dismal season the Clippers are counting upon Griffin to lift the franchise and help it compete in games.Just as importantly winning the lottery has given new hope to a fanbase that was extremely disenchanted with last year's team.The big question now is what sort of strategy the team's front office shall adopt going forward.The team has a glut of big men now,but lots of problems on the perimeter.Baron Davis suddenly looked very old last year.The question is whether or not the team will move it's older players.If the team starts out well then future will have arrived.If it does not they may start looking towards the longer term development of the team.