The Los Angeles Clippers have carried championship expectations since Kawhi Leonard arrived in 2019, however have by no means lived as much as the hype.
Their greatest achievement stays a Western Convention Finals look, falling brief regardless of Kawhi Leonard enjoying alongside a number of All-Stars.
The first perpetrator behind their underachievement is Leonard’s persistent damage troubles. The famous person has performed 60 video games or extra simply as soon as since becoming a member of Los Angeles, together with solely 37 video games final season.
Experiences linking the Clippers to Bradley Beal and Chris Paul increase severe considerations about roster building.
Beal is already 32 whereas Paul has crossed 40, doubtlessly making a core of 4 gamers over 30 alongside Leonard and James Harden.
The well being considerations multiply when contemplating Beal’s latest damage historical past. The previous Washington star hasn’t performed greater than 60 video games because the 2018-19 season, mirroring Leonard’s availability points which have plagued the franchise.
NBA journalist Howard Beck highlighted the inherent dangers of constructing round Leonard’s limitations: “You’re on the Kawhi Leonard practice. Like, you’re simply there. So all you are able to do is take a look at who you’ve received and say, ‘Does this group make sense collectively? Will we make it deeper? Did we make it or on paper?’”
Beck acknowledged the Clippers’ paper energy whereas emphasizing the built-in considerations: “On paper, the Clippers are that a lot forward of the sport.
“And also you go into the season hoping that you just get nearer to a full season from Kawhi. And what does that imply in the event you received 50 video games with him solely enjoying 37?”
“I’d really feel fairly good given the place they’re, given the built-in limitations, and considerations they all the time have as Kawhi Leonard workforce. You’re getting regularly older right here.”
Beck summarized the last word gamble: “So if it’s Beal and Chris Paul, perhaps James Harden and Kawhi, that is an outdated workforce and there’s lots of volatility that goes with well being threat, but it surely’s lots of actually good gamers, too.”
Beck’s evaluation carries weight as a result of the expertise stage is simple. The potential quartet contains former All-Stars, a former MVP, a former Finals MVP, and three debatable Corridor of Famers on their resume.
Past the star energy, the Clippers boast strong depth with Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, and new additions like Brook Lopez and Zach Collins offering dimension.
If Leonard can preserve his well being, significantly in the course of the playoffs, the Clippers possess the expertise to make a deep postseason run.
Nonetheless, ‘if‘ stays the most important phrase surrounding this franchise’s championship aspirations with an ageing, injury-prone core.
