UPDATE: The Los Angeles Clippers are set to open their season tonight against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, armed with a healthy Kawhi Leonard and a roster brimming with veteran talent. This season marks a critical juncture for the Clippers, as they seek to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since their 2021 Western Conference Finals appearance.
The Clippers underwent a major offseason overhaul, adding former All-Stars James Harden and Bradley Beal, alongside veteran Chris Paul, and promising rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser. With an average team age of 33.2 years, they are likely the oldest squad in the league, contrasting sharply with last year’s champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boasted an average age of just 24.7 years.
Coach Tyronn Lue is keenly aware of the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s going to take us 15 to 20 games into the season to really understand our rotations, our chemistry, how we want to play, who fits.” This urgency is palpable as the Clippers embark on a high-stakes campaign.
The health of Leonard is paramount. The six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP missed a significant portion of last season, appearing in just 37 games. However, he played every game in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists against the Denver Nuggets.
Beyond the court, the team faces scrutiny as they are under investigation for potential violations involving financial arrangements between owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard. Both parties have denied any wrongdoing.
On the offensive front, Harden, an 11-time All-Star, is expected to be a key playmaker. Last season, he averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, solidifying his role as a crucial offensive catalyst. The duo of Harden and Leonard played a pivotal role in leading the Clippers to a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference, winning 18 of their last 21 games.
The revamped Clippers will also feature veteran presence in Paul, who is set to play a backup role at 40 years old. Lue believes Beal, returning from injury, will significantly contribute as both a scorer and facilitator. “Players of this caliber are very rare,” Lue remarked, emphasizing Beal’s unique skill set.
Departures include notable players such as Norman Powell and Drew Eubanks, but the Clippers retain a deep roster with versatile forwards like Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, alongside guards Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic. This depth offers Lue a variety of nightly combinations, which he sees as an advantage in a long season.
As the Clippers prepare for their season opener, the focus will be on health, chemistry, and integrating their new pieces into a cohesive unit. The immediate goal is clear: to start strong against the Jazz and set the tone for a promising season ahead.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Clippers embark on this pivotal season, filled with high expectations and the potential for playoff success.