Clippers Launch Season with Strong Roster and High Hopes

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to begin the new NBA season with renewed vigor, boasting a healthier roster and significant offseason acquisitions. On October 25, 2023, the Clippers will face the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, aiming to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since their run to the Western Conference Finals in 2021.

This season, the Clippers have made a concerted effort to strengthen their lineup, acquiring former All-Stars and seasoned veterans. The team has welcomed James Harden, an 11-time All-Star and former league MVP, alongside Bradley Beal, a three-time All-Star. Additionally, they have added Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star, to bolster their depth. Notably, the Clippers also drafted a promising 6-foot-11 rookie center, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, to enhance their frontcourt presence.

As they prepare for the season, the Clippers face two significant challenges: age and team chemistry. With an average age of 33.2 years, they are likely to have the oldest roster in the league, compared to the youthful Oklahoma City Thunder, who won the championship last season with an average age of 24.7 years. Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the need for time to mesh the new pieces and establish effective rotations. “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,” he stated following the Clippers’ first preseason game.

A major focus for the Clippers will be the health of Kawhi Leonard, a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP. Leonard’s injury history has been a concern; he has not played in at least 70 games during a regular season since the 2016-17 season. Last year, he played only 37 games due to ongoing knee issues but managed to perform well in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists during the seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers are also under scrutiny off the court as an investigation by an independent law firm examines allegations of financial misconduct involving Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer. Both parties have denied any wrongdoing related to claims of circumventing NBA salary cap rules.

On the court, the new additions are expected to provide a significant boost. Harden averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds last season, showcasing his versatility as one of only four players to average more than 22 points and eight rebounds while shooting at least 35% from three-point range. Harden and Leonard contributed to the Clippers finishing fifth in the Western Conference last season, highlighted by their impressive record of winning 18 of their final 21 regular-season games.

Alongside Harden and Leonard, the Clippers’ revamped roster includes defensive stalwarts like Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, as well as guards like Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Lue emphasized the significance of having multiple veterans capable of stepping up in various roles. “It feels good to have a lot of different options, combinations,” he remarked. “Every night could be different, every night is going to be different. But we have time. We just got to keep getting better.”

As the Clippers embark on this new season, their ability to integrate new talent and maintain health will be critical in their quest for playoff success. The excitement around their roster changes and the return of a healthy Leonard sets the stage for what could be a pivotal year for the franchise.