NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Los Angeles Clippers understood that last season was just a tuneup for the 2022-23 NBA season with all the injuries they had to deal with. But what they didn’t know was if they would welcome back the same core that almost pulled off an improbable run to the playoffs. Well, yes they have and then more. This offseason proved to be great for the Clippers. No setbacks for Kawhi Leonard, they managed to keep their young core intact, plus they got the services of a hungry John Wall.
The talk is of another repeat for the Golden State Warriors and what will happen with the Los Angeles Lakers but where is the mention of the Clippers as possibly the best team in the NBA, and not just in LA? Well, on paper, at least. The Clippers are loaded almost everywhere except the Center position. If they can manage solid production from the paint, the Los Angeles Clippers will be hard to beat in a 7-game series.
Los Angeles Clippers Guards
It’s nothing against Reggie Jackson. But anytime you can land a 5-time All-Star without giving up your core players, you make that move. The addition of John Wall put the Clippers in the talks for the NBA Finals. Then, you have Paul George in the same backcourt, and sparks are set to fly in LA. But not be forgotten are the reserve. These are the same guys who with a ton of injuries to the Clippers last season were starting and helping this team fight for a playoff spot.
Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, and Luke Kennard were getting valuable minutes last season which should only help what the Clippers are trying to do if another injury happens in the backcourt. The Clippers’ guards can defend, distribute, penetrate, rebound, and score. Their depth at this position is scary.
Los Angeles Clippers Forwards
Kawhi Leonard is back and he’s healthy. Missing the entire season last year was devastating but it also was a silver lining for the team as a whole. With Leonard out, Marcus Morris was forced into the starring role for the Clippers and averaged 15.4 points in his absence. The addition of Robert Covington at the trade deadline added a post defender who can play three different positions. Terance Mann can slide over to the SF spot and the same can be said for George.
The Clippers’ roster is interchangeable with their size but with Leonard and George back, the Clippers will be one of the better defensive teams in the league this season. they will also be a veteran nit. with Nicolas Batum back in the fold, he, along with their young wings will give the defense a boost.
Los Angeles Clippers Centers
If there is one glaring hole on the Clippers roster this season, it will be their center position. Ivica Zubac played great last year with averages of 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. Can he continue that with the talent the Clippers will have on the floor with him? Backing Zubac up will be some of those interchangeable parts mentioned earlier. The early sign is that Covington will see a majority of his minutes as Zubac’s backup.
The Clips will need to make a move here well before the trade deadline to add some extra size to their roster. While Zubac played well, he had his battles with foul trouble. Relying on the smaller Covington to defend the paint will not be wise if the Clippers have title hopes in their plans.
Los Angeles Clippers Coach
Tyronne Lue is ready for all the smoke. This will without a doubt be his most talented Clippers team but Lue has been around the block before as a player and as a coach when it comes to expectations. Lue, handing Leonard, Wall, and George will not be a problem. What his concern will be is, can he find a way to make and keep everyone happy?
Last season, it was about staying afloat with Leonard and George out. Now that his stars are healthy, plus the addition of Wall, those same players who ran through the wall for him will now be getting lesser minutes. Can Lue handle the ship?
