Introduction:
The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves on the brink of the highly anticipated 2023/2024 NBA season, well aware that this might be their final opportunity to attain championship glory. With a history of competitive performances and heart-wrenching near misses, the stakes have never been higher for this talented squad. Ever since acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the expectation has been nothing short of a championship victory, but the team’s journey has been marred by underwhelming results. From the disruptions caused by the COVID-interrupted 2020 season to the challenges posed by injuries and load management in subsequent years, the Clippers have faced a rollercoaster ride in their pursuit of greatness. However, there have been moments of brilliance, particularly in the 2021 postseason, where they showed resilience and determination. Tragically, an ACL injury to Kawhi Leonard dashed their hopes before the franchise’s first-ever WCF appearance. The subsequent seasons were further marked by the absence of Kawhi and Paul George’s injuries, leading to a mixed bag of performances. Despite these setbacks, Clippers made some shrewd acquisitions, bringing in players like Norman Powell, Russell Westbrook, Mason Plumlee, Eric Gordon, and Bones Hyland at the trade deadline to bolster their chances. As they gear up for the upcoming season, the Clippers’ roster seems to possess the potential for championship success. However, there remains a sense of hesitation in labeling them as outright contenders, with concerns about the team’s continuity and chemistry. Amidst rumors of potentially acquiring James Harden from the 76ers, fans find themselves torn between the allure of his stardom and the desire to maintain the hard-built team synergy. The upcoming 2023/2024 NBA season holds immense promise, with the Clippers aiming to seize their last chance at redemption and etch their names in basketball history. As the season unfolds, fans will eagerly follow their journey, hoping that this time, the Clippers can overcome all odds and finally ascend to the throne of champions.
Roster Analysis:
The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a crucial season with the clock ticking on their key players’ prime years. The dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George holds the key to the team’s success, and they must capitalize on every opportunity to showcase their exceptional scoring efficiency and defensive prowess.
The Clippers’ front office has done an impressive job assembling a versatile championship-level roster around these two superstar wings. On paper, the team boasts a group of highly talented individual players, giving them a surplus of quality players to prepare for inevitable injuries and load management that have plagued previous seasons. It is difficult to show the advanced metrics of this team because there isn’t a sufficient representation of minutes with lineups from this core. Russ, PG, and Kawhi have yet to share the floor at all.
Starting with the guards, the team lost Eric Gordon in free agency, impacting their 3-point shooting prowess. However, they have plenty of other guards ready to step up. The biggest complaints of this Clipper team in previous years have been a lack of point guard play, pace, getting to the rim, leadership, and most importantly energy. The acquisition of Russell Westbrook last year has proven to be perfect. Despite concerns about Westbrook’s fit on the Lakers, the Clippers’ front office, coaching staff, and his former teammate Paul George have given him the confidence to be himself, which could be a game-changer for the team. The former MVP brings the playmaking, downhill scoring, and heart to a team that has lacked these qualities. Westbrook’s tenacity has been a missing ingredient for the team, bringing much-needed fire and emotional leadership.
Norman Powell, another impressive acquisition, has thrived in every role he’s been put in, whether coming off the bench or stepping up when stars were sidelined. His performances in toe-to-toe matchups with players like Devin Booker during the postseason have been especially remarkable, and he deserves more opportunities to shine.
Terance Mann has also evolved from a young athletic wing with potential to a starting-level player who fits seamlessly in multiple positions and lineups. His role will be pivotal in the upcoming year. Mann thrived as the starting point guard playing alongside Kawhi and PG before PG got hurt and Russ was acquired. While his minutes went down after, his versatility earned a big role as Ty Lue has announced that Mann has earned the 5th starting spot this upcoming year.
Bones Hyland brings a young offensive spark and tough shot-making, adding depth to a roster filled with spot-up shooters and defensive-minded veterans. While Hyland’s role may be limited due to his lack of versatility compared to other guards, his ability to take shots fearlessly off the bench is a valuable asset.
Moving on to the frontcourt, the Clippers have three big wings capable of playing the 3-5 positions due to the team’s frequent use of a small-ball 5 lineup. Marcus Morris Sr. has been the main player in this role, but he has faced criticism from the fan base due to his tendency to take bad shots, give up unnecessary fouls in important situations, and miss the open 3s. However, his offensive tools as an above-average spot-up shooter who has led the NBA in corner 3pt% previously as well as a post-scorer make him an asset when playing at his best. Morris also has the role of the team enforcer whose physical defense is a skill sought after in every contending team.
Nicolas Batum, on the other hand, fits seamlessly into a similar role, thanks to his 1-5 defensive positional versatility, making him an invaluable asset in being a pest while guarding the opposing team’s best players often all 94 feet. Batum rarely makes bad decisions. Offensive decision-making, passing ability, and his quick release as a spot-up shooter make him a constant threat on offense.
Robert Covington, despite limited minutes last season, remains a reliable 3&D veteran with an uncanny knack for shooting at a high level. He could prove to be a valuable asset off the bench when other wing players face challenges with their shooting.
In the frontcourt, the Clippers boast two 7-footers, Ivica Zubac and Mason Plumlee. Zubac, as the starting center, has improved consistently each year, excelling as one of the league’s best rim protectors, rebounders, and screen setters. His offensive game continues to develop with impressive post moves and finishes, making him a formidable presence in the paint. However, his limitations on the perimeter and in drop coverage have led to the team relying heavily on small-ball lineups in crucial moments, which has its drawbacks.
On the other hand, Mason Plumlee has been a crucial addition and an understated re-signing, proving his worth as a versatile player on both ends of the floor. While he might not match Zubac’s scoring or rim protection, he compensates with his playmaking ability and overall agility. Plumlee’s performance in the playoffs showcased his potential as a more well-rounded option at the center position. This presents an interesting strategic conundrum for Coach Tyronn Lue. Past years have seen Lue split minutes between Zu and small ball lineups. With Plumlee, the team’s success may hinge on how effectively Lue manages this big man rotation.
At the heart of the Clippers’ ambitions lie the superstar duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, which should rival for the best superstar duo in the NBA. George has answered critics with a strong postseason performance in the 2021 run to the WCF, silencing the “PG13%” and “Playoff P” labels. The challenge now is for George to find harmony alongside Leonard, making the most of their talents in unison, but they have yet to showcase their best play together. If they can strike a harmonious balance on the court, the Clippers will be a formidable force to reckon with. Both players possess unique skills, and with Russell Westbrook at the helm as the primary playmaker, the duo’s on-court chemistry can flourish with George acting more as a secondary playmaker to showcase his ability as a premier scorer and shot-maker alongside Kawhi. Paul George has a deep bag of skills with the ball but when he is asked to do too much he tends to turn the ball over either while dribbling or passing in traffic.
As for Kawhi Leonard, at his best, he is arguably the best player in the league. Coming off an ACL injury, the last month of the regular season, and the first two games of the playoffs, he proved exactly that. His ability to single-handedly dominate games as a two-way player is rare. Known for his stoic demeanor, if he can unleash more emotion, lead the team with renewed determination, and set the tone in the regular season, they have a shot at greatness.
On top of all these proven talents is an arsenal of young players brimming with potential. Kenyon Martin Jr. was traded this offseason and presents intriguing athleticism playing for his father’s former team. Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr. proved that when they are given minutes they can play at a high level. And lastly, second-year Moussa Diabate and rookie Kobe Brown have shown flashes in summer league. Developing and utilizing these young assets effectively could play a pivotal role if some of the more experienced players go down with injuries.
With a deep roster boasting talent in every position, the Clippers are well-equipped to make a deep playoff run. The team’s chemistry will be instrumental in achieving their championship dreams. As the 2023/2024 season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling basketball spectacle from this loaded squad that has been underwhelming. Only time will tell if the Clippers can rise to the occasion and seize.
Coaching and Strategy:
Tyronn Lue’s tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers has been a tale of promise and potential. The respect he commands from players and fans stems from his championship experience, adept player management skills, and strategic in-game adjustments. However, like any coaching journey, Lue has encountered his share of criticisms and challenges.
One of the most prominent complaints leveled against Lue’s coaching has been his approach to managing minutes on the talent-heavy roster. With a surplus of quality NBA players at his disposal, finding the perfect balance has proven challenging. Also, the team’s heavy reliance on the three-ball, isolation plays, and small-ball lineups have brought mixed results, with instances of both success and struggle. However, it becomes evident that the Clippers’ true strengths lie in their ability to play fast, attack the rim, move the ball, and dominate the boards. Finding this rhythm consistently will be key to unlocking the team’s full potential.
On the defensive end, the Clippers have built an identity around their versatility. However, this strength can also be a double-edged sword, as their propensity to switch on pick-and-rolls sometimes leaves them vulnerable. Striking the right balance between aggressive defensive schemes and maintaining sound fundamentals will be crucial in overcoming this challenge. Lue, in a preseason interview, spoke about the emphasis in training camp on fighting through screens, which should aid the weaker defenders on the squad.
The lack of continuity caused by injuries and load management has contributed to most of the issues faced under Lue’s leadership. A team with such depth and talent needs time to build chemistry and cohesion on the court. With the hope of a healthy roster for the 2023/2024 season, the Clippers aim to capitalize on this opportunity to unleash their true potential. The journey promises to be one of growth, adaptation, and, most importantly, teamwork. Leveraging his experience and strategic acumen, Lue must navigate the delicate balance between individual brilliance and collective success.
Challenges:
As the Los Angeles Clippers brace themselves for the 2023/2024 NBA season, they confront an array of formidable challenges and daunting roadblocks. The primary hope for fans is one simple year of uninterrupted health, allowing them to witness the team in its truest form. Coach Lue’s challenge to the star duo to lock in during the regular season adds another layer of intrigue, but uncertainty looms.
Navigating the treacherous waters of the fiercely competitive Western Conference poses a significant challenge. The Nuggets and Warriors, former champions, stand as stern adversaries, alongside their city rivals, the Lakers. The revamped Phoenix Suns and a host of young, determined teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, and Oklahoma City Thunder present formidable barriers to a postseason berth, not even including the Dallas Mavericks who expect to insert themselves back into the playoffs. The path to the playoffs will be arduous, and the Clippers cannot afford to coast through the regular season.
Adding to the stakes are the expiring contracts of key players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with Coach Tyronn Lue. While extension talks may be on the horizon, the situation adds a sense of urgency and uncertainty to the season.
And then, there is the enigmatic Clipper Curse, a documented enigma that has haunted the franchise for decades. From the infamous Donald Sterling saga to crucial injuries and enormous postseason collapses, the team faces a history of mishaps that must be overcome.
Conclusion:
The 2023/2024 season is the Clippers’ last chance to etch their names in basketball history, break the curse, and claim the elusive NBA championship. The stars must align, Coach Lue’s brilliance must shine, and the team must rise to meet every challenge. Redemption is within reach, but seizing it will demand every ounce of determination and fortitude from the Los Angeles Clippers. This season will be the ultimate test—a make-or-break moment that could redefine their legacy forever.
West Coast Hoops 