After a flurry of offseason strikes, the L.A. Clippers are a lot improved, however not with out main flaws. The Clippers obtained a lot older than final season by including not one however three gamers who’re over the age of 32.
Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez have been all added this summer time and will fill a task, however age will probably be an element. Paul is one in all simply two 40-year-olds enjoying within the NBA. In the meantime, Lopez, at 37 years previous, is the final remaining participant to have suited up for the New Jersey Nets, exhibiting simply his age.
To be clear, they’ll nonetheless each ball, however latest Clippers historical past mixed with their older roster does not bode properly. On paper, their sturdy 10-man rotation provides stunning steadiness in each offense and protection.
How far will the new-look Clippers make it within the West? 👀 pic.twitter.com/VmaFQZcyMN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 21, 2025
Provided that L.A. foolishly mortgaged their future on the deal that landed them Paul George and are nonetheless paying for that mistake, they’ve completed remarkably properly for themselves. That does not change the truth that, over the course of what may very well be a 100-game season, in the event that they have been to make a deep playoff run, they in all probability will not have the ability to maintain up properly.
The brand new-look Clippers could have the identical previous issues
Kawhi Leonard’s well being is a large query mark, a lot in order that it feels nearly too straightforward to single him out. He missed the primary 33 video games of final season and 11 of the ultimate 49 video games, primarily resulting from load administration.
If, and that is an enormous if, he can begin the season wholesome and does not have a serious harm, he may play between 60 and 66 video games subsequent season based mostly on final 12 months’s precedent.
A deeper roster ought to result in a greater common season document, and hopefully for the Clippers, a greater seed and a better path via the playoffs. Nevertheless, Leonard’s well being looms giant, and whereas the Clippers are much better ready to climate an harm, his being wholesome on the proper time is vital for this crew to succeed in its full potential.
Even when Leonard is wholesome and able to go within the playoffs, the Clippers must fear about James Harden disappearing when it issues most. Including extra playmaking with Paul, extra offensive weapons in John Collins and Beal, and defensive weapons in Lopez will assist.
How a lot stays to be seen, with the Clippers hoping that an skilled roster will assist them even when accidents are a looming concern.
Finally, the Clippers have gotten far deeper and even higher than they have been final season. Then again, they’ve gotten a lot older, and that’s sure to result in extra harm issues, which may simply derail what could also be a promising season.
