Regardless of falling brief within the playoffs final 12 months, the Los Angeles Clippers had been anticipated to be again within the combine within the Western Convention with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden main the best way.
As a substitute, the Clippers endured a nightmare begin to the season. They had been 6-21 by way of the primary 27 video games and the Thunder personal their first-round decide because of the Paul George commerce a couple of seasons in the past.
LA then went on an 18-3 run and appeared to be again on observe to make at the very least the play-in out West. It made it all of the extra shocking after they went within the different path, after they traded Harden and Ivica Zubac away on the commerce deadline in two separate offers. One factor is evident concerning the path the Clippers went in.
The Clippers’ determination to reset was the right one for his or her long-term future
LA acquired Darius Garland from the Cleveland and Bennedict Mathurin and two first-round picks from Indiana. Each gamers are of their mid-20s, and in Garland’s case, he has been named an All-Star twice. Mathurin was a significant contributor to a finals group final season, exhibiting that he additionally has potential to be a part of this new Clippers core.
Along with that, LA acquired significant draft capital. From the failed George supertrade to buying Harden final 12 months, the Clippers didn’t have many first-round picks to reset their group.
Now, they’ve two (one in 2026, one in 2029).
The 2026 decide the Pacers gave them could be LA’s this 12 months if it falls within the 5-9 vary. If it falls within the 1-4 or 10-30 vary, Indiana retains it this 12 months, and the Clippers get a 2031 first rounder as an alternative.
As a substitute of pursuing a play-in berth in a loaded West, LA selected a path. They weren’t going to be severe contenders this 12 months or any time within the close to future, so present process a reset is the proper name. Moreover, the Leonard and Aspiration saga might come to an finish quickly, with the potential that he might be off the group and have his contract voided.
The Clippers selected long-term stability over short-term happiness. This 12 months will possible be a misplaced season, however with Garland, Mathurin, extra picks, and larges quantity of cap house within the subsequent couple offseasons, the can usher in a brand new period in LA and be severe gamers in a pair seasons.
