The lead-up to the brand new NBA season wasn’t sort to the Los Angeles Clippers following one more first-round playoff exit final season.
They misplaced star ahead Paul George in free company to the Philadelphia 76ers, whereas veteran guard Russell Westbrook left to affix the Denver Nuggets.
To make issues worse, Kawhi Leonard, who has had hassle staying wholesome for years, was declared out for an indefinite period of time on account of irritation in his proper knee.
The Clippers are 2-1 and can face the Portland Path Blazers on Wednesday, and head coach Tyronn Lue stated Leonard will nonetheless be out, as will middle Mo Bamba, for the following two video games.
“They’re out the next 2 games, that’s all I know. I’m just focused on getting our guys ready to play… those guys are coming along, they’re putting in the work every day to get better, but they’re out the next 2 games”
Tyronn Lue on Kawhi Leonard and Mo Bamba
(through @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/NH0Ja60fnO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 29, 2024
When Leonard, in addition to George, got here to the Clippers in the summertime of 2019, it was extensively anticipated that he would cause them to an NBA championship.
However in 5 seasons collectively, they made only one journey to the Western Convention Finals and failed to succeed in the championship sequence, and Los Angeles has didn’t advance previous the primary spherical of the playoffs within the final three years.
This season, there’s a actual probability they gained’t even make the playoffs, particularly given the depth and parity the Western Convention possesses.
Whereas 10-time All-Star guard James Harden is taking pictures simply 36.2 p.c from the sphere within the early going of this season, middle Ivica Zubac has stepped up by averaging 22.7 factors and a league-high 14.0 rebounds a recreation.
Guard Norman Powell can be choosing up among the slack in Leonard’s absence by placing up an environment friendly 24.7 factors a recreation.
NEXT:
Tyronn Lue Reveals His Expectations For James Harden
