Over the past 5 seasons, the Los Angeles Clippers have been thought of championship contenders when wholesome, however they’ve gotten a lot weaker this summer time.
They misplaced Paul George, a nine-time All-Star ahead, in free company when he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, whereas key reserve Russell Westbrook left to hitch the Denver Nuggets.
Star ahead Kawhi Leonard remains to be their primary man, however he is probably not prepared for the beginning of the season because of knee irritation, per Tomer Azarly.
Kawhi Leonard’s standing for opening evening is encouraging, however nonetheless unsure because of knee irritation, per @TomerAzarly pic.twitter.com/XNfNjMW9cd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 24, 2024
Leonard stays one of many NBA’s high forwards and true two-way stars, however he has had hassle staying wholesome through the years on account of continual knee and quad issues.
Final season, he managed to look in 68 of the Clippers’ first 74 video games earlier than lacking every of their final eight common season video games and 4 of their six playoff video games.
He completed the 12 months averaging 23.7 factors a sport whereas capturing 52.5 p.c from the sphere and 41.7 p.c from 3-point vary.
Many really feel the Western Convention shall be stronger and extra aggressive this season, and with the Clippers dropping George and never having the depth they used to boast, it may very well be a recipe for catastrophe.
They are going to be taking part in within the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and so they could must win loads of video games with regularity to verify they constantly put followers in seats in that new constructing.
Of their 5 years with Leonard and George, the Clippers had been thought of the prohibitive favorites to win the NBA championship a minimum of twice, however they made only one journey to the Western Convention Finals.
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