Don’t Count The Clippers Out Just Yet

Don’t Count The Clippers Out Just Yet

[Music] For virtually their entire existence, the LA Clippers have been a laughingstock. Even when they seemingly get things right, it somehow all goes wrong. So, I completely understand why no one wants to believe in the new look version of the team. Are they old and fragile? Yes. Is the organization cursed? Probably. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the clips. [Music] The Clippers were last season’s most surprising 50- win team with Kawhi Leonard playing only 37 games after his mid-season return from right knee inflammation. What else is new? LA’s formula was unspectacular yet effective. James Harden and Norman Powell kept the methodical isoheavy offense humming at a league average rate while Avita Zubach and a collection of scrappy role players fueled a top three defense. It’s not hard to see how the Clippers can build on that in 202526. Powell will be missed, but LA has essentially replaced him with Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and John Collins. Laugh off the Beal signing as classic Clippers if you want, but the knock on him in Phoenix was that he wasn’t worth his lucrative contract and the no trade clause that came with it. That won’t be an issue in LA where the Clips will pay the three-time all-star about $5.4 million next season. With contractual concerns in the rear view, we can appreciate Beal for what he is, and that’s an excellent offensive player. Though his usage decreased beside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Beiel still produced, averaging roughly 18 points and four assists over the last two years while shooting 56% inside the ark and 41% from deep. The caveat is that Beal only played 53 games in each of those two seasons and that the one-way player never known for his durability is joining what was already the league’s most fragile squad west of Philadelphia. Still, at less than $5.5 million, Beiel should be well worth it. Meanwhile, Paul’s return to the franchise could provide even more surplus value. The point guard will earn roughly $2.3 million per year to come off the bench and set the table, which he can still do at an elite level even at 40 years old. Paul started all 82 games for the Spurs last season, logged 28 minutes a night, shot nearly 38% from deep, and posted a 4.7 to1 assist to turnover ratio. He’s slowing down, but he’s still got it. Collins may never have been as good as his numbers suggested in Atlanta or Utah, but the Clippers can use the power forward size. He’s emerged as a solid shooter, and he’ll be well insulated with plenty of superior talent around him on both ends. Finally, Lopez landing with the Clippers was one of the summer’s most underrated moves. The 37year-old might have been overtaxed as a heavy minute start, but he can still provide the combination of rim protection and floor spacing every team covers. Having him back up Zubot gives LA one of the league’s best one-two punches at center. He can also play with Zubot when needed. All told, Collins is on an expiring contract while the Clippers will pay Lopez, Beal, and Paul a combined $16.4 million next season, or roughly $10.6% of the salary cap with none under contract for more than 2 years. The Clippers got better in the short term as they try to salvage what’s left of their win now window without jeopardizing any of the future cap space that can eventually get them back to full-fledged contention. As the summer of 2027 looms in the distance, remember that this is still the same destination market owner and front office that won a free agency sweep stakes before. And now they have the NBA’s best new arena to sell to. It’s happening again. I know we’re used to laughing at them this time of year, but the Clips acceed their off season, and there might be more where that came from in the future. For now, Harden will continue to be the league’s ultimate regular season innings eater, and Leonard’s availability will continue to hover over everything the team does, but for however many games Kawawaii does play, he’ll be taking the floor with the deepest roster the Clippers have ever provided him. Thanks for watching. If you like this video and want to see more content like this, be sure to hit that subscribe button. [Music]

For virtually their entire existence, the LA Clippers have been a laughingstock. Even when they seemingly get things right, it somehow all goes wrong.

Are they old and fragile? Yes. Is the organization cursed? Probably. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the new-look version of the team.

Written & Narrated by: Joseph Casciaro (@JosephCasciaro | X)
Produced & Edited by: Stephen Addante @stephenaddante | Instagram)
Thumbnail Design by: Justin Shipley (@shipleysportstudio | Instagram)

Courtesy List: https://pastebin.com/XjqZ89nA

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