LA Clippers Season Preview
Re-signed: James Harden, Ivica Zubac
Additions: Mo Bamba (free agent), Nicolas Batum (free agent), Kris Dunn (trade), Derrick Jones Jr. (free agent), Kevin Porter Jr. (free agent)
Draft Pick: Cam Christie (No. 46 overall)
Departures: Paul George (to 76ers), Mason Plumlee (to Suns), Daniel Theis (to Pelicans), Russell Westbrook (to Nuggets)
Unsigned Free Agents: Brandon Boston Jr., Kai Jones, Xavier Moon
Last Season Recap
Health was finally on the Clippers’ side for much of the 2023-24 season, as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George stayed relatively healthy, leading the team to a 51-win season. The midseason arrival of James Harden provided an additional playmaking boost, giving the Clippers three elite shot-creators heading into the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the optimism was short-lived. After just two playoff games, Leonard suffered another injury, which derailed the Clippers’ hopes for a deep postseason run. The team fell in the first round, managing only one win against the Dallas Mavericks. The season ended with a familiar sense of frustration, as injuries once again undermined their championship aspirations.
Summer Summary
Contract negotiations with Paul George didn’t go as smoothly as those with Kawhi Leonard, who had secured an extension earlier in the year. After five years of the Leonard-George pairing without an NBA Finals appearance, the Clippers decided to pivot, allowing George to move on to the 76ers. The Clippers opted for flexibility over committing to another long-term deal with an aging star.
To fill the void left by George, the Clippers adopted a “by committee” approach, signing multiple role players instead of a direct star replacement. Derrick Jones Jr. stands out as the most notable addition, bringing defensive versatility and athleticism, though the team will undoubtedly miss George’s scoring and two-way impact.
Player Spotlight: Kevin Porter Jr.
Kevin Porter Jr.’s arrival comes with both excitement and concern. There’s no doubt about his basketball talent, but his off-court issues have followed him throughout his career, including his recent release from the Houston Rockets after a domestic incident. The Clippers took some criticism for signing him, hoping they can harness his raw talent and help him mature. If Porter can stay focused, he could be a valuable offensive asset.
Season Outlook
The Clippers open a new chapter as they move into the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, and they’re hoping their team can match the buzz surrounding their state-of-the-art arena. However, much of their success will hinge on Kawhi Leonard’s ability to stay healthy. Leonard already pulled out of the 2024 Olympic team, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
With Paul George gone, James Harden will need to take on more scoring responsibility. The Clippers are banking on Harden rediscovering some of his elite form from his days in Houston, but at 34, how much of that player remains is a big question. While the Clippers still have enough talent to compete for a playoff spot, their hopes of contending for a championship seem reliant on role players exceeding expectations and their stars avoiding the injury bug.
