2023-24 season: 51-31
Season highlights: The Clippers looked like legitimate championship favorites when they went 26-5 in two months, highlighted by the play of their star trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden. , everyone seemed to embrace their roles. At that time, his health seemed to be generally stable, and Clippers fans had big dreams.
how it ended
For some reason, it always feels like it's the end for the Clippers. The team began to bypass the All-Star break, with Leonard removed from assignments in late March, forcing George and Harden to take on larger roles, which ultimately fell through. Leonard made a valiant effort to get back into the playoffs, appearing in Games 2 and 3 of the Clippers' first-round series against Dallas, but it never quite clicked.
Harden, who was actively seeking a trade from Philadelphia to the Clippers, struggled in the final 19 games of the regular season, averaging just 13.5 points on 36.4 percent shooting from the floor. He made up for it with a great performance in the series against Dallas, but given his aforementioned lackluster play and the fact that he'll turn 35 before the start of next season, Clippers officials are likely holding out. I guess they just want to bring back free agents at a cost. It's to their benefit.
George's situation is also full of question marks. After the Clippers extended Leonard's contract in January, most expected George to follow suit, but so far nothing has materialized. George has a $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, and his contract situation seemed to shadow the organization for a good portion of the season.
While the big names will take most of the headlines, the Clippers received quality production from Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac all season. Powell, the team's permanent sixth man, has seen a drop in his raw scoring numbers (from 17 points last season to 13.9 points this year) with the addition of Harden, but it has greatly improved his efficiency. Powell was the most prolific 3-point shooter on the team, making 5.1 shots per night and hitting 43.5%.
As he has been for the past few seasons, Zubac has been the Clippers' most consistent big man. The 27-year-old played the best ball of his career, scoring more points (11.7 points per game) and cutting down on turnovers, becoming one of the league's most capable interior scorers. His direct connection to Harden and his immediate acceptance of his offensive role allowed him to grow within his own space.
The Clippers are in for a tough summer. Needless to say, they are extremely talented, but health and age seem to be working against them. Their rotation doesn't include a single player under the age of 25, and even if they lose both Harden and George to free agency, they don't have much financial flexibility to make up for it.
What you need most in the off-season
Assuming Harden and George stay this summer (which is a big assumption), the Clippers will need a better, younger bench. Russell Westbrook's backup point guard has been lackluster all year, and the organization clearly doesn't trust Bones Hyland to perform. In that case, the franchise must immediately find an alternative option.
draft focus
The Clippers have a lot of veterans and one second-round pick this year. Colorado point guard KJ Simpson could step in right away as Westbrook's backup point guard, as well as 6-foot-9 guard Trentin Flowers (NBL's Adelaide 36ers) and a 6-7 guard. , they could also acquire a young player like A.J. for development. Johnson (NBL's Ilwala Hawks). — Kristen Peek
Projected draft picks (before lottery): No.46
Breakdown of salary cap
Leonard, Powell, Zubac and Terrence Mann cost more than $91 million, and that's before factoring in George's unknown status and Harden's $53.4 million cap hold. They certainly aren't expected to have the cap space.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has always been very open to spending a lot of money on the roster, but there are concerns about locking both George and Harden into contracts that are too expensive for too long given their ages. . The Clippers are expected to offer both players short-term team contracts.
key free agent
James Harden (UFA)
Possibility of Paul George (UFA)
Goals for next season
Same as last year: Win the NBA Championship. When a team is this financially dedicated to competing and pivoting around as many draft picks as possible, there's no waiting for tomorrow. Every season, the Clippers don't hoist trophies; they fail. Even with both Harden and George back, the goal remains the same.
What moves the fantasy needle?
Fantasy managers have had an unexpected win this year with Leonard, George and Harden playing in over 68 games. All three had good value compared to his ADP, but can they be trusted? Leonard's knee has worsened again and the risk of injury has not yet been eliminated. There's more.
Leonard and Norman Powell are the only notable fantasy players under contract beyond 2025. Harden is an unrestricted free agent seeking a new contract, and George is likely to opt out of his contract.
Zubac is coming off his best season and currently appears safe with no competition in the frontcourt. Still, this team's star players are in such flux that a lot could change this offseason. — Dan Titus
