NBA New Season Team Preview: Clippers – Harden Takes the Lead Again, Can Leonard Redeem Once More?

The new NBA season is about to kick off, and today we introduce you to one of the powerhouses in the West – the Los Angeles Clippers.

Review of Last Season:

The Clippers once surged to the top of the Western Conference, but with continuous lineup adjustments, they ended up with a record of 51 wins and 31 losses, entering the playoffs as the fourth seed in the West. In the first round against the Mavericks, Leonard was affected by injuries, only playing two games, and the Clippers were ultimately eliminated in the first round with a 2-4 record.

Another season without breakthrough, the Clippers’ Kawhi-George duo played together for five seasons, leading to their disintegration. The much-anticipated California quartet split after just one season together.

Offseason Changes:

The Clippers made many adjustments during this offseason. First, they did not offer George a maximum contract extension, and he joined the 76ers; then, the Clippers traded Westbrook away, leaving only two members of the original quartet. Compared to George’s four-year max deal, the Clippers offered Harden a 1+1 contract worth $70 million (player option in the second year), ensuring flexibility in the roster.

Keeping the core lineup of Harden and Leonard, the Clippers added more support around them, signing Derrick Jones Jr. to a three-year, $30 million deal to fill George’s starting position. They also signed Dunn, Porter Jr., Batum, and Bamba. Among these signings, veteran Batum remains crucial, providing solid reinforcement and adding depth to the roster. Additionally, the Clippers extended Zubac’s contract for three years at $58.6 million and Mann’s for three years at $47 million, allowing players to focus on their game.

In addition, the team’s new home, Intuit Dome, has also come into use.

New Season Outlook:

After another disappointing season, the Clippers finally made changes, bidding farewell to the Kawhi-George era and ushering in the Harden era. However, on paper, the Clippers are not as strong as before, no longer being mocked as the “offseason champions,” and even questioned about whether they can make it to the playoffs. Nonetheless, the Clippers still have a safety net in James Harden, with head coach Tyronn Lue stating, “Harden’s role is to be like his time at Houston, leading this young team.” In the new season, Harden needs to take the lead again, and he himself is prepared to prove doubters wrong.

Another key reason why the Clippers are not favored is Leonard’s health condition. He underwent surgery during the offseason and has yet to fully recover. In an interview, Leonard revealed that he has no plans to play back-to-back games in the new season, returning to a load management schedule. It’s worth noting that during his tenure with the Raptors, this approach kept him healthy during the playoffs, leading the team to an unexpected championship. This time, the Clippers want to try this method too, seeing if he can redeem himself once more.

The departures of George and Westbrook have weakened the Clippers’ strength, but they have also brought in some new reinforcements. These players were acquired with specific goals in mind. Jones Jr., Batum, and Dunn are all excellent defenders, which can alleviate the burden on Leonard and Harden. As for Porter Jr., if he can regain his form, he will become a valuable bench player. If everything goes well, the team could thrive, but if Leonard cannot hold up, it could be disastrous.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Harden, Mann/Powell, Leonard, Jones Jr., Zubac

Regular Season Ranking Prediction:

6th to 10th in the West