After a flurry of offseason strikes, the L.A. Clippers are a lot improved, however not with out main flaws. The Clippers received a lot older than final season by including not one however three gamers who’re over the age of 32.
Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, and Brook Lopez had been all added this summer season and will fill a job, however age will likely be an element. Paul is one in all simply two 40-year-olds enjoying within the NBA. In the meantime, Lopez, at 37 years outdated, is the final remaining participant to have suited up for the New Jersey Nets, displaying simply his age.
To be clear, they will nonetheless each ball, however latest Clippers historical past mixed with their older roster does not bode properly. On paper, their sturdy 10-man rotation affords shocking stability in each offense and protection.
How far will the new-look Clippers make it within the West? 👀 pic.twitter.com/VmaFQZcyMN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 21, 2025
Provided that L.A. foolishly mortgaged their future on the deal that landed them Paul George and are nonetheless paying for that mistake, they’ve completed remarkably properly for themselves. That does not change the truth that, over the course of what could possibly be a 100-game season, in the event that they had been to make a deep playoff run, they in all probability will not be capable to maintain up properly.
The brand new-look Clippers could have the identical outdated issues
Kawhi Leonard’s well being is a large query mark, a lot in order that it feels virtually too simple to single him out. He missed the primary 33 video games of final season and 11 of the ultimate 49 video games, primarily as a consequence of load administration.
If, and that is a giant if, he can begin the season wholesome and does not have a significant damage, he might play between 60 and 66 video games subsequent season primarily based on final 12 months’s precedent.
A deeper roster ought to result in a greater common season report, and hopefully for the Clippers, a greater seed and a better path by way of the playoffs. Nonetheless, Leonard’s well being looms massive, and whereas the Clippers are much better ready to climate an damage, his being wholesome on the proper time is essential for this workforce to succeed in its full potential.
Even when Leonard is wholesome and able to go within the playoffs, the Clippers must fear about James Harden disappearing when it issues most. Including extra playmaking with Paul, extra offensive weapons in John Collins and Beal, and defensive weapons in Lopez will assist.
How a lot stays to be seen, with the Clippers hoping that an skilled roster will assist them even when accidents are a looming concern.
In the end, the Clippers have gotten far deeper and even higher than they had been final season. However, they’ve gotten a lot older, and that’s sure to result in extra damage issues, which might simply derail what could also be a promising season.
