Every year, the Los Angeles Clippers have depended on star Kawhi Leonard to help the team push toward the franchise’s first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Leonard’s health, the questionable talent and the lack of sufficient coaching during the postseason have been factors since Leonard’s arrival before the 2019-2020 NBA season.
The Clippers are going all-in on their roster and depth this offseason with some additions. The Clippers added shooting guard Bradley Beal and power forward John Collins to the likely starting unit. Former Clippers legend and point guard Chris Paul and veteran center Brook Lopez have been added to the bench to play nearly 82 games.
Meanwhile, starting center Ivica Zubac is playing at an All-Star level, point guard James Harden has been electric for the Clippers in the last two regular seasons, and Leonard is at his healthiest since arriving in the organization.
Clippers are navigating a lot off the court
While the Clippers look solid on the court, there is noise off the court over the potential pay violation involving Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer. The NBA is currently investigating the claims of Leonard getting paid outside of the salary cap and will take their time reviewing the facts as the number seems to be overexhausted in its initial report.
Among the biggest noise the Clippers are experiencing with Leonard is the reported demands that Leonard’s camp, especially his uncle Dennis, has insisted on. Dennis Robertson made the demands to the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors during Leonard’s free agent process. Robertson requested that Leonard remain living in San Diego, access to a private plane to and from games and practices, limited media accessibility and guaranteed off-court endorsement income. Robertson also requested a house for himself and some other accommodations.
All three teams agreed to most of these demands, but Leonard insisted on moving to Los Angeles to be closer to the Clippers organization. While quiet, Leonard has been open to being the face of the franchise. He even attempted to take more reins of the team over consistently outspoken Paul George when he played for the Clippers from 2019 to 2024.
Reports released show current team members requesting that Balmer and the Clippers trade Leonard to rid themselves of the headache that he and his camp created. Among these reports are current members of the Clippers organization who are maintaining their status to remain anonymous.
Reasons for optimism for the Clippers
All of this is happening while the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season in their practice facility. Leonard is there practicing and developing with the new team, and the vibes are high. These kinds of noises can either build up a team by overlooking them together, or they fixate on the noise, and it affects their play.
The Clippers have their best starting unit, possibly in franchise history, in terms of talent level and success. A combination of a solid starting starter and depth to carry them to around 50 wins again in the regular season and help Leonard and Harden in the postseason. The last postseason was due to the poor coaching and substitutions from head coach Ty Lue.
The obstacle for the Clippers isn’t going to be how talented they are on the court. Their biggest challenge will depend on whether the team can grind throughout the season and avoid tuning into the noise of doubts and recent reports.