December is coming to a close and the start of 2022 is approaching. This means that the time for turning over a new leaf is upon us. For the NBA and the LA Clippers, 2021 was far from normal. Unfortunately, the season has been marred by injuries and COVID-19 spreading rampant throughout the league. And one can only hope that 2022 will bring better luck than its predecessor. However, the Clippers are in decent shape given their circumstances. But some New Years Resolutions are needed for the Clippers to call this season a successful one.
New Years Resolutions for the LA Clippers
1. Get Healthy
The Clippers came into the season already behind the 8-ball in terms of injuries. With star forward Kawhi Leonard out to rehab his knee, the team has to make do with what they have to be in good shape for the playoffs. But in December, the injury (and COVID-19) bug, reared its ugly head.
The team announced that forward Paul George has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. In baseball, this injury requires Tommy John’s surgery. Contrarily, the team announced that George would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks as his elbow heals. There are a lot of questions in regards to George’s injury. Will he require season-ending surgery? Can the Clippers survive their stint without him? Hopefully, the good news is coming in the next month regarding George’s elbow.
In contrast to the depleted star power, the team is missing key rotation players. Starting guard Reggie Jackson entered healthy and safety protocols. And frontcourt players Isaiah Hartenstein and Nicolas Batum are battling ankle injuries. Consequently, the offense is struggling to generate quality looks. Jackson’s scoring ability and the connectivity between Hartenstein and Batum create a massive void in the offensive attack. Safe to say, the Clippers need their rotation players back sooner than later.
2. Build/Develop
Because of the absences in the rotation, there is an opportunity for young players to integrate themselves. Terance Mann and Luke Kennard are having productive seasons. Especially with the team needing an offensive boost. Mann is showing promise as a starter. And Kennard’s confidence and shot-making are drastically improved from last season.
But the biggest opportunity goes to Brandon Boston Jr. and Keon Johnson. Head coach Ty Lue gave Boston the sixth man role in recent games, earning him a legitimate spot in the rotation. Though he struggled as of late, Boston has shown scoring punch and juice off the bench that helped the Clippers in times of need. This was evident in their games against the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets. In which he scored 27 points and 18 points off the bench.
Johnson has shown potential as an elite defender with his ball-hawking ability and lateral quickness. Those two paired with his draft combine record athleticism make him an interesting prospect for the Clippers. What needs to be seen from Johnson is his ability to be a threat on the offensive end. Though his jumper looks good mechanically, the consistency must be improved. However, it is encouraging that he has the ability to rise up and create his own shot around the painted area. For now, look for Johnson to develop as a catch-and-shoot threat that makes winning plays to help the team.
3. Survive
One of the resolutions that are easier said than done: Winning games. The January schedule is as brutal as they come. Featuring 14 road games and three back-to-backs. Additionally, scores of games are sequenced together with minimal rest days.
This stretch will take a lot for the Clippers to come out unscathed. Without George and Leonard, it will be even tougher. Luckily, Morris recently returned from health and safety protocols and continues to play well. And Jackson should return soon from protocols. But the team still needs Hartenstein and Batum’s presence to make up for their stars’ production and enhance the offensive continuity.
Obviously, the hope is that the team can tread water until George comes back (if he can). According to reports, Leonard is moving well and Ty Lue even noted he didn’t want to be updated on the rehab so he doesn’t get too excited. This type of candor from the head coach bodes well that the team could see Leonard this season. As for George, all they can do is cross their fingers and hope that his elbow heals before February arrives.
Of all the resolutions, surviving January is by far the toughest. The stretch is tough and unforgiving, but the Clippers can use this opportunity to build and possibly create momentum towards a run to end the regular season. It won’t be easy, but without their draft pick this year, the Clippers have no choice but to find ways to win this season.
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