There is no doubt that this past season for the Los Angeles Clippers was an absolute disaster. The Clippers played it safe to try and get stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy in time for the playoffs through load management. The Clippers abused the concept of load management, and they still fell short of expectations. George was out for the entire postseason and Leonard was out by game two of the first round versus the Phoenix Suns. Clipper fans voiced their frustrations and want something new. That new opportunity might be trading for Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. That move might not happen, however, despite mutual interests. The concept of running it back scares Clipper fans, but do they have a choice? Run it back might be a solid option for the Clippers, but A LOT has to change.
Should the Los Angeles Clippers Run it Back?
Clippers have a solid point guard in Russell Westbrook
Outside of injuries to the two stars for Los Angeles, what has been the biggest problem in the 213-era is the lack of a traditional point guard. Clippers Media attempted to shut down the idea, but the team tried with the additions of Reggie Jackson, Rajon Rondo and John Wall. The front office tried once more with the addition of future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook shortly after the Trade Deadline.
After a rough 0-5 start after the Trade Deadline from a team perspective, the Clippers were 11-6 after signing Westbrook. Westbrook revitalized himself as an All-Around playmaker after his year-and-a-half disastrous run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game in his 21 games with the Clippers. He was +23 in the regular season, but most importantly, Westbrook brought much-needed energy, hustle, leadership and defensive tenacity in the regular and postseason.
The Clippers were able to bring Westbrook back on a two-year; $8 million deal to remain a great leader on-and-off the court. At this stage of his career, Westbrook needs a supporting cast and great spacing. The Clippers provide both, which makes the deal mutual to both sides. If the Clippers don’t bring in Harden, then the big three will be Leonard, George and a revitalized Westbrook.
Terance Mann should be starting
One negative aspect of Harden potentially coming to the Clippers is that the role of guard/forward Terance Mann is diminished even more. Head coach Ty Lue diminished Mann’s role despite having the support of the front office and fans. On Mann is on the court, the Clippers were +1.3. That number would be higher if Leonard and George weren’t on load management. Mann was one of the better guards on the defensive end of the court. Offensively, he needs to be given more opportunities to take shots as the offense often relies on him to be a facilitator or an extra man to space out the floor. Mann is one of the most established Clippers’ draft picks since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Blake Griffin, it would be bad to waste away his talent and productivity. Mann’s three-pointers, effort and defensive intensity are deserving of a starting spot.
The bench is deep and reliable
The Clippers came into last season as one of the deepest teams in the NBA. The problem, however, was the surplus of guards and a lack of big men. Los Angeles made a mistake by letting center Isaiah Hartenstein walk in favor of Wall. Wall didn’t work out and the opposing teams dominated the Clippers in the paint. To make matters worse, coach Lue played Marcus Morris Sr. Morris is a liability on ends of the court. Lue also didn’t trust Robert Covington to play. Covington only played in 48 games with no starts and averaged 16.2 minutes per game in a load management-filled season.
The Clippers’ bench only became more reliable when they traded for center Mason Plumlee, guard Bones Hyland and guard Eric Gordon. Adding Westbrook via free agency was a key reason for the more stable play. With Plumee and Westbrook back, work needs to be done to improve the bench. Morris’ extensive contract needs to go. Either Covington or Nicolas Batum needs to be potentially traded, as well with the solid addition of Kenyon Martin Jr. from the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers could see a solid bench lineup of Hyland, Norman Powell, Mann (if Harden is traded to the Clippers), Martin and Plumlee next season. The key for the Clippers is to have their players utilized efficiently under Lue, which was a concern last season.
Last Word – This 2023-2024 Season relies on Kawhi and PG playing
The Clippers look for their first-ever NBA Championship with Leonard and George on the roster. The team is going into year five of the 213-era and coming off the most disappointing season. This doesn’t count the 2020 NBA Summer Camp. Injuries are a part of the game of basketball. Unfortunately, having players out to avoid injuries, and injure themselves anyways causes a disappointing season. If the Clippers decide to run it back, they need a mental wake up call.
Leonard and George’s presence on the court in the regular season is pivotal to the Clippers’ success. The two stars only played in 38 games together last season. If a third superstar to keep the duo on the court, then the Harden trade needs to happen. If not, the coaching staff, and the front office of the Clippers need to run it fully back. They must work together to form a set of players that can contribute at a high level; like Westbrook, Mann, Martin and Powell.
