The LA Clippers finally conquered their demons in the playoffs, as they played their first-ever Western Conference Finals in franchise history. The Clipper franchise has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years. From a 3-1 lead and an imploded roster to a change in leadership and a change in mindset, the franchise turned the tide in 2021.
It was a season of redemption for Clipper Nation, as they surpassed a 3-1 lead over Denver last year in the bubble. After their bubble extinguished, one thing was perfectly clear. It was time to part ways with longtime head coach Doc Rivers. With former NBA champion Tyronn Lue at the helm, the Clippers have rallied around a new leader.
Ballmer and the front office’s faith in re-signing key plays like Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson paid off, as both led the playoff charge without Kawhi Leonard. And while most expected the Clipper to go out in the first two laps as they lost 0-2, Ty Lue wasn’t letting that happen under his watch!
The Clippers’ offseason
Would the Clippers play the final right now, if Kawhi hadn’t suffered a late-season injury? The evidence certainly suggests it! Especially with the Playoff Paul George coming to the party on average 26,9 ppm/9,6 rpg/5,4 fpg.
Since the Lakers and Brooklyn are also charging, LA will be targeting the top FA playmakers this offseason. In this context, the little brothers of LA will seek to strengthen their backyard, to compliment Kawhi and PG13 with a 3rd all-star.
And given the surplus of young and veteran A-List playmakers in the market during the offseason, the Clippers could have a wide range of choices. In addition, Reggie Jackson, who has excelled in these playoffs, will seek adequate compensation. Is the franchise sticking to a song like Jackson, which will eventually regress to the average?
Should the Clippers sell the house for a List A PG?
While the Clippers field a range of options for PGs in the market, their primary targets will include veteran Derrick Rose and rising stars Spencer Dinwiddie and Lonzo Ball.
Coming to Derrick Rose, when in good health he is still a true star in the league today. Rose, who is an unrestricted free agent, can take a haircut on her asking price if that means winning her 1st NBA Championship in 2022. Plus, her team-first attitude will perfectly complement the Kawhi-PG duo, as a 3rd option, given his exploits averaging 19.4ppg / 5.5apg in these playoffs.
Considering Rose’s injury-prone history, LA could also look to a younger star like Spencer Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie’s 2019-20 season, averaging 20.6 ppg / 3.5 rpg / 6.8 apg, was a career record before he suffered an ACL tear.
Even if he comes out of a late-season injury, his ability to score and facilitate will see his team come up with lucrative contenders league offers. Plus, being from Los Angeles would be an ideal choice for the Clippers, given his ability to create his own shot via shifts on offense, and level Beverly’s perimeter ability on defense!
Could Lonzo Ball see another stint with LA, just with the team across the hall? Ball’s situation as a restricted free agent makes an acquisition possible only through a connection swap. And even then, the New Orleans Pelicans can match any deal on the table. Hence the question, is it worth the risk?
His evolution over the past season playing with Zion and Brandon Ingram is clearly visible. Could his maturity and offensive growth be tempting enough for the Clippers to sign the former No.1 pick?
The offseason battle
The LA Clippers face tough choices this free agency. Whether it’s Leonard’s future with the franchise or the player retention dilemma, Ballmer has some tough conversations ahead of him. The franchise will also have an eye on the ceiling space limit. Given their attempt to avoid the hard cap, the only option to orchestrate roster changes will be through free agency.
Draft picks, or the lack of them, can be a problem for LA if their favorite playmaker is Kyle Lowry, who can only be accessed through a sign-n-trade. Here, will LA be ready to part ways with assets like Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson?
Stay tuned for the next offseason!
Watch This Story – The Amazing Performance of Paul George, Devin Booker’s Halftime Buzzer and Other LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Game 5 WCF Highlights
–
