Clippers win, even without Kevin Durant
The Los Angeles Clippers did not sign Kevin Durant in free agency, but they still walked away winners from Durant’s courtship.
The Los Angeles Clippers lost the Kevin Durant sweepstakes. Boo-hoo.
We were long shots to get him anyways. The fact that the Clippers were even in the conversation was a win.
Our Staples’ Center roommates, the Los Angeles Lakers did not get a meeting. Our favorite Texas team, the Dallas Mavericks did not get a meeting. Even Durant’s hometown Wizards did not get a meeting.
The Clippers did get consideration from one of the top-three basketball players in the world.
Who is laughing now?
Clippers fans know the dark days this organization faced. Between botched playoff exits and bad ownership, Durant’s flirtation seemed like karma was swinging our way.
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Clippers fans flooded the internet with pictures and tears when they heard Durant was blown away by L.A.’s pitch.
Yet, he eliminated us just as fast as he considered us. That is okay.
Our organization came together. Owner Steve Ballmer and the rest of the Clippers’ staff gave it their best shot. They proved that the Clippers can become a desirable free agent destination, which is a victory.
More importantly, they included all three of our superstars (Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul) in the pitch. That is also a win, as this core has almost been broken up.
Jordan almost bounced in free agency last year. Griffin’s injuries and off-court antics put him on the trading block last season. Meanwhile, Paul faced more questions about his ability to win the big game.
However, all of that was forgotten when it came time to pitch Durant.
A recent column, details why the Clippers could finish second behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. It should not come as a surprise. The whole reason why Durant even considered them is because of their basketball ability. The Clippers finished fourth in the West without arguably their best player.
But the Clippers growth next season comes from more than just getting Griffin back. There is a certain synergy with this organization.
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First, the Clippers know they must win. Griffin and Paul are both free agents after this year. Echoes about Doc Rivers‘ roster decisions continue getting louder. L.A. must win to keep the court together.
Second, this team genuinely likes each other. You do not have to be an NBA insider to see the Clippers’ chemistry. Between perfectly timed alley-oops and lots of jokes, you can see the Clippers can become greater than the sum of their parts.
It won’t be easy, but the Clippers can only get better by growing better together. They do not have the cap space to make any more free agency moves. The growth and development must come from within the players on the roster. It must come from them developing together.
In the end, Durant did not choose the Clippers. However, he did help unite the Clippers.
Now, there is no doubt that the organization is all-in on the big-three. Added, the Clippers have arrived as a desirable franchise, from the ashes of the loveable loser.
Next: Clippers can finish second in the West
Further, this Clippers group will find added motivation from their rivalry with the Super team in the Bay. They know it will be difficult to beat the Warriors, but the only way they can do it is by getting better together.
Thanks for the lessons learned, KD. See you in the postseason.