In today’s edition of Locked on Clippers, I talk about what Matt Barnes had to say about Lob City, why Doc Rivers needs your respect, and Kawhi Leonard.
To start off today’s episode of the Locked on Clippers podcast, I jumped right in on what former Clipper Matt Barnes had to say about the mentality of the Lob City Clippers. We reported initially on this last week, after Barnes appeared on Howard Beck’s Full 48.
Barnes called the Lob City Clippers “mentally weak” and claimed that the team could never go far because they were too busy fighting each other. Given the team’s underwhelming playoffs performance during that era, Barnes’s comments certainly seem sensible.
I also mentioned that today is the 3 year anniversary of Chris Paul‘s game-winner versus the Spurs. Ryan Snellings wrote about that here.
After that, I transitioned and talked about why Doc Rivers needs your respect.
The Clippers’ head coach compiled a 42-40 record this past season, fighting through injuries and just about every starting lineup combination imaginable. In addition to that, Rivers was able to properly utilize two G-League players and get the most out of them. Now one of them, C.J. Williams, is signed to a multiyear deal, and Tyrone Wallace will likely negotiate a contract of his own with LA.
To end the show, I went in deep on the Kawhi Leonard situation. I go over what’s known and unknown about Leonard’s future, including what the Clippers may do to ensure they secure the two-way star.
The cost might be high — the Clippers may need to give up one or both of the lottery picks. In addition, Tobias Harris, DeAndre Jordan, or Avery Bradley could all be on their way out.
If the Clippers do try to bring in Leonard, what do you think is a fair asking price?