The LA Clippers are title favorites
For the first time in franchise history, the LA Clippers are favored to take home the title in 2020. And while fans should take this with a grain of salt, it is noteworthy, and it goes to show how much the franchise has done to get to this point.
It’s no fluke that the Clippers are in this position. For years, they’ve been building and becoming the competent franchise that they are now, making the difficult — but correct — decisions that I alluded to earlier in order to build a true contender. Now, they’re here.
From top to bottom, the LA Clippers roster is filled with talented players. Patrick Beverley, Landry Shamet, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Ivica Zubac (if that is who the Clippers choose to run at center) is one heck of a starting rotation, yes, but things don’t stop there for the Clippers.
The bench is a major part of what made this team special last season, and a majority of them have returned. Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and JaMychal Green are all signed through the upcoming season, and new additions like Rodney McGruder and Maurice Harkless are bound to make a significant impact.
Yes, it was addition by subtraction to a degree. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari are no longer members of the Clippers, and it does hurt to say that. The rookie guard showed limitless promise in his first season, and Gallinari’s career-year in 2019 was a big reason why the team was so successful.
But for the first time ever, the Clippers are serious contenders to win the NBA title. You have to do whatever is necessary to reach that point, and fans should be grateful that the front office was so willing to make all the moves that they have.
Even if the LA Clippers don’t take it all home in 2020, they should be set for the years that follow. As long as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the rest of the squad is on the roster, there’s no limit to what the Clippers could achieve.