LA Clippers: Today Starts the Most Important Year in Franchise History

With both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George being introduced today, the most important year for the LA Clippers franchise officially begins.

The LA Clippers officially begin the biggest year in their franchise’s history today. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will hold their introductory press conference and it will finally feel real.

Yes, there is hyperbole in that statement, but let’s look at where the franchise is now and how far they have come. The two All-Stars joining our roster has produced a championship roster unlike any this franchise has ever had and the clock is ticking.

Usually, the first year a new team forms, many temper expectations. There are worries about chemistry, figuring out fit and more. With both Leonard and George only guaranteed for two seasons though, the team must move quickly. Neither is guaranteed to stay beyond these two seasons and there’s a feeling that anything short of at least a championship appearance in the next two years would be a failure.

It’s not unprecedented that a team wins the championship in the first year they acquire a star player. The Raptors did it last season with Kawhi. Prior to that, the Warriors did it when they added Kevin Durant. Yes, there are other times when the team went through growing pains (think LeBron James with both Miami and his return to Cleveland), but even those seasons had high amounts of success and he went on to win championships.

This season matters more though.

Montrezl Harrell will enter unrestricted free agency in 2020. JaMychal Green has a player option. Mo Harkless will also be a free agent. There’s no certainty past this season.

Future uncertainty is what makes this season that much more important. We know what the team is capable of. We know that Trezz and Lou Williams are a guaranteed deadly threat off the bench. We know that Green can come in and knock down threes and impact the game. We don’t know what 2020 will hold.

Leonard and PG also need to be impressed in their first season. Like I said, they are only guaranteed to be here for two seasons. If we plan to retain them beyond that, the product both on and off the court needs to meet all of their expectations and then some. First impressions are everything, right? So, coming out and being successful in their inaugural season with the Clippers means everything.

When Kawhi and PG take the stage, the LA Clippers will be on the clock and the most important year will start. As Ralph Lawler always said, “Fasten your seatbelts”.