Three key takeaways from the LA Clippers’ first two preseason games
There is strong potential for internal roster growth for the LA Clippers
While the Clippers may remain without any significant trade assets, the squad enters the 75th NBA season with opportunities for improvement in many areas of the court.
Tyronn Lue enters into his second head coaching role after instilling an accountability-driven philosophy that saw Cleveland earn their first championship four years ago. In Los Angeles, a squad teeming with superstars and veterans – similar to the 2016 Cavaliers roster – must be willing to buy into the culture that will be enforced by the new-look coaching staff.
As part of a Tyronn Lue offence, the Clippers will be expected to increase the 33.5 three-point attempts registered under Rivers last season, recorded as 16th in the league. With a modern shot portfolio, the Clippers will optimize their weapons to improve on an already elite offense.
After the wholesale roster changes of last offseason, the Clippers enter the upcoming campaign with a deeper understanding of their roles and teammates. As the side enters their second postseason together, individual improvements will be critical to securing collective success.
With Paul George finally healthy after undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason, the six-time All-Star will be poised to record a positive playoff run in Los Angeles after the disappointments of the Bubble last season. And as Kawhi Leonard continues to become further acclimatised with the Clippers organisation, it becomes difficult to believe that the two-time Finals MVP will fail to replicate the personal exploits once achieved in a Toronto and San Antonio uniform.
Next. Paul George is a top 20 NBA player. dark
Overall, the 2020/21 iteration of the Los Angeles Clippers are imperfect yet still possess the tools to evolve into a dominant force of the league. Offering no clear-cut traditional point guard does create some managerial headaches, however the introduction of a distinguished coaching staff combined with a new team culture promises to hone the immense talents of the playing personnel in what is shaping as a vitally important campaign in Southern California.