The LA Clippers‘ offseason started as soon as the buzzer sounded in Game 6.
The Clips had their most successful season in Clipper history this year, but still need to be busy this offseason so they can get back to this stage next year.
They especially need to keep the Western Conference Finals in mind, and what the series means for the future. The Phoenix Suns exposed a few troubling needs for the Clippers, and they need to address these this summer.
No. 1 Clippers offseason need exposed by the Phoenix Suns: Durability
The Clippers’ durability issues weren’t necessarily exposed by the Phoenix Suns team, but they were certainly exposed by the series they just played vs. the Phoenix Suns.
Injuries just kept stacking up, as Kawhi Leonard missed the entire series (and eight straight playoff games), Ivica Zubac missed the last two games, and Serge Ibaka has been out for the season since Game 3 of the first round of the postseason.
Injuries have ravaged the Clippers all season. It wasn’t just in the playoffs, but the regular season as well. Leonard missed 20 regular season games, Paul George was out for 18, Patrick Beverley missed 35, Marcus Morris went out for 15, and Ibaka was hurt for 31.
Something needs to change, whether that’s improving the training staff, spreading the ball and giving more guys more minutes, or signing more durable players when trying to improve the roster. It needs to be addressed now.