Clippers: Early prediction of the 2021-22 starting lineup
By Evan Desai
Clippers Starting Forward Prediction: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard will absolutely be lacing up for the Clippers next year.
If he’s back, he will of course start.
He’s arguably the best player in the NBA.
He was named to the First-Team All-NBA team this year, and nobody else on that team went to a Conference Finals, except for Giannis Antetokounmpo who is still competing in it.
Sure, Leonard couldn’t play in the Western Conference Finals, but there’s no doubt that he’s the best player on the Clippers.
Leonard absolutely toyed with opposing defenses this year, scoring 24.8 points per game, while shooting 51.2% from the field, 39.8% from three, and 88.5% from the free throw line. He made Second-Team All-Defense after averaging 1.6 steals per game. Averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, he also dished out 5.2 assists per contest, which was a career-high.
There are rumors of the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks coming after Kawhi this offseason, and I get it. The New York Knicks will likely make a push as well with all their cap space.
These are all attractive destinations for Kawhi, but the Clippers are too. I have him staying with the Clips this offseason.