The LA Clippers certainly didn’t underachieve this year.
In a season where they were absolutely pummeled by injuries, they ended up reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time ever.
The Clippers not only performed well, but they showed that they have even more left in the tank for next year. Much of that potential is in a few role players who we like, but still have so much room for improvement. If we can get that improvement next year, we’re going to be as good as we want to be.
No. 1 LA Clippers player with most potential to grow next season: Luke Kennard
Luke Kennard was a lethal shooter this year for the LA Clippers.
Kennard posted a 44.6% three-point percentage this season, which was ninth in the entire NBA.
He was one of the better three-point shooters on a team that shot the three ball better than anyone.
Also, Kennard shot really well in the postseason, posting a 41.2% three-point shooting percentage in the playoffs this year. Kennard has quietly had some really nice history to who he is as a shooter in the playoffs. He shot 60% from three in his first trip to the playoffs in 2019 (while with the Detroit Pistons).
In that postseason, he scored 15 points per game. Just last regular season, he averaged 15.8 points per game. This year, he only put up 8.3, and 5.6 in the playoffs.
While he’s not going to be able to get a ton of minutes on the Clippers, the fact that he has shown the ability in the past to put up 15+ points bodes well with the fact that he’s currently still shooting really well.
It’s only a matter of time before Kennard truly puts it all together and becomes a deadly offensive weapon who can go and get his bucket whenever he’s needed on the court. Next year could be the year.