As the President of Basketball Operations for the LA Clippers, an incredulous look was spread across the face of Lawrence Frank following the conclusion of the 2021-22 NBA season.
Initially, Frank was under the assumption that although LA was dealing with a bevy of injuries to their star players, that at some point, his LA roster would become whole just in time for a playoff push. However, despite his optimism, things never quite fell into place.
Before the start of the league year, LA was well aware that Kawhi Leonard, their soft-spoken star, would spend most of his time rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered during the 2021 NBA postseason. But, regardless of Leonard’s absence, the door on his return was kept open ajar as persistent rumors swirled that Leonard could make his way back to the court at the tail end of the year.
Even without Leonard, LA’s overall talent appeared good enough to include them in the playoff fun. Yet, regardless of Frank’s confidence in his ball club, persistent injuries to their remaining star, Paul George, coupled with a murderous schedule down the stretch, left the Clippers on the outside looking in, despite winning 42 games.
In an effort to avoid the bitter feeling of disappointment once again, Frank has refortified their roster. In addition to both Leonard and George returning fully fit, LA has also re-signed both Amir Coffey and Nicolas Batum. Also, to add to their firepower, LA has inked former five-time All-Star John Wall, to a two-year deal.
Considering the names who will occupy their roster next season, Frank is convinced that he’s chosen the right amount of talent and dogged personalities.
“You want to make sure you have players who really feel driven to do something that hasn’t been done before and that have a chip on their shoulder,” said Frank.
LA Clippers have talent but Lawrence Frank believes sacrifice will be the key
In totality, Frank isn’t the only one believing in his team’s future. According to oddsmakers, since officially getting their hands on Wall, LA’s title odds have made a sizable jump. Currently, only the Golden State Warriors are viewed as bigger threats to win it all next season.
While the added support is well appreciated, Frank knows good and well that the work has to be done on the court, not on paper.
As Clipper players will now spend the next few months working on their individual games, before attempting to better their team chemistry, Frank isn’t convinced that overwhelming talent will be enough to bring them championship glory.
Having taken a long and meticulous look at his current roster, Frank is worry-free when it comes to their all-around talent. Be that as it may, simply stacking up star players won’t bring the Clippers to the promised land. Rather, Frank believes that it will take those very stars humbling themselves and working together that will lead them to achieving their brazen goals.
“Ultimately, what we’re trying to achieve, it’s going to take a great deal of sacrifice, and you want to make sure you have the right blend.”