After taking a look at the new additions the LA Clippers have made throughout the off-season, it is safe to say that they are in the best position to win the NBA finals. As John Wall hopes to dominate in a bounce-back season, the Clippers have a real chance to make history. In fact, several NBA coaches, executives, and scouts agree that the LA Clippers are the favorites to win it all in 2023.
Within the survey, the LA Clippers had the most votes in winning the Western Conference, as well as for winning the 2023 NBA Finals. Over the last few seasons, franchise star Paul George has shown no signs of slowing down. Superstar teammate, Kawhi Leonard, may take quite some time to adjust to the high level of basketball as he hasn’t played an NBA game in over a year.
Although the LA Clippers may be the favorites, several factors may come in the way of them winning the title. Each one of these factors comes down to which players are willing to accept their role and contribute in any way possible.
As the regular season approaches, head coach Tyronn Lue will have to adjust the minutes of Wall, George, and Leonard accordingly. This season, Lue will be expected to lead his players into a position that the franchise has yet to see. Keeping these three healthy will secure the Clippers a spot as one of the top seeds in the Western Conference.
3. Concerns with chemistry
With the addition of John Wall, Tyronn Lue has several decisions to make for the LA Clippers’ primary rotation. He could choose to start Wall and have Norman Powell and Reggie Jackson come off the bench, or he could start the season strong with the starters from last season and let the bench take their time in adjusting to their new roles. Either way, some players will not be receiving their desired minutes.
Despite the countless pros to having a stacked roster, there are also a few cons. Players like Amir Coffey, Brandon Boston Jr, Luke Kennard, and even Robert Covington may want a larger role. Luckily, with the amount of load managing, these players will obtain the minutes they are looking for.
In recent years, there haven’t been any issues with chemistry. The players within the rotation understand that the goal is to win a championship. Players like George and Leonard have instilled this mindset in their teammates.
Additionally, the LA Clippers have been working all off-season and playing pick-up basketball with RicoHines to develop their chemistry. As the Clippers enter next season, chemistry issues will not be a problem. However, it may take some time for the newcomers to adjust to their new responsibilities.
Los Angeles Clippers' John Wall and Paul George went off at @ricohinesbball runs #NBASummer 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) August 31, 2022
🎥 @swishcultures_ pic.twitter.com/mHtRsneXAp
2. More competition
There is much more competition in the Western Conference for the LA Clippers. Players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and many more are returning to full health. One of the biggest threats to the LA Clippers in the West is the reigning NBA champions.
The Golden State Warriors have what it takes to run it back. They proved to the world that they are more than capable of utilizing their young talent, as well as their veterans, to destroy their competition. Fortunately for the Clippers, the Warriors did not make any notable additions during their off-season. If anything, the Warriors lost some key players during free agency.
This gives the Clippers an advantage as gradually they added to their roster, making them even stronger. With George and Leonard returning to full health, there are not many teams that can compete with the LA Clippers.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers could be seen as a threat to the Clippers. These teams did not hesitate in adding some of the best role players in the NBA. However, the Clippers will not have to face these teams until the NBA Finals.
Within the last few seasons, many superstars have grown in the East. This leads to more competition. With that being said, the LA Clippers should have no problem locking up one of the top seeds.
After the Golden State Warriors, the Clippers clear almost any team in the West. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and the Memphis Grizzlies may be able to put up a fight, but with the amount of talent and star power the Clippers possess, none of these teams stand a chance.
1. Health issues
The biggest concern for the LA Clippers next season is health. When healthy, the LA Clippers are the best team in the NBA. Last season was a perfect example of how health can tarnish a team’s odds of making a deep run in the playoffs.
With Leonard missing the whole season, George only playing 31 games, and Powell only playing five games since being traded, the Clippers missed the playoffs. Had these players remained healthy, it was almost certain that the Clippers would have run it back to the Western Conference Finals and potentially made an appearance in the NBA Finals.
By adding a player like John Wall, these injury concerns just keep getting worse. Wall has not played a fully healthy season since 2017. The LA Clippers will need their star point guard to remain healthy if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.
In addition, there is no established backup center for the LA Clippers. After Ivica Zubac, the Clippers will be leaning on Moses Brown and Moussa Diabate to contribute in any way possible. If Zubac gets injured, the Clippers are in some serious trouble. This should not be much of an issue as Zubac is arguably the Clippers’ most durable player.
Even role players like Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris missed significant time last season. If the Clippers want to have a clear shot at the NBA Finals, their role players will be needed all season long.
A fully healthy Clippers will easily run through just about any team in the NBA. This could be high-risk-high-reward for Tyronn Lue and his players. Adjusting their minutes will be the most important aspect when competing with some of the best teams in the NBA.