Of the divisions around the league, the Pacific has the most experience. Talent-wise, a debate could be made, but with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and DeMar DeRozan, there is no other group of five teams that can compete through experience.
However, if the clock were rewound a week, the NBA community would still be using the LA Clippers’ age against them. This was one of the only potential weaknesses found on the roster, and fans and analysts seized on it, claiming it would lead to a downfall.
Yet, Clipper fans were not worried, as they firmly believed the roster had improved, even if the average age of their starting lineup is 31.6.
Moreover, fans were ready for the Clippers to prove everyone wrong, but all of a sudden, they are no longer the frontrunners in this category, as one of the Golden State Warriors’ latest additions puts Steve Kerr in the position Tyronn Lue had occupied all summer.
Golden State adding Al Horford eliminates the age concern for the Clippers
Although Al Horford was the backup many fans wanted for Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers’ front office could never fully get a hold of him, as he was interested in the Golden State Warriors. Thus, the Clippers had a productive meeting with Brook Lopez and elected him to support the second unit.
On the contrary, the Warriors’ free agency was hindered by an obstacle involving Jonathan Kuminga, and until his situation was resolved, their front office could not make any official announcements.
Just before training camp, everything was fixed in the Bay, as Kuminga re-signed, and the Warriors were finally able to release a statement on the addition of Horford.
Furthermore, before offering Horford a two-year contract, the Warriors primarily analyzed him based on his background. He is a five-time All-Star, NBA champion, and a former All-Defensive second-team big man.
But Horford is 39, and because he will likely start for the Warriors, their starting five has an average age of 35.8.
Thus, Steve Kerr will have to show the world that a veteran-only starting five can overcome any hurdle and win a championship, with the youngest starter being Buddy Hield at 32 years old. This is what Clipper fans have been preaching, and now one of their rivals’ fan bases will join them.
That said, the Clippers will inevitably have many eyes taken off them as the NBA community is curious to see how the Warriors deal with their age, especially during Curry’s 17th season.