With the minimal amount of true championship contenders in the NBA, the LA Clippers have been the worst. Their age caught up to them faster than anyone expected, leaving holes in their defense and overall depth and hinting that their chances of winning the NBA Finals this season are extremely low.
Now, as the 12th seed, with the chance to fall even further to the bottom of the Western Conference tonight against the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers have to get a grip and work three times as hard as everyone else to finish in the top six.
Currently, a conclusion in the play-in tournament looks about as realistic as it is going to get. This puts the season on the line instantly, then lands the Clippers a low seed en route to a tough playoff path, yet it is the surprising truth that may come to pass.
The LA Clippers failed themselves by bringing in several newcomers
Before the news began to sound like music to their ears of Brook Lopez, who was phenomenal last season for the Milwaukee Bucks in 80 games, and Bradley Beal, who had notable statistics on the underperforming Phoenix Suns, showing interest in signing on deals within their budget, the LA Clippers should have met with Tyronn Lue and ensured that the team’s returning skill players would be able to contribute the same.
This meant absolutely no decrease in role or responsibility for Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
These three players had a clear pathway to minutes last season, with no complications in the rotation. Thus, a hurdle-free environment made it much easier to produce an impact.
But Lawrence Frank may have overlooked what he already had on the roster and still chose to sign Beal and Lopez.
Both were seen as winning signings, as their numbers from last season spoke for themselves. Hence, the Clippers believed their depth was elevated, and that they were following in the footsteps of the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, the front office was due to be shocked this season. Beal and Lopez have not been good, and on top of that, their additions have forced Lue to switch lineups, creating a heavily complicated situation.
That said, the Clippers may end up as one of the league’s pretend contenders throughout the year, and all of their flaws in depth and defense will be an age-related consequence.