The Los Angeles Clippers now own a dismal 5-16 record, and they're one step closer to having no choice but to blow this whole experiment up. The worst part? They created the entire mess they're in.
A lot of fans were holding on to hope earlier in the season that this was simply a rough start, and something that could be improved upon. That's theoretically still possible, but we can now say with confidence that this group is in a very difficult spot.
It's not controversial to say the Clippers are simply just playing bad basketball right now. The offense looks lacking, the defense unsteady, and the chemistry missing. Having lost eight of their last nine, the Clippers aren’t just limping, they’re completely sinking. The fanbase is now totally disconnected, with some even fully admitting defeat.
It's so unfortunate, mostly because the expectations for LA were so high coming in to this season. The Clippers seemed to retool very effectively in the offseason, and many thought they were a lock to finish in the top four in the Western Conference. Now, with injuries piling up and age becoming a big factor, it seems like the finale for this version of the Clippers.
The Clippers' current era is coming to an end
LA is unquestionably hurtling toward the outcome where they have no other option than to explore trades for Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, in order to get something for them while they still have value. That obviously wouldn't put them in the best situation either, given that they don't have their own draft picks. But it's also not like they're winning games in the present with these guys either.
This is essentially a no-win scenario for LA, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have to be beside themselves with joy. The Paul George trade has turned into one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history, as the Clippers are starved for draft capital, young talent, and any real way of changing their fortunes around.
We've seen countless analysts and pundits on the internet having the reaction of "I have no clue where the Clippers go from here," and it's hard to find a better response to this situation than that. There really isn't anything resembling a logical path forward.
The worst part about all of this is that the Clippers 100% put themselves in this position. If you went back to the summer of 2019 and asked yourself, "What's the worst possible end result that could come from trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City?" It's this one. The reality we're living in is in the 1% of terrible ways this could have turned out for LA.
All I can say is, if you're still a die-hard Clipper fan, you have my respect.