Because the LA Clippers have not made any crazy additions over the offseason or drastically changed their roster, as the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Lakers have, the work done by Lawrence Frank has flown under the radar. No one is really talking about the Clippers in the conversation of teams that have had an excellent summer thus far. However, Frank has done a phenomenal job behind the scenes and deserves a pat on the back.
In the grand scheme of things, Frank made A-plus choices in the draft (based on what we’ve seen from the summer league), moved on from a 35-year-old Kawhi Leonard (assuming the trade goes through), got younger in multiple different areas, and landed quality picks.
That’s considered a great offseason if there is one, and it could get even better if the Clippers somehow manage to land Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga.
The LA Clippers got better in the summer thanks to Lawrence Frank's decision-making
Last season, the LA Clippers finished as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. This was solid, especially because of how they began, but more importantly, it meant they had many ways to improve, and Lawrence Frank did just that.
The biggest move was getting rid of Kawhi Leonard. While there is a tier gap between him and Brandon Ingram, the two-time All-Star is seven years younger, and the Clippers also secured Gradey Dick, a 22-year-old worth taking a gamble on.
That is a great deal, as it keeps the Clippers in playoff contention, and what was not mentioned was the draft capital they gained, which is a significant amount spread out through the years ahead.
Beyond the blockbuster trade, the Clippers landed Rui Hachimura. This was a steal of a signing, considering he is being paid just $14 million annually, and improves the team’s three-point shooting in unimaginable ways.
For context, Hachimura shot 44.3% from beyond the arc in the regular season on 3.9 attempts per game, then elevated himself to 56.9% in the playoffs on 5.8 attempts.
Additionally, Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller were re-signed, Bogdan Bogdanovic was let go, and summer league-standouts like Keaton Wagler, Baba Miller, and Nick Martinelli were drafted.
Overall, how could one not say the Clippers have had a great summer? Frank has done all the right things and put the team in a position to succeed in the present and long-term future.
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