There were several unique challenges headed into this season for the LA Clippers. Entering a new era wherein the team was set to leave Crypto.com Arena and assume full-time residence at the newly-christened Intuit Dome, the organization had to be very intentional about their vision and how they were to go about carrying it out.
Now, it is safe to say that they passed that test with flying colors. The Clippers currently own the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings with a 31-23 overall record heading into All-Star break. Many had tabbed them as a team primed to miss the playoffs in preseason, but they are simply smashing expectations this year.
Of course, the players on the roster and the coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for what they have been able to do this season. Executing the game plan and performing at a high level are things that can never be replaced, but we must also not forget what the Clippers' front office did to put those coaches and players in a position to be successful. It all started last summer.
The Clippers' roster is very well-built
Essentially, you can say that the Clippers' current run all began last June when Paul George opted not to re-sign in Los Angeles. The team was unwilling to give him a fourth year on a new contract, and that ultimately led to George's decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead. Some questioned the move and the idea of splitting up PG and Kawhi Leonard, but I don't think anyone is still holding on to those doubts at this point.
To put it lightly, George has been highly disappointing this season with the Sixers. He has only played in 35 games due to injuries, and he is averaging just 16.1 points, his lowest scoring average in a season where he played more than six games since his second year in the association. The Clippers' front office are looking like geniuses in light of PG's performance.
But after letting George walk, Clippers management made some even smarter moves in picking up a plethora of role players that fit alongside Kawhi and James Harden. Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn in particular were offseason additions that ended up being big lifts to this squad's performance throughout the year. Since the offseason, the front office has continued being vigilant in their roster moves.
All that is to say that the Clippers owe their current unexpected success largely to the work the front office executives have been putting in ever since last season ended. Lawrence Frank and everyone else heavily involved in putting together a winning roster for LA have done a masterful job, and Clipper nation has them to thank for this highly enjoyable season.