Although the LA Clippers will place a significant amount of attention on developing Keaton Wagler and the progress of guys like Kobe Sanders and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (when he finally makes his return from injury), the end goal for the season is simple: make the playoffs. Whether that’s as a top six seed or through the play-in tournament, that’s the main focus at the end of the day.
Right now, they aren’t expected to, because they’ve lost a ton of high-end talent over the last few months. However, they could easily be a legitimate postseason threat if Brandon Ingram, a two-time All-Star, averages 25 points per game or more over the course of his first year in LA.
If he averages below that, the Clippers will still have a chance to go far, but they're certainly more likely to perform as they hope if Ingram clears that threshold.
The Clippers will undoubtedly be playoff contenders if Ingram averages 25 points or more
When you wonder if Brandon Ingram is capable of averaging 25 points per game for the LA Clippers to be a serious playoff threat, the first question that comes to mind is whether he’s met that mark at any point in his veteran career.
And, shockingly enough, despite his two All-Star appearances, the answer is no. Ingram's closest was 24.7 points with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022-23, but even then he only suited up for 45 games. The Clippers will obviously need a lot more than that.
Conversely, with the right mentality and a strong boost from his teammates and coaches, which he will inevitably receive, the first time Ingram does it could be with the Clippers.
And if he does, LA will be real contenders for the playoffs, even with how stacked the Western Conference is from top to bottom.
Why is that? Outside of Ingram’s dominance, the Clippers will have star production from Darius Garland, elite role-player impact from Rui Hachimura, Derrick Jones Jr., and Max Strus, and championship leadership from Tyronn Lue.
That’s not to mention a potential Rookie of the Year in Keaton Wagler, who is expected to be a significant factor on both ends of the court.
That said, all things considered, Ingram posting 25 points a night will do the trick. It’s definitely a lot to ask for, but if there’s someone who could do it, the former second overall pick can.
Add us as a preferred source on Google