To thoroughly distance themselves from the areas that needed work last season, the LA Clippers and their front office would have had to navigate an offseason maze filled with financial obstacles. The mid-level exception only provided the Clippers with a fixed amount to work with, and the rest was up to Lawrence Frank, who did not have time on his side.
Adding a star presence like Bradley Beal and a stretch-four like John Collins will make a night-and-day difference next season, but they were solutions to secondary weaknesses, where the Clippers could still manage if changes had not been made.
However, the most significant flaw that was apparent on the Clippers’ 2024-25 regular season and playoff roster was their bench and the support that was provided. This cost wins, almost on a nightly basis, as the moment a star, such as James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, or Ivica Zubac, exits, net ratings instantly worsen, and the performances on both sides of the ball stagnate.
Tyronn Lue and the fan base were disheartened, but the most that could be done was to stagger minutes and rest the Clippers’ big three individually for minimal time frames.
Next season, Lue will have the freedom to rest his stars simultaneously, if he feels fatigue is evident among all three, as LA has stocked up on bench pieces that make the Clippers’ second unit the best in the NBA.
The LA Clippers’ bench went from subpar to phenomenal in the span of one offseason
The LA Clippers’ adjusted bench going into next season boasts numerous strengths, including leadership from Chris Paul and stretch shooting from Brook Lopez, which demonstrates how two additions have completely flipped the script for Tyronn Lue.
Furthermore, one more decision needs to be made, and that ties into who the star of the second unit will be. Lue has three options, with one to appoint, and any one of Bogdan Bogdanović, Bradley Beal, or John Collins could easily secure the award for the NBA’s most valuable sixth man.
Beyond the players above, the Clippers also have Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, and Derrick Jones Jr. to deploy as needed. These three started games for LA last season, some together, and will be difference makers in a role that will bring out the best in them.
Nonetheless, the Clippers’ magnificent offseason has made them fortunate enough to have championship-level starters on their bench, which will lead to an NBA Finals run in the Western Conference.