With the conclusion of the Olympics, it will be a while before we see any member of the LA Clippers back on the hardwood in a professional game that counts toward any kind of standings or season record. Preseason is still roughly six weeks out, and the NBA regular season still over two months away.
But in the meantime, there are still several recent news items relevant to the Clippers. With players switching teams, participating in offseason activities, and factoring in continued moves by LA's front office, there is plenty going on for Clippers fans to catch up on.
James Harden joins Paul George for charity game in China
This week in Hong Kong, former NBA All-NBA center Yao Ming hosted a charity basketball game for Chinese fans to watch up close. The game featured plenty of star power in the form of James Harden, Paul George and Jimmy Butler.
Easily the most viral moment of the event was when a Chinese player took the assignment of guarding Paul George one-on-one. The defender kept George from doing much of anything, eventually poking the ball loose and leading to a fast break.
Pat Bev gives his account of first week with Israeli team
Many fans are aware that former Clipper Patrick Beverley recently opted not to play in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, instead accepting a contract offer from Hapoel Tel Aviv BC of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. This week, he is participating in training camp with his new team in Bulgaria.
Beverley explained that he has had a strenuous but rewarding week with his new teammates. "The most important thing, we got to know each other," he said. "We were able to learn from each other, and I think that's the biggest thing with playing basketball, the chemistry. Our chemistry is great, we all like each other, and now ... It's time to put it to the game."
Clippers showing interest in international star
With the conclusion of the Olympics, several international players became near-household names in the United States due to rock-solid performances in Paris. One of the players that fits in this category is Serbia's Aleksa Avramovic.
According to a report from a Serbian newspaper called The Ozon Press, the Clippers are one of several teams interested in potentially signing Avramovic. The 29-year old guard averaged 10.5 points on over 50% shooting at the Olympics. He is currently signed to CSKA Moscow, but is permitted to leave to sign with an NBA team, if any American club makes an offer.