4 Clippers who could be forced into retirement after the season
These Clippers may have to hang up their sneakers after this season.
By Tyler Watts
The LA Clippers hope everything finally comes together. They dreamed of championships and being an annual contender after landing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in 2019, but things have not worked out. The Clippers have won just three playoff series in four years and age will soon catch up to their top-end talent.
LA believes they can make a deep playoff run. They are virtually locked into fourth in the Western Conference and hope to avoid the defending champion Nuggets in the second round. No series will be easy in the loaded Western Conference, but head coach Tyronn Lue always has a few curveballs ready to throw in any playoff matchup.
The Clippers will look different next season as they enter a new arena. Trades will be difficult as their second tax apron penalties kick in, but expect the front office to explore the market. Kawhi Leonard signed his extension, but they need to ink Paul George and James Harden long-term. LA has a handful of veterans who could retire after this season and a few players who may not have a choice.
4. Daniel Theis
Theis has struggled to find a consistent role over the last two years. He played just seven games in the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury. The 6’8 big man has been healthy this year but was not part of the Pacers rotation. He was waived by Indiana in November and quickly signed with the Clippers. Theis was primarily the team’s backup center but slipped out of the rotation in late March.
The Clippers have preferred to play small in the playoffs, so Theis may not return to the rotation. The 31-year-old helped the Celtics make two runs to the conference finals in 2020 and 2022. He brings energy but will struggle to stick in the postseason as the opposition spaces the floor and forces him to guard on the perimeter.
Daniel Theis has fallen out of the rotation for two contenders this season and becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Will he find a new home? He may be forced to retire or return to Europe if he cannot catch on with a contender, and he is not the only Clipper who could be on the chopping block.
The Clippers are nearing the end of their playoff push and you FanDuel is giving you a chance to win big if you can predict any LA win! Just sign up, deposit $10 or more and bet $5 or more on LA to win any game. If the Clips win, you'll get $200 in additional bonus bets! Click this link to sign up with FanDuel today!