Coming into the 2019-20 season, the Los Angeles Clippers were among the favorites to win the title. To most, the acquisitions of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were enough to put them over the top — and expectations were set high from the very beginning.
Unfortunately, they fell very short, both in the regular season and in the playoffs, quickly becoming the laughing stock of the league after blowing a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets.
In the offseason, the team endured many changes, including the departure of one of their key members, Montrezl Harrell, something Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley says he didn’t see coming.
Reporter: “Did it really catch you off guard [that Montrezl Harrell joined the Lakers]?”
Patrick Beverley: “Yes.” pic.twitter.com/HCIEvI9mkH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 6, 2020
In the aftermath of hitting rock bottom, they will use the past to fuel them through the new season.
“I tell you one thing, we all have motivation now. And now is what matters … It’s a new team, new coach, new year, we have our goals,” said Beverley.
Patrick Beverley: "Honestly, when you talk about a 3-1 lead, it all involves mental toughness. I tell you one thing, we all have motivation now. And now is what matters … It's a new team, new coach, new year, we have our goals. We set our goals high."
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) December 6, 2020
It’s a new campaign and a fresh start for the Clippers, one that they’re hoping will end quite differently than it did last time. With a new coach, new personnel, and a new mentality, it’s certainly possible they are the ones who will hold up the trophy by season’s end.
For that to be the case, they will have to come together, play for each other, and look to make amends for their mistakes. Of course, they’ll also need Beverley to be at the top of his game.
