After losing Paul George for nothing in July, most critics would argue that the Los Angeles Clippers took a step back this summer. But for head coach Tyronn Lue, he believes the Clippers can have their best season ever and he’s eager to prove the doubters wrong.
“When you lose a guy of Paul George’s stature, instantly people [think] oh, they can’t win or they’re not going to be competitive,” Lue told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “But that just challenges me even more. OK, people are counting us out or people don’t think we’re going to be good. That right there just gives me an extra dose of [motivation]. I can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.”
The Clippers signed Paul George, 34, as part of a package deal back in 2019. He and Kawhi Leonard joined forces and were co-stars for the next five years. Unfortunately, due to various reasons, the Clippers failed to meet their expectations in the West and managed to make the Conference Finals just once with their star duo.
Last season, with averages of 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, Paul George had one of his best seasons ever and he was voted an All-Star in the West. The Clippers also acquired James Harden to maximize their potential and increase their playoff odds. Somehow, it still wasn’t enough to advance past the first round.
This summer, after losing George to the 76ers, the Clippers are projected to have their worst season in years but not everyone is sure that they will be irrelevant in the title race. As one of the best two-way wings in the game, Kawhi Leonard alone makes the Clippers a powerful opponent and if he manages to stay healthy, he has the potential to lead the Clippers on a miraculous run.
Los Angeles native James Harden will also be returning for his second season with the franchise. In the wake of George’s departure, Harden will be promoted to the second option on offense, and as the main point guard, he will likely handle the majority of playmaking duties.
But even beyond Kawhi and Harden, the Clippers have a stacked team that should not be overlooked. In the middle, they have 7’0″ big man Ivica Zubac to defend the rim and Mo Bamba off the bench. Veteran sharpshooter Norman Powell is expected to play a major role and will be crucial for the Clippers as a third scoring option beyond Leonard and Harden. As one of the newest additions on the team, Derrick Jones Jr. will also give the Clippers defense and versatility in the backcourt.
So between the star power, the depth, the genius of Tyronn Lue, and the excitement of playing in a brand new arena, it’s not wise to count out the Clippers next season. Even in a conference with the Mavericks, Warriors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Thunder, the Clippers can still pull off something special and prove everyone wrong with a historic playoff run.
But until the Clippers actually get it done, and break a cycle that has been going on for decades, NBA fans will not be so quick to believe them as a serious championship-contending team. Without Paul George, most fans have already chalked this era up as a failure for the franchise.
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