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Los Angeles Clippers: 2016-17 Season Outlook

By Gerald Bourguet

November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers
Oct 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) moves the ball in front of Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Three Key Storylines: 1. Griffin’s Redemption

Those season-ending injuries to Paul and Griffin were the final nails in the coffin, but let’s be honest: It never really felt like the Clippers were going anywhere in 2015-16 anyway. Sure they went 53-29 with Griffin missing 47 games, but in a season where the Golden State Warriors won 73 games and the San Antonio Spurs weren’t far behind at 67, it just wasn’t Lob City’s year.

But would that have been such a foregone conclusion if not for Blake Griffin’s tumultuous season? The torn quadriceps injury wasn’t his fault, but being sidelined with a hand injury for an additional 4-6 weeks (plus a four-game suspension) right when he was about to come back was a serious blow, and it was all on him.

Injuries happen, but Griffin hurting himself from punching a team equipment manager was a serious lapse in judgement that cost his team the chance of ever finding its highest gear. His apology for the whole ordeal was sincere; now it’s time to back it up with a career year in 2016-17.

Don’t forget, it was only two years ago that Griffin morphed into some freakish Magic Johnson–Kevin Garnett–LeBron James hybrid in the playoffs, averaging a monster 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game to lead the Clippers within one game of the conference finals.

In 2016-17, Griffin will be on a mission to prove last season was just an unfortunate anomaly. People have forgotten how good the Flyin’ Lion can be when he’s in peak form, and at age 27, we could be entering the best season of Griffin’s prime.

Next: Storyline 2: Bench Expectations

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