How the Los Angeles Clippers can build a championship contender
With another hectic free agency in sights, the Lost Angeles Clippers could build their own super-team with the right moves and a lot of luck.
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2017-18 season with a new identity after trading point guard Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets. No one really knew what it was, except for the fact that it would be drastically different from that of Lob City.
A season full of possibilities turned into one filled with injuries. Austin Rivers, Blake Griffin, Patrick Beverley, Danilo Gallinari, Jawun Evans and Milos Teodosic all missed time. Head coach Doc Rivers resorted to 37 different starting lineups over the course of the season.
With so many key players out, and so little time to build chemistry, the Clippers suffered through a nine-game losing streak early on and finished an unimpressive 42-20. The lackluster start to the season caused the front office to trade star forward Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons.
There were, at least, two notable bright spots. Shooting guard Lou Williams had a career year in his 13th season, averaging 23.5 points and 5.3 assists per game. He’s the favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award and signed a three year, $24 million contract extension in hopes of making his ninth stint on a NBA team into a long-term home.
The other was the return from the Griffin deal. The Clippers acquired Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley (and his expiring contract), Boban Marjanovic and the Pistons’ 2018 first round pick and 2019 second round pick.
Harris averaged 19.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 32 games. The Pistons’ pick turned into the No. 12 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
After a forgettable season, the front office could use both of these assets to make trades. Acquiring a big-name star could turn a potential long-term playoff drought into a one-year hiatus. The team hired executive Jerry West for his past successes, so why not now?
If everything falls their way this offseason, here’s how West and company can form championship contender again.