Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Clippers: Complete 2018 offseason grades

By Matt Esposito

PLAYA VISTA, CA - JUNE 25: Head Coach Doc Rivers Raft Picks Jerome Robinson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with Lawrence Frank look on during the Draft Press Conference at the Clippers Training Facility in Playa Vista, California on June 25, 2018 at Clippers Training Facility. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - JUNE 25: Head Coach Doc Rivers Raft Picks Jerome Robinson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with Lawrence Frank look on during the Draft Press Conference at the Clippers Training Facility in Playa Vista, California on June 25, 2018 at Clippers Training Facility. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 10
Next
Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images.
Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images. /

Overall

Now that the offseason is beginning to wind down, the discussions have shifted towards predicting how the Western Conference will play out. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton gave us his playoff projections, and they do not include the Los Angeles Clippers.

Do the Clippers have a playoff team? The odds are stacked against them as their conference grew in talent. Despite starting a potential lineup of Williams, Bradley, budding star Tobias Harris, Danilo Gallinari and Gortat, the Clippers could be left on the outside looking in when all is said and done.

Sometime before next year’s trade deadline, Jerry West and his crew will have a decision to make. If the Los Angeles Clippers make the playoffs, their 2019 first round pick will go to the Boston Celtics. Presumably, West knows this and has adjusted his roster accordingly.

If the Clippers believe that they can make the playoffs, then they can hang onto players like Bradley and Mbah a Moute. If not, they can trade away both of those players to assure that they land in the lottery and retain their first round pick.

Jerry West has positioned this team nicely. If they exceed expectations, great. If not, they trade away desirable pieces for future assets and develop Gilgeous-Alexander and Robinson. Prepare, Clippers fans. If you thought this offseason had a lot of movement, just wait until the season begins.

Next. 2018 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far. dark

Final Grade: A-

Home/LA Clippers