Grading the 2019 NBA offseason for all 30 franchises

LA Clippers

From the public eye, it looked as though the LA Clippers were set to walk away with nothing in the grand free agency of 2019. Most of the top-level names had already chosen their destinations.

While No. 1 target Kawhi Leonard was still available, LA’s perceived inability to pair him with another star significantly hampered its chances of landing him.

Little did we know, however, what the quiet board man was orchestrating behind the scenes. Kawhi would wind up a member of the Clippers, but he did not come alone.

While being recruited by other suitors, he convinced Paul George to ask out of Oklahoma City to go to the Clippers, creating the league’s newest championship contender in the process.

Along with the re-signing of Patrick Beverley, the Clippers now possess one of the most fearsome defensive units across the league.

The trio of Beverley, Leonard and George have all been named to at least one All-Defensive Team over the last three seasons, combined with the ever-tenacious Montrezl Harrell locking down the paint.

This doesn’t even include the re-signed JaMychal Green or Maurice Harkless, who was acquired in a trade, both of whom have shown defensive chops throughout their careers.

Leonard is coming off a phenomenal postseason run that culminated in a Finals MVP trophy. While not a champion himself, PG finished top-three in the voting for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year while posting career-highs in points, rebounds, steals and tied in assists.

The Clippers have spent the entirety of the Steve Ballmer era doing their best to eclipse their in-arena cohort. After the Lakers went out and got Anthony Davis, the Clippers matched them with two superstars of their own.

Flanked by much of the roster that won 48-games last year, they may just be the favorites to take home the 2019-20 title.

Grade: A+