LA Clippers: Lineups and managing minutes will determine level of success in 2019-20

Following the greatest offseason in franchise history, expectations are high for the LA Clippers heading into what is sure to be an exciting 2019-20 season.

When the dust finally settles years down the line, the LA Clippers will come to realize just how important the 2018-19 season was in changing the overall perception of one of the league’s second-rate organizations — if they haven’t already.

No, the Clippers didn’t win a championship last season. They didn’t even make it out of the first round. But their 48 wins were far more than anyone expected without a single All-Star on the roster, and their six-game battle with the Golden State Warriors showed a present foundation that could do wonders in the service of superstar talent.

Once free agency came around, it looked as though LA would once again come up empty-handed. In one fell swoop, the organization pulled off a blockbuster never before seen, getting reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to sign on the dotted line by dumping just about all their assets to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Paul George.

The Western Conference may have drastically improved once again, but the construction of LA’s roster makes it their title to lose.

After a summer that also included the return and addition of those who are sure to be crucial pieces, the Clippers head into the coming season with a level of expectations they’ve never experienced. It’s a new feeling, one they’ll have to quickly adapt to as a way to further their pursued takeover of Los Angeles.