The LA Clippers have a new coach and a new plan to fix last year’s problems. Here are 3 bold predictions for this title contender in the 2020-21 season.
The LA Clippers fell flat on their face in the postseason last year, giving up a 3-1 series lead to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Their offense fell apart in the second half for three consecutive games, culminating in an embarrassing final quarter in Game 7. The shockwaves saw head coach Doc Rivers leave town and the team move on from Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell.
Former Clippers assistant Ty Lue takes over, bringing the same pedigree as Rivers (winning record as a coach, one title) but with more modern play calling. Serge Ibaka, good friends with Kawhi Leonard, gives the Clippers a stretch-5 they did not have last season. A trade for Luke Kennard gives the team another shooter who can handle the ball.
These changes are, ultimately, secondary. This team rises and falls with the play of its two stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The former looked exhausted by the end of their postseason run, while George seemed to cave under the pressure. This team has to come up with a plan for the regular season that has their core players healthy, but also in peak condition.
Kawhi Leonard is a two-way monster, even with a couple of disappointing games last season. He is what he is. The bigger variable is George, and whether “Playoff P” shows up again. Will their new additions make a major difference? And will this team prove that last year’s regular season dominance was the true indicator of their strength, or the flaming out in the postseason?