Something special is brewing in L.A., and Kawhi is leading the charge

The Clippers have been consistently good in recent years but never truly great. 

Consider these numbers: In the last 10 years, the Clippers have been ranked 8th in the NBA team for playoff wins and own a 38-45 record in 83 games. But also in that stretch, they’ve won 487 games and are ranked second behind the Warriors.

They are also ranked fifth for total points scored. These are solid numbers. They know how to win. They make the playoffs almost every year. Yet when pitted against the scrutiny of the playoff ball, of the it puts the squeeze on their gaps, whether that be injuries, connections, or gaps, poor fits that can’t execute roles.  

Which is crazy to think about. It’s not like they haven’t had the cattle to contend with; they have. Doc Rivers, who was at the helm for most of this period (2013–2019), had teams that boasted star power, deep benches, perimeter shooting, and defensive grit. All the trimmings of successful teams that have won recent NBA championships. 

Think of these names on past Clippers rosters: Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford, JJ Redick, Lou Williams, Tobias Harris, prime Daniel Gallinari, Pat Beverely, Montrezl Harrell, Deandre Jordan, and baby-faced Shai Alexander.