UPDATE: The Los Angeles Clippers are set to kick off their NBA season today, October 25, 2023, against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, with a healthy Kawhi Leonard aiming to lead the team to its first playoff advancement since 2021. The Clippers, who have made significant offseason moves, are determined to compete for a championship with a roster brimming with veteran talent.
The Clippers have revamped their lineup with the addition of James Harden, an 11-time All-Star, and Bradley Beal, who is expected to shine after overcoming injury challenges. Beal’s recent signing, valued at $40 million, adds significant firepower alongside Leonard, who averaged 25.0 points during last season’s playoffs, despite battling injuries.
However, the Clippers face two key challenges: their average age of 33.2 years, making them the oldest team in the league, and the need to develop on-court chemistry. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating, “It’s going to take us 15 to 20 games into the season to really understand our rotations and chemistry.”
The Clippers’ recent history includes a fifth-place finish in the Western Conference, aided by winning 18 of their last 21 games. As they open the season, fans are eager to see how the new pieces fit together, especially with Leonard’s health being a crucial factor. He played only 37 games last season due to knee issues but is starting this season in peak condition.
Off the court, the organization is under scrutiny due to an ongoing investigation regarding potential violations of league rules related to Leonard’s contract. Both Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer have denied any wrongdoing, adding another layer of intrigue for fans this season.
The Clippers’ revamped roster also includes former Clipper and 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, now in a backup role, providing veteran leadership. The addition of Brook Lopez, John Collins, and rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser strengthens the frontcourt, which is expected to be anchored by Ivica Zubac, who averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds last season.
Lue expressed optimism about the depth and versatility of his team, stating, “We have time. We just got to keep getting better.” With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Clippers aim to finally break their first-round playoff curse.
As fans eagerly anticipate the season opener, the question remains: can the Clippers overcome age and chemistry issues to make a deep playoff run? Tune in tonight as they face the Utah Jazz, starting at 7:00 PM MDT. This matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the Clippers’ highly anticipated season.
