The Los Angeles Clippers came closer to the NBA’s Western Conference Finals than at any prior point in their history except for one time, in 2006. Yet, it wasn’t a very good season. This team expects more.
What Went Wrong Last Season?
The Clippers had some small problems and some big problems. The small problem was that the Clippers led Oklahoma City by more than six points late in Game 5 of the West semifinals, with the series tied, 2-2. A win on the Thunder’s home court would have given the Clippers the chance to win the series at home in Game 6. Everything was right there for the Clippers, who were on the verge of getting the most important win in franchise history, setting up what would have been a still bigger game for the organization.
However, point guard Chris Paul lost the ball in backcourt, enabling Oklahoma City to mount a frenzied comeback and win the game. The Clippers were discouraged and lost Game 6 after playing a flat and tired second half. This organization expected to be in the West Finals, but it fell short of its goal.
The bigger problem for this team was perimeter shooting. The Clippers had the low-post scoring they needed with Blake Griffin. They had the defense and rebounding they needed with DeAndre Jordan. They had the ballhandling they needed at the point with Chris Paul. But they absolutely could not get a consistent bucket-producing guy from three-point range. The acquisition of J.J. Redick did not bear fruit in the playoffs. Redick did not get hot very often, especially not in the Clippers’ home games. Matt Barnes, Jamal Crawford, Darren Collison, they just could not hit shots to diversify the offense and make it easier for Paul to feed teammates on the perimeter, knowing the defense was in an impossible position.
Offseason Changes
The Clippers got rid of Collison and opted for Jordan Farmar as the new backup point guard behind Paul. They parted with Jared Dudley as well, because Dudley also didn’t give the team nearly as much production as it was hoping for. New arrivals include veteran Chris Douglas-Roberts, old NBA hand Hedo Turkoglu, Ekpe Udoh, C.J. Wilcox (who will be looked to for shooting help), and Jared Cunningham. Yet, the main addition for this team is big man Spencer Hawes. This is a versatile and experienced two-way player who can hit a medium-range jump shot and defend reasonably well in the post. Hawes could very well be the player who helps the Clippers move to the next level.
Projected Finish
The Clippers are almost certain to be a top-four team in the West, but can they crack the top two? There’s just not enough about this team that is experienced or sound enough to get past the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. Basketball analysts need to see more evidence that the Clippers are ready to take the next step. For now, it has to be yet another season in which the Clippers finish third in the conference behind the powerhouses.
Pick: 3rd In The Western Conference
