After experiencing a lost season last year that saw them miss the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers are poised for a big season.
They’re considered one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to win the world championship this year, and they have a roster that, at least in some ways, is absolutely stacked.
They began their regular season on Thursday with a hard-fought 103-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and it showed fans that there are several reasons to be excited about the team.
Kawhi Leonard Is Back
After suffering a partially-torn ACL in June 2021 during the NBA playoffs, Leonard missed all of last season, but he is back now.
He came off the bench on Wednesday and played just 21 minutes, as team officials want to have an abundance of caution about getting him back into game shape, especially considering his long list of past injuries and ongoing health concerns.
But he showed flashes of his old self, scoring 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard’s official first bucket back 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0xeeN2B0DZ
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 21, 2022
The Clippers will need him to play regular minutes and return to his accustomed superstar status fast, especially with all the depth and talent in the Western Conference, but there is no reason to think he won’t get there.
Norman Powell Was A Nice Pickup
Last season, the Clippers swung a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers that landed them Powell and 3-and-D forward Robert Covington while giving up what seemed like very little.
He played only five games for L.A. after the trade before getting injured, but during that span, he averaged 21.4 points per game on high efficiency.
He’s the type of player who can super-charge the Clippers’ offense and take pressure off Leonard and Paul George.
Norman Powell has the hot hands 🥵
32 points
10-of-13 FG
4-of-6 3PT pic.twitter.com/J1zYbvYk4B— Clippers Nation (@ClipperNationCP) October 13, 2022
The Clippers Have Lots Of Wings
Between Leonard, George, Powell, Covington, Nicholas Batum and Marcus Morris Sr., L.A. has an embarrassment of riches in terms of wings.
All of them can score points, or at least hit from 3-point range with accuracy, while providing some high-level defense and shrinking the court.
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