With a 14-12 record, the Los Angeles Clippers are currently the 9th team in the West.
That is obviously not the spot that fans were hoping for, even at this point in the season.
It’s too early to hit the panic button and consider 2022-23 a disappointment, but it’s clear that the Clippers are not the surging superstars some thought they’d be right from the start.
For a good team, the Clippers are kind of bad
— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) December 8, 2022
NBA writer Dan Devine summed it up best on Twitter with the ultimate backhanded compliment: “For a good team, the Clippers are kind of bad.”
He’s not wrong: the Clippers have some of the best players in the league and they are fantastic – on paper.
But they have looked lackluster and it’s leading some to wonder if this team will ever reach its potential.
A Close Win
Kawhi Leonard was back with his Clippers on Wednesday night as the team faced off against the Orlando Magic.
Even with Leonard, it wasn’t enough and the Clippers fell to the Magic 116-111.
He earned himself 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists – far from the totals that he used to create.
Paul George was also back on Wednesday and scored 11 points and 7 rebounds himself.
These two guys are obviously the center of the team – but they are also causing the biggest headaches.
Injuries have been persistent for both, although Leonard’s have far outweighed George’s.
He has only played in 7 games with an average of 11.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Without a consistent Leonard, the team has yet to really find a great rhythm or identity.
It’s as if everyone is waiting in limbo for a full-time return of the champion and former MVP.
How much longer will the wait continue?
NEXT: Kawhi Leonard Came Back To The Clippers On Monday
Doug Rigby says
Your right it is time to trade of veterens for young players and draft picks rebuild around diabate and brandon boston jr and jason preston. Iike steve ballmer. But he made a big mustake signing kawi leanord and trading for paul george they should kept those players and the draft picks the clippers are all talk