Hype is Real is an NBA.com Philippines series that gives an optimistic view of every NBA team heading into the 2022-2023 season. This is our way of convincing people why they should support and watch a particular team.
Overview of last season
An undermanned LA Clippers hobbled into the Play-In Tournament last year with a 42-40 record before getting booted out by the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a trying season for coach Tyronn Lue and his squad without superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Klaw hadn’t played an official game since tearing his ACL in the 2021 playoffs while a nagging elbow injury hampered PG13. George still put up steady numbers last year but played only 31 games.
What’s new this season?
There is certainly a level of excitement with the entry of John Wall. The five-time All-Star has battled his way back from injuries and landed on a contender where he hopes to be their missing piece.
The knock on the Clippers for the last few seasons has been the point guard position. They’ve had scoring guards like Reggie Jackson but not an elite playmaker and distributor like Wall.
Despite playing only 40 games in the past three seasons, Wall seems determined to prove that he’s still the crafty speedster of old. But more than the pace that he brings, it’s the veteran leadership and decision-making that the Clippers are yearning for. It’s alright if Wall has lost a step, just as long as he can run the offense for Ty Lue.
THE guy
As Leonard works his way back into game shape, the burden on offense will be on George. Even though he didn’t play a lot last season due to injury, George proved that he’s still at an All-NBA level. Aside from 24.3 points, he also averaged 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.2 steals.
The 12-year veteran remains at the top of his game and you can expect him to continue to play with a chip on his shoulder as long as he hasn't won a title.
As for the role players, you can also keep an eye out for Norman Powell and Robert Covington to have a better season now that they’ve had more time to prepare and get used to the system. Length and versatility are among the Clippers’ strengths, being able to field athletic shooters who can also switch easily on defense, and Powell and Covington definitely fit the bill.
Sneaky fun guy
John Wall is back and that means, the Dougie is also back!
do your dance, @JohnWall! pic.twitter.com/UrgoCJHATX
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2022
The Clippers have always been lacking in personality (Sorry, Kawhi, we haven’t seen “Fun Guy” for quite some time) but maybe Wall can fill in that void. More than the on-court stuff, there are also other factors like chemistry and team morale that Wall can contribute.
We can’t wait for him to bust out his signature dance once the season starts.
Vibe check
We are entering Year 4 of the Paul George and Kawhi Leonard partnership. Will the injury bug rear its ugly head once more and cost them another season?
The last time we checked, Leonard was still a good basketball player. Right before his injury in the 2021 playoffs, he was putting up 30 points per game while still being a menace on defense.
But how will the ACL injury and age (31) play a factor? It may take some time before Leonard gets up to speed and you can bet that the Clippers staff will be very cautious. You’re probably looking at just a handful of games in the regular season, no back-to-backs, and things of that nature. Nonetheless, if Leonard is still that Finals MVP-caliber player, the Clippers have something promising.
With health on their side (for now), the Clippers have a lot going for them. They have two superstars, a very deep bench, and a trusted coach. Now it’s just a matter of putting everything together and winning it all.
