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3 Hidden Traps That Could Derail Clippers NBA Title Push

By Tyler Kemp

Paul George (L) and Kawhi Leonard (R) sitting on the Clippers' bench
Paul George (L) and Kawhi Leonard (R) sitting on the Clippers' bench / Harry How/Getty Images

Following the acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the offseason, everyone who was not a Laker fan expected the Clippers to be great during the 2019-20 season. They have held up their end of the bargain, as they currently sit in second of the Western Conference standings behind their fellow LA rivals. With the season restarting soon, here a few traps that could get in the way of the Clippers making a championship push.

3. Size (Or Lack Thereof)

Clippers center Ivica Zubac going for a rebound against the Lakers
Clippers center Ivica Zubac going for a rebound against the Lakers / Harry How/Getty Images

LA has a deep team of guys that can score at will. While they are also great defensively, size could be an issue going forward. Outside of starting center Ivica Zubac, no one else on LA stands 7-0 or taller. While signing Joakim Noah could help, there are concerns about how much he can truly bring to the table. LA will have to rely on its quickness and speed to beat other playoff teams.

2. Injuries

Starters Patrick Beverley and George have both missed a lot of time this season
Starters Patrick Beverley and George have both missed a lot of time this season / Tim Warner/Getty Images

LA has been riddled with guys that had to miss time because of injury. Starters and role players like George missed 22 games, Landry Shamet missed 17, Patrick Beverley missed 16 and Patrick Patterson missed 13. Leonard has also spent some time on the shelf, but a few of those games have been missed because of load management. Keeping the key rotational guys healthy will be the ultimate key to LA’s success.

1. A Lot of Scorers That Need the Ball

New Clippers Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris are looking to establish their roles with the team
New Clippers Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris are looking to establish their roles with the team / Harry How/Getty Images

Getting a bucket will not be a problem for LA. It is a matter of distribution of who gets to handle the scoring load. New acquisitions Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson need the ball in their hands in order to score, but so do incumbents like Leonard, George, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell and Shamet. Both the first and second units for head coach Doc Rivers have a lot of guys that need their shots.