As the NBA regular season looms just two weeks away, the LA Clippers seem to be moving in the right direction defensively, according to Coach Tyronn Lue. But when it comes to their offense and maintaining good health, the team acknowledges they are still a work in progress.
Defensive Progress but Offensive Questions
Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ star player, acknowledged the strides made on the defensive end, praising the team’s intense energy, especially in preseason games. However, there are lingering concerns on the offensive front.
> "We’re doing a good job of playing hard, I feel like we’re bringing that intense energy on the defensive end, and that’s all you can ask for, especially in a preseason game," Leonard told The Times. "I think guys are getting after it."
However, Leonard pointed out the challenges that remain, primarily concerning familiarity with offensive plays.
> "Downside of it is, we still don’t know plays. Some of the guys don’t know the plays, so when we get back to practice we really got to focus on that. We can’t have the same, you know, downfall that we did last year. We have to start it now and be able to build and adjust once we get down into April."
Injury Concerns Loom
The Clippers’ preseason victory against the Utah Jazz, despite missing key players, demonstrates the team’s potential. Ivica Zubac, the starting center, left the game during the first quarter due to back spasms, joining the list of absentees, including Marcus Morris Sr., Norman Powell, and Brandon Boston Jr., all dealing with various injuries.
> "The injuries are not too serious," Lue reassured. He expressed hope that Zubac could return to full health in the coming days.
In recent seasons, the Clippers have been plagued by injuries to stars like Leonard and Paul George, significantly impacting their playoff campaigns. Thus, having their entire 21-man roster arrive at training camp healthy this season is considered a significant positive development.
Internally, the Clippers maintain a strong belief in their ability to compete for an NBA championship if they can maintain good health throughout the season.
> "Better now than later," Lue commented on the team’s recent string of injuries.
Offensive Challenges Persist
The Clippers may have demonstrated prowess on the defensive end, but their offensive execution has left room for improvement. In the two preseason games against the Jazz, they shot below 40%, with a 39% field goal percentage in the opening game and 38% in the most recent matchup. Despite getting open looks, the Clippers have faced challenges in the execution of their offensive plays.
What’s striking is that 13 players from last season’s roster have returned, creating an expectation for smoother offensive operations.
While the season opener on October 25 is just around the corner, the Clippers understand that addressing these offensive challenges is vital for their aspirations in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, as the regular season approaches, Kawhi Leonard challenges the LA Clippers to enhance their offensive capabilities. Despite promising developments on the defensive end and improved injury resilience, the team is still grappling with offensive execution. The Clippers aim to rectify this issue and strive for a strong start to the season, with the ultimate goal of contending for an NBA championship.
Clippers’ Contract Extension Dilemma: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
Kawhi Leonard challenges Clippers to improve on offense – Los A…
The Clippers are gearing up for their final two preseason matchups against Denver, scheduled for October 17th and 19th. Kawhi Leonard, the team’s star player, has emphasized the need for improved offensive execution as the regular season approaches. In his words, "We got to make sure we hold each other accountable at knowing the plays." With limited game opportunities left, the Clippers are striving to fine-tune their offensive strategies to make a strong start in the upcoming season.
Does Kawhi Leonard challenge the Clippers to improve on offense?
Kawhi Leonard‘s directive to the Clippers is clear: they must enhance their offensive prowess. In a recent statement, Leonard highlighted a pressing concern, stating, "We still don’t know plays." This call for improvement comes on the heels of a preseason game against the Utah Jazz, where the Clippers showcased their determination to evolve offensively. Kawhi Leonard’s challenge underscores the team’s quest for a more polished offensive performance.
What happened to Kawhi Leonard in 2022-2023?
In the 2022-2023 season, Kawhi Leonard played a pivotal role for the Clippers. Averaging 33.6 minutes per game, he displayed his scoring prowess with an average of 23.8 points and contributed 6.5 rebounds per game. Leonard’s efforts were instrumental in securing a playoff berth for the Clippers. However, the postseason took an unfortunate turn as he suffered an injury during the series, ultimately resulting in a 4-1 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
Are Kawhi Leonard & Paul George eligible for a contract extension?
Are Kawhi Leonard and Paul George eligible for contract extensions? Yes, both star players are eligible, but as of now, neither has reached an agreement with the LA Clippers. While both Leonard and George have expressed their desire to continue with the Clippers, there is no urgency to finalize any deals before the upcoming season. Their contract negotiations are currently a topic of interest and anticipation.
Will six losses in a row show Clippers chemistry?
Can six consecutive losses provide insights into the Clippers’ chemistry? Kawhi Leonard, back on the court after the team’s disappointing defeat against the Denver Nuggets, sees this losing streak as an opportunity to assess the team’s true chemistry. In his words, "I think it’s still good," as he evaluates the Clippers’ camaraderie amidst this challenging phase.
Does Kawhi have a torn meniscus?
Is Kawhi Leonard dealing with a torn meniscus? Los Angeles Clippers’ star Kawhi Leonard underwent a "cleanup" surgery for a knee injury, with an eight-week recovery period ahead. This revelation was shared by the president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, in a recent statement to reporters, shedding light on Leonard’s health status.
