Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
11. LA Clippers
Draft Picks: Cam Christie
Offseason Acquisitions: Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Mo Bamba, Kevin Porter Jr., Kris Dunn
Departures: Paul George, Mason Plumlee
While others will be much higher on the Los Angeles Clippers, the franchise will lean upon the oft-injured Kawhi Leonard and soon-to-be 35-year-old James Harden after losing All-Star wing Paul George in free agency.
The Clippers signed forwards Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and combo guard Kevin Porter Jr to offset George's departure. However, none of the previously mentioned players are near the player that George is. Jones Jr. is an athletic defender, Batum is an aging 3-and-D forward, and Porter Jr. is a high-ceiling reclamation project.
LA may very well be deeper than a season ago. Nevertheless, the Clippers will be reliant on two aging stars. Aside from Leonard and Harden, the Clippers lack a third scorer. Russell Westbrook isn't a reliable third option at this stage of his career, and he may not even be on the team come next season.
If one of Leonard or Harden goes down for any substantial amount of time, the Clippers' lack of offensive firepower will be glaring. It might be too early to count out the Clippers after finishing fourth in the league a season ago, but losing George his a huge hit.