NBA: LA Clippers Collapse Raises Big Questions This Offseason

The Los Angeles Clippers were billed as one of the teams that could win the 2019-20 NBA title but things did not turn out that way. They were pushed to a game 7 by the Denver Nuggets and the Clips just fell apart. In all, Los Angeles failed to live up to its end in seeing a Western Conference all-LA show.

This is not to take anything from the Nuggets. Michael Malone prepared well although they face a daunting task against the Lakers. However, their level of play and execution should send warning shots to Frank Vogel. Though they have a talented core, the purple and gold cannot take them for granted.

As for the Clippers, Doc Rivers has no choice but to go back to the drawing board. Some felt that aiming for the NBA title after taking in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was ambitious. But then again, Leonard proved this is not much of a factor. One can only look at the success had with the Toronto Raptors last year. However, Rivers is far different from Nick Nurse – not to mention the supporting cast Kawhi had during the 2019-20 season.

It was simply a different setup for Leonard this time around. George is a proven veteran and they did have a great cast. But heading into the offseason, changes may be needed. The next likely step is for Clips management to figure out who deserves to stay and who goes.

Rivers is being singled out by some as someone who could be under fire. The reason for this is blowing series leads is something Rivers has had in the past, The Ringer reported. With the latest debacle, Rivers has now blown three 3-1 series leads. This happened during his 2003 stint with the Orlando Magic and twice with the Clippers (2015 and 2020). Would this be a key point for Steve Ballmer to consider a coaching change?

Leonard and George also had an atrocious game 7 for the Clippers. Both had a miserable shooting day and that alone spelled doom for the Clippers. In a nutshell, something was terribly off although most would call it an off day.

The Clippers have several players who will be unrestricted free agents in the offseason. Montrezl Harris, Marcus Morris and JaMychal Green are out of contract and the Clips need to figure out if they are worth bringing back. Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams and Landry Shamet are good players as well. But for the Clippers to be successful, chemistry is needed. Heading into the offseason, this is an area that Rivers and Ballmer need to figure out.