The honeymoon period for the Clippers seems to be over......
In February, the Clippers went 6-5, compared to 23-5 in the first two months. More games lost in one month than in the previous two months. Therefore, the Clippers failed to hit the top spot in the West, but instead folded the paper to fourth in the West.
The Clippers' recent poor results, in addition to the end of the honeymoon period, have seen a small wave of injuries within the team also be key. In particular, Paul George, as the team's No. 2 man, has been suffering from minor injuries recently, which has affected his competitive form, and he has only scored 7 points in a single game. First came a groin injury, followed by left knee soreness, resulting in consecutive missed strong conversations between the Clippers and the Lakers. And what's worse is that George's injury update, the Clippers team reporter revealed that George's injury suddenly escalated from left knee soreness to left knee meniscus pain. Basketball players and meniscus injuries are two keywords put together, and it's hard for Clippers fans not to panic.
So, if nothing else, George may be out for a while. Although it is difficult to hit the top of the Western Conference or even the top three, according to the Clippers' record and current state, the Clippers are still very confident that they can stabilize the playoff spot without George. So, can George sit back and relax now and train with beautiful women every day? Obviously, this is not the case. Although the team's record does not need to be worried too much, George's own problems are more troublesome. In January, Leonard signed a three-year deal with the ClippersThe $52.4 billion early contract extension was thought to be renewed with George, who was also eligible for early renewal.
George currently has a maximum of four years to deal with the ClippersA contract extension of 3.3 billion, it was widely believed at the time that George would most likely receive the same contract as Leonard, and the Clippers would continue to retain such a two-forward combination. However, it's March now, and there is no shadow of George and the Clippers' early contract extension. What's more, now that George is injured again, it still looks like a more serious meniscus injury. In this case, it seems difficult to negotiate an early contract extension with the Clippers. George has a $48.79 million plethora option this offseason, which he can decline and then go into free agency.
It was previously revealed that if George fails to reach an early contract extension with the Clippers in the offseason, then the 76ers, who have ample salary space this offseason, will pursue him fiercely. In addition, the Warriors will also pursue George, or even James or Durant, and they will need to add an All-Star wing to partner Curry. However, despite the rumors outside, the Clippers remained unmoved, and it seems that they are confident that they will keep George and Harden. Because these two people have publicly expressed their willingness to stay with the Clippers for a long time. Therefore, the Clippers can discuss with George and Harden after the season.
If the Clippers can really see championship hopes this season, then Ballmer, as the league's most expensive team owner, will certainly not be worried about money in the offseason. Therefore, the direction of the Clippers this season is particularly crucial, and how far they can go in the playoffs means how likely it is that George and Harden will get contract extensions. Winning the championship, Ballmer will definitely drive the money to the door of the two men in a truck, but at this stage, this is not very likely. The Clippers' interior line is still weak, which has become a core problem for them in the loss. encounters teams such as the Timberwolves and Nuggets with luxury interiors, and there is almost no power to fight back.
So, this offseason, the Clippers need to do too much, strengthen the weak link, renew the core and ......