Clippers

The Clippers' reputation improved during the 2010s, which saw them transform into consistent postseason contenders. Aided by the "Lob City" lineup of Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, the team qualified for the playoffs in six consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2017 and won two consecutive division titles in 2013 and 2014, both firsts for the franchise. Despite this success, the Clippers struggled in the postseason and were frequently eliminated in the Conference Semifinals; the team reached the Conference Finals for the first time in 2021. To date, they are the league's oldest franchise to have never played in the NBA Finals.

There is currently a cloud of uncertainty hanging above the team. It’s reminiscent of how awful the vibes were in the 2020 bubble, when the Clippers suffered an epic meltdown that triggered a coaching change. Their recent struggles, losing nine of the last 11 games and sitting just a half-game above 10th place in the West, have brought a preseason Finals favorite down to mediocre status – the largest gap between expectation and reality the franchise has faced since the end of Lob City.As the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches, the Clippers will have choices to make. For a team that historically makes huge deals the week of the deadline, they will be looking for backup center options, improvements in the backcourt, and potentially huge deals that will shake up the rotation.As the Feb. 9 trade deadline approaches, the Clippers will have choices to make. For a team that historically makes huge deals the week of the deadline, they will be looking for backup center options, improvements in the backcourt, and potentially huge deals that will shake up the rotation.

Clippers’ credit, being safe with Leonard has actually yielded great results in terms of him getting back to peak ‘Klaw’ form. Over his last 14 games, Leonard has been in a real groove. He’s averaging 26 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per 36 minutes during that time — while shooting 55.6% from two, 37.9% from deep, and 82.7% at the line.

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