Clippers' championship window may be smaller than it appears
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The Los Angeles Clippers opted for a re-brand this offseason.
In spite of their fresh look, however, such an aesthetic face-lift is often a signifier of a team eager to turn the page on a forgettable past.
For the Clippers, a lingering history that now includes a disastrous collapse during their conference semifinals matchup against the Houston Rockets serves as a brutal reminder of what could've been.
Their 2013-14 title hopes were dashed by yet another second-round meltdown - a botched Game 5 lead swayed the series' momentum in favor of their opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although the Clips have come painfully close to reaching the NBA's summit in recent years - with incremental improvement in each of the past few seasons - the growing sentiment that the team's championship window is closing faster than expected is looking increasingly justified with each missed opportunity.
And so, fans and pundits alike approach the 2015-16 season asking the same burning question: can this season's iteration of "Ballmer's Boys" break the infamous "Clipper Curse" and win their first NBA title?
Related: 2015-16 NBA Season Preview: Los Angeles Clippers
CP3: Alpha and Omega
Long considered the laughingstock of the league, the Clippers quickly became one of the NBA's better teams with the 2011 arrival of feisty floor general Chris Paul.
The emergence of a potent frontcourt duo comprised of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan aided the franchise's rapid turnaround, but it was Paul who ignited the transformation in earnest.
The eight-time All-Star has put up consistent and productive numbers through four seasons in L.A. - 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.4 steals - but Paul, 30, may not have many peak years remaining.
In 2014-15, he logged 2,857 minutes - fifth in the NBA. The cumulative impact of such demand on the 6-foot point guard's body is a concern for the Clippers' coaching staff - hence their decision to bring in ball-handling back-up Lance Stephenson.
Although Paul - who has three years left on his contract - led the NBA in offensive win shares last season (12.9), it's unlikely he'll exceed his impressive outputs of yesteryear.
Bosom buddies or strained solidarity?
A common thread through most of the Clippers' offseason drama has been the well-publicized tension between Paul and Jordan.
The center's flirtation with the Dallas Mavericks in July was a precursor to a rekindled relationship with Paul.
The two apparently put their differences aside - although they claimed no rift existed in the first place - and displayed a somewhat familiar comradery during the team's preseason media day Friday.
But the true test of a relationship's fortitude comes during the long, arduous regular season and the pressure-packed playoffs.
Will Paul's fiery leadership style rub Jordan the wrong way once again?
Will Jordan improve the free-throw shooting that was a reported point of contention for Paul?
Just what the Doc ordered
Doc Rivers, head coach, is brilliant, with a track record that speaks for itself.
Doc Rivers, team president, has not had as much success.
So, when Rivers pivoted after almost losing Jordan, and landed several complementary pieces to bolster his flawed roster, many applauded his offseason transactions.
A recap of his most notable acquisitions:
| Player | PPG | TS% | RPG | APG | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Pierce | 11.9 | 58 | 4 | 2 | 15.2 |
| Josh Smith | 12.4 | 46.7 | 6.4 | 3.3 | 14.9 |
| Lance Stephenson | 8.2 | 41.9 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 8.8 |
| Wesley Johnson | 9.9 | 50.9 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 11.1 |
| Pablo Prigioni | 4.1 | 55.7 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 12.2 |
| Cole Aldrich | 5.5 | 51.3 | 5.5 | 1.2 | 18.1 |
Although Pierce's familiarity with Rivers' schemes is a definite plus, as is his remarkable penchant for coming through in the clutch, Pierce is admittedly nearing retirement, and the 37-year-old's overall impact will likely be limited.
Unlike Pierce, Smith is still on the right side of 30 and likely has a lot left in tank. However, 11 years into his pro career, he remains a liability from the charity stripe and beyond the arc. "J-Smoove" is a productive defender, but he's a wildly inconsistent free-throw shooter and has a tendency to jack ill-advised treys, which he converted at a 28.5-percent clip last season.
Stephenson is still an unknown commodity, regardless of his success with the Indiana Pacers. Coming off an abysmal 2014-15 campaign with the Charlotte Hornets, "Born Ready" is looking to resuscitate his career with the Clips. If he can simplify his game and limit his mental errors, he could prove to be an X-factor for Rivers.
Wesley Johnson, Pablo Prigioni, and Cole Aldrich will likely receive sparse playing time as tertiary contributors at best.
Franchise forecast
The Clippers are equipped for another deep playoff run, but the ever-competitive Western Conference may stand in their way.
As Griffin aptly stated this summer, "We haven't done anything and we know that."
Thus, the Clippers must exorcise their demons, throw on their new threads, and hone in on a singular goal: the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
And they must do so before it's too late.