The Los Angeles Clippers are on the receiving end of perhaps the most shocking upset in NBA Playoff history. They blew a 3-1 series lead over the Denver Nuggets. In the last three games, the Clippers had double-digit leads. The team now faces backlash from the NBA world. They were in a position to win the NBA Finals after acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George during the off-season. What will happen to the Clippers during the next off-season? What needs to change?
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Clippers?
The End for Doc Rivers?
Head coach Doc Rivers is held in high regard throughout the NBA. He has been an effective head coach for many years. However, Rivers has not delivered when it matters most. He has failed to coach the Clippers into the Western Conference Finals. This year was supposed to be their year with Leonard and George now there. This disappointing end could spell trouble for Rivers’ job status. He has blown multiple series leads and did not help them mentally. Their arrogance led to their downfall. If Rivers does return, he will be on the hot seat.
The Off-Season for the Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will look to retool their roster. They are in need of a defensive big man and a true point guard. Many point to the front-court as the biggest weakness. They could not guard Nikola Jokic and Kristaps Porzingis. Also, they need a point guard who can lead an offense and pile up the assist. Leonard and George are great scorers but are not playmakers. However, both of them could handicap the Clippers. Both can opt-out of their deals in 2021. They will be looking for a max contract. The Clippers might have to move players like Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams, both of who prove to be unreliable.
The Mental Hurdle
Arrogance proved to be the Clippers’ downfall. They believed they bought their way to the title. The Clippers were focused on taking out the Lakers and in the end, had their heart snatched away by the Nuggets.
For the first time in his career, Leonard is under a microscope. He had to be the superstar. Leonard looked gassed in the closing moments of the semi-finals. The former Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year must master his new reality. George must play better in high-pressured games as well. Now, humbled, the Clippers will look to improve mentally to finally break through the Western Conference.
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