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At a Glance:
Record: 51-31 (4th, West)
Offensive Rating: 117.9 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 114.6 (16th)
Net Rating: 3.4 (7th)
Pace: 97.93 (20th)
2024 NBA Draft Picks: 46
The 2023-24 season was the last for the Clippers in downtown Los Angeles, as they’ll move into the Intuit Dome in Inglewood in October. The expectation was that Tyronn Lue would preside over a title contender, especially after James Harden was acquired from the 76ers in November and the team went on a nine-game win streak in December. However, the Clippers would not produce a streak of more than five wins from December 20 onward, with the rugged Western Conference having much to do with that. And Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury in April made matters even worse for a team that would finish fourth in the West, as he missed the final eight games of the regular season and was shut down for good after Game 3 of the team’s first-round series against Dallas.
The eventual Western Conference champions eliminated the Clippers in six games, and they now face significant questions this offseason. While Leonard agreed to an extension in January, Harden will be an unrestricted free agent, and Paul George has a player option. The bench rotation will also need to be addressed, as Russell Westbrook and P.J. Tucker have player options, while backup centers Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis will be unrestricted free agents.
From a fantasy standpoint, we know the expected studs: Leonard, George, and Harden. The concern, especially for Leonard, is the availability. Ivica Zubac finished the regular season ranked just outside the top 100, while Norman Powell was most valuable on nights when one of the Clippers’ stars was sidelined. Who can be relied upon beyond Leonard and Zubac in 2024-25 will depend on what happens with Harden and George in free agency.
Fantasy Standout: Kawhi Leonard
Leonard may not have been available for the stretch run, as he missed the Clippers’ final eight regular season games (and four of six playoff games)…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/los-angeles-clippers-fantasy-basketball-140000388.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-06-14 14:00:00
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