Counting out the Clippers? Think again, says Tyronn Lue

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue knows his team is not considered a top contender this season as they have been in the past, but said “we still feel like we have enough and I do believe that.” (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

There were high expectations for the Clippers the last five seasons because of the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

That is not the case this season.

George skipped town, leaving the Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers, and Leonard, who has dealt with injuries during his tenure with the Clippers, will be out indefinitely because of inflammation in his right knee.

So, when the Clippers open the regular season Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, the franchise’s new $2-billion arena, against the Phoenix Suns, NBA critics say they should do so not expecting to contend for a top-six spot in the uber-tough Western Conference. At best, prognosticators say, the Clippers might be able to compete for one of the play-in spots.

The Clippers have heard all the noise and have chosen to ignore all those who say they shouldn’t have the same high expectations because of a once-again injured Leonard and the departure of George, the two stars who failed to lead the Clippers to a championship but made them competitive at all times.

“Our expectations are always high — to win,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “I mean, we have a great group of guys. We got guys that play hard and compete. We got offensive guys and so when we step on the floor, we are preparing to win and we want to win. With PG being gone, with Kawhi being out right now, we still feel like we have enough and I do believe that.”

Clippers guard James Harden tries to power his way past Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving during a playoff game last season. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

At one point last season, the Clippers had four stars they expected to lean on for the move into owner Steve Ballmer’s $2-billion venue, four future Hall of Famers to make them relevant after finishing in fourth place in the West.

Now they are down to just one to start the season — James Harden, who is 35 and going into his 16th season.

Still, the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/counting-clippers-think-again-says-110034152.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-10-21 11:00:00

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