Don’t inform the Clippers they overachieved this season primarily based on preseason NBA predictions that had them vying for a play-in spot within the uber-competitive Western Convention as a result of Kawhi Leonard began the season coping with proper knee harm administration and Paul George had bolted to the 76ers.
Don’t inform the Clippers they exceeded expectations with a 50-32 file and a fifth seed within the West regardless of odds towards that taking place.
They at all times considered themselves in a unique mild and refused to hearken to the “outside noise” that pointed to the Clippers ending within the backside half of the convention.
By dropping to the Denver Nuggets within the first spherical of the playoffs, the Clippers failed to realize their targets for the season.
“Whether you overachieve or not, when you lose in the playoffs, it’s tough,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue stated after the group’s 120-101 loss in Recreation 7 on Saturday. “And, so, I feel bad. … Our players feel bad. Like I said, that’s all you think about is this game. You’re not thinking about the season. You’re just thinking about things you could have done better when we got to this point and it’s frustrating to go out like this. So, how I feel, I’m pissed off.”
The Clippers turned among the finest defensive groups within the NBA, holding groups to 108.2 factors per recreation (fifth-best within the league) whereas posting a defensive score of 109.4 (third-best).
However with George gone and Leonard out the primary 34 video games, did the Clippers obtain greater than they need to have?
“Hell naw. Hell naw. We didn’t overachieve nothing,” stated Derrick Jones Jr., a high defender for the group this season. “We believed from Day 1. The outside noise is the outside noise. We don’t care for it. We believe who we believe in and we knew that we could make it to where we made it to and go further. … We fell short.”
The Clippers have 12 gamers below contract and two gamers on two-way offers.
Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic, left, defends towards Clippers guard James Harden throughout Recreation 7 on Saturday.
(David Zalubowski / Related Press)
Leonard, 33, has two years left on his contact at about $50 million per season. He performed in 37 common season video games and all seven playoff video games. Importantly, Leonard goes into the offseason wholesome.
“To be able to start a training camp and to be able to start the season, which would be great,” Leonard stated. “I am happy that I’m healthy coming out of the game. But I wished we would have had a better outcome.”
“To start a training camp with him healthy, I think will be great for us,” Lue stated. “I think putting guys in their position where they can be successful and not having to do too much and having your best player to start the season, I think is very encouraging.”
James Harden had an excellent common season, averaging 22.8 factors and eight.7 assists (fifth-best within the NBA). However he had a disastrous Recreation 7 — he scored simply seven factors — and had an uneven collection that was one more disappointment for the purpose guard.
He has a participant choice for $36 million and should give the Clippers a choice by June 29. Harden shouldn’t be eligible for an extension if he opts in, however can get one if he opts out. Contemplating he turns 36 in August, it’ll be fascinating to see what Harden does and what the Clippers are prepared to do.
Norman Powell, 31, turned in a career-best season, averaging 21.8 factors per recreation. He has one yr left on his deal at $20.4 million and possibly will likely be in search of an extension.
Ivica Zubac turned one of many league’s greatest facilities. He averaged profession highs in factors (16.8), rebounds (12.6), assists (2.7) and video games performed (80). He begins his three-year, $58.6-million extension subsequent season.
Zubac and Powell have been two of the massive explanation why the Clippers have been so profitable through the common season.
Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard heads to the bench throughout a timeout towards the Denver Nuggets in Recreation 7.
(David Zalubowski / Related Press)
“That was a natural progression,” Zubac stated. “That was a good regular season, but we don’t play for the regular season. We play for the playoffs. We play for the championship. So, we went out in the first round.”
Nicolas Batum additionally has a participant choice for $4.9 million and has a June 29 deadline to decide. Referred to as the group’s connector, the 36-year-old was requested if he deliberate on returning.
“If they want me to,” Batum stated.
Jones, Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jordan Miller, Kobe Brown, Cam Christie and Drew Eubanks are below contract for subsequent season.
Ben Simmons, Patty Mills and Amir Coffey are set to turn into free brokers June 30.
The Clippers have a first-round decide (29), a second-round decide and might use their non-tax mid-level exception to enhance this offseason.
“I guess we did a good job during the season,” Leonard stated. “I guess you said a lot of people counted us out, but we were able to get here. But that’s never the goal, to just get here.”
