Kawhi Leonard enters the offseason wholesome for the primary time since 2020, a major improvement after the LA Clippers’ first-round playoff exit in opposition to the Denver Nuggets. The group’s president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed continued confidence in constructing round Leonard and James Harden regardless of having the NBA’s oldest roster.
“I positively consider in these two,” Frank stated Monday throughout a media session carried out through video from New York.
Leonard missed the start of the season with irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee, not making his debut till January. He averaged 21.5 factors, 6.4 rebounds, and three.1 assists in 37 video games throughout the common season.
“There’s one other stage for him on the market that he will get to subsequent 12 months,” Frank stated. “I believe subsequent 12 months that we may be higher with extra video games from Kawhi.”
Offseason Priorities and Free Company Focus
Harden, who has a participant possibility for subsequent season, averaged 22.8 factors and eight.7 assists whereas taking part in 79 video games. The Clippers plan to barter with the 35-year-old guard if he declines his possibility.
“We’ve a fantastic stage of appreciation for what James did this 12 months. I am getting in with the intent that if he does not choose up his possibility that we’re going to have the ability to attain an settlement that works nicely for James and works nicely for the Clippers,” Frank defined.
The Clippers completed 50-32 of their first season at Intuit Dome, however did not advance previous the primary spherical for the third consecutive 12 months. Their Sport 7 loss to Denver noticed Harden rating simply seven factors on 2-for-8 capturing.
Frank recognized frontcourt assist and one other playmaker as key offseason targets by way of free company or trades. The group additionally hopes to retain Nicolas Batum, who shot 43% from three-point vary and holds a participant possibility for subsequent season.
