Leonard has missed the last 15 months with a partially-torn ACL, while Paul George only saw the court for 31 games last season. Those two injuries resulted in the team going 42-40 during the regular season, eventually losing both play-in games to get into the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Clippers’ 2022 NBA Draft<\/h3>\n
The Clippers used their only selection in the 2022 NBA Draft to take Michigan power forward Moussa Diabate, who probably could have benefited from another year playing college ball. He averaged nine points per game while shooting 54-percent from the field and added a block per game as well.<\/p>\n
He grabbed six rebounds per game but only averaged 61-percent from the free throw line. The Clippers signed him to a two-way contract and he\u2019s expected to kick off his NBA career playing for the Ontario Clippers.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles generally goes with a smaller lineup down low, so it will be tough for Diabate to step on an NBA court during the regular season. Unless a slew of injuries occur to Clippers power forwards or centers, Diabate will stay put in Ontario for the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Clippers’ Offseason Acquisitions<\/h3>\n
Due to the positive impact Leonard and George will bring with both at full health, the Clippers made minimal moves this offseason.<\/p>\n
The only one that stands out is John Wall signing a 2-year $13.2 million deal with the Clippers after a stint with the Rockets in which he only played in 40 of a possible 246 games! If he can stay healthy, he should be a key contributor on the Clippers’ offense next to George and Leonard.<\/p>\n
Due to Reggie Jackson\u2019s impact, Wall will likely come off the bench during the regular season, but don\u2019t be surprised to see Wall being the x-factor for this team come playoff time.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Clippers’ Projected Starting Five<\/h3>\n
With Leonard and George returning, they’ll slot right back into the starting lineup for a team that has NBA Championship aspirations heading into the season.<\/p>\n
PG: Reggie Jackson
\nSG: Paul George
\nSF: Kawahi Leonard
\nPF: Marcus Morris Sr.
\nC: Ivica Zubac<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Outlook<\/h3>\n
If George, Leonard and Wall can limit injuries this season the Clippers can be a serious threat to win the NBA Championship in June. Leonard and George bring it on both ends of the court and the team keeps their main core of role players (Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr., Luke Kennard and Nicolas Batum) in-tact that led the team to the play-in round last season.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles plays in arguably the most competitive division in the NBA battling the Suns, Lakers and Warriors in the Pacific Division, but barring injury concerns this team should fit in as a top-6 seed in the Western Conference come playoff time.<\/p>\n
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NBA Talk with Jay Money<\/h3>\n
Jay Money, Rob Veno and Skee Profit share their thoughts on the 2022-23 NBA season. Which teams are overrated heading into the season and poised to go under their season win total? Which teams are being undervalued and could spring a couple surprises? Jay, Rob and Skee go team-by-team through the NBA.<\/p>\n