Photo Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press
There’s no doubt in everyone’s mind that the Los Angeles Clippers are legitimate title contenders this season. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way, the Clippers are currently 33-29 and the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
The Clippers are a very well-rounded team and have the roster to live up to some lofty expectations. This season, the team made some solid additions, trading for Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland and Mason Plumlee before the NBA trade deadline.
Aside from these deals, the Clippers also signed former league MVP Russell Westbrook after he was bought out by the Utah Jazz. Many are torn with this signing considering Westbrook’s shooting and turnover problems, but his elite playmaking, rebounding and high energy may just be what the team needs.
The Clippers are still going to find out just how good they are having Westbrook as the point guard in these remaining games. With that said, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith says he wouldn’t be surprised if the Clippers make the NBA Finals with the 34-year old point guard.
“Give me a steady energizer bunny at the point guard spot who can get me 16 or 18 a game and about 8 assists. I’m taking that if I’m the Los Angeles Clippers. I’m not saying they’re going to the Conference Finals or the NBA Finals, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it happened.”
.@stephenasmith could see the Clippers going FAR with Russ 😳
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Finals.”
(via NBA Countdown) pic.twitter.com/yrerEFIquf
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 25, 2023
