via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: L.A. Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard celebrates donation of One Million backpacks from Baby2Baby, Kawhi Leonard and the L.A. Clippers to students across Los Angeles at 107th Street Elementary on August 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: L.A. Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard celebrates donation of One Million backpacks from Baby2Baby, Kawhi Leonard and the L.A. Clippers to students across Los Angeles at 107th Street Elementary on August 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
After coming off a bad postseason campaign, the LA Clippers needed to improve a lot. From being called favorites to crashing out of the second round, this was a serious reality check for them. They have started the off-season with a couple of good moves so far, but NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins is far from impressed.
Perkins recently tweeted about their Free Agency, calling them the biggest losers. He also called out their owner Steve Ballmer and President Lawrence Frank for failing to improve the roster.
Clippers were the biggest losers in Free Agency…Lawrence Frank and Steve Balmer did absolutely nothing to improve their organization!!! Carry on… https://t.co/41aTbUCMMC
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 23, 2020
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While the Clippers didn’t have a free agency outing as good as that of their rivals the Lakers, this is a harsh critique. They brought in 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka for just $9 million a year, and they acquired Luke Kennard through a trade on Draft Night. They also got a steal in Daniel Oturu, who they drafted with their 33rd pick.
ALSO READ – LA Clippers President ‘Excited’ After Trading For Luke Kennard
Why is Perkins calling the LA Clippers the free agency losers?
The biggest reason behind Perkin’s comments could be the Clippers letting reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell go to the Lakers. They were always going to lose him, and they brought in an excellent replacement for him in Ibaka. But allowing one of your best players to sign for your biggest rivals, who were already very strong, is never a good thing.
OFFICIAL: The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is joining the defending champs 😤 pic.twitter.com/ajVYAHtDdC
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 23, 2020
The Clippers also failed to retain JaMychal Green, who was a solid 3&D player for them. During his two seasons at LA, Green shot 39% from three during the regular season and 47% from three during the playoffs.
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The Clippers also lost out on Rajon Rondo, when they were desperate for a playmaker. He joined the Hawks instead, where he will be a great mentor to Trae Young. The Clippers are still in need of a point guard who can create chances, and the options are very thin now.
Join us in welcoming @RajonRondo to ATL! 🙌🙌#TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/eHoMYXTIG6
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 23, 2020
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As it stands, the Lakers look much stronger than the Clippers. Unless they pull off an incredible trade, things aren’t going to change. It could be a tough season for the Clippers, and they will have to work their socks off to beat their rivals. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be expected to improve and lead the team to a better result this time.
ALSO READ – LA Clippers Rumored to Make a Big Splash: Speculating What the Team Might be Upto
