“Rondo didn’t want to play with Kawhi”: NBA Analyst Pokes Fun at LA Clippers

During the start of the 2019-20 season, the Los Angeles Clippers were seen as the favourites to win the championship. With the signings of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George along with a deep roster, this team was touted to be successful.

Unfortunately, their season was disappointing, to say the least. They were ousted by a young Nuggets side and couldn’t even make it to the Western Conference finals.

When this off-season started, there were multiple rumors of Clippers being interested in free agent Rajon Rondo. Rondo, who won the championship with the Lakers, was supposed to be the backup point guard for the team.

As soon as the off-season kicked off, Kawhi and the Clippers were shocked to see their center and reigning sixth man of the year, Montrezl Harrell, join the champions.

There was still some hope of Rondo signing with them. But to the team’s dismay, the 4-time All-star signed with the Atlanta Hawks instead.

To this, NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe ridiculed Kawhi and the Clippers saying that no one wants to play there. Sharpe said, “I guess Rondo didn’t want to play with Kawhi and Trezz didn’t want to play along side him anymore. No one wants to play in the basement when all the fun is upstairs.”

What now for the Los Angeles Clippers?

LA Clippers will be devastated to see one of their stars in Harrell gone and Rondo, who was touted to be their backup guard, joining the Hawks. Now they are left with Ivica Zubac as the only center in the team.

Zubac might be good as a backup center, but not good enough to become the starter. They have brought in Serge Ibaka to fill in the role. Ibaka averaged a career high 15.4 points per game last season. He might be able to match Harrell’s output.

Now, the Clippers will be looking forward to the point guard position. Patrick Beverley might be a good defender but is not that skilled with the ball in his hands.

With quality guards already signing with new teams or re-signing with a better contract, the free agency now seems deserted of quality guards. The Clippers might have to settle in for Beverley or can look to make a trade package for another guard.

The team lacked chemistry which led to its downfall. They will be eager to solve this and challenge again for the title. For now, their single move in the free agency has certainly taken them out as the favourites.