Kawhi Leonard enters the offseason wholesome for the primary time since 2020, a major growth after the LA Clippers’ first-round playoff exit towards 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 undoubtedly imagine 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 through the common season.
“There’s one other stage for him on the market that he’ll get to subsequent yr,” Frank stated. “I believe subsequent yr that we could 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 enjoying 79 video games. The Clippers plan to barter with the 35-year-old guard if he declines his possibility.
“We have now an amazing stage of appreciation for what James did this yr. I am getting in with the intent that if he would not choose up his possibility that we’re going to have the ability to attain an settlement that works properly for James and works properly for the Clippers,” Frank defined.
The Clippers completed 50-32 of their first season at Intuit Dome, however didn’t advance previous the primary spherical for the third consecutive yr. Their Recreation 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 means 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.
