After overcoming the odds and fighting their way through to their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in franchise history, the Los Angeles Clippers are looking to keep the momentum going heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. This, however, may prove to be difficult as they'll be without franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard for the majority of the campaign as he's still recovering from surgery on his partially torn ACL.
Despite this, Paul George did step up his game last season and was starting to look like the Playoff P from his days with the Indiana Pacers. With a loaded Western Conference and the Clippers not having a fully healthy roster heading into the new season, it'll be hard for them to repeat the success they had last year. Given all they'll have to deal with this season, let's discuss the two reasons why the Clippers won't win the 2022 NBA championship.
Clippers still lack size
For the past few seasons, the biggest weakness for the Clippers has been their lack of size and depth in the interior. This has proven to be problematic considering the size and length of some of their Western Conference foes. The Clippers were able to overcome this during their deep postseason run last season, but with the competition revving up this time around and coach Ty Lue and his wards set to play undermanned, adding some much-needed size and length would really do them justice.
Given how little time they have to make this happen, they'll more than likely just run with Ivica Zubac at center while looking to add a quality back-up for him. Unfortunately for the Clippers, this won't be enough for them to overcome some of the bigger teams in the Western Conference.
Kawhi Leonard still injured
Even though he's reportedly ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation, Leonard will likely miss the majority of if not the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season. There's no denying that the Clippers will go as far as Leonard will lead them and as good as George has played for them as of late, they are levels better when they've got both of their superstars at full strength.
If by some miracle Leonard is able to come back fully healthy at any point this season, then that will definitely catapult their chances of winning the NBA title. Realistically though, the timeline for The Klaw's return to the court is still to be determined and this puts more pressure on George, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris Sr., and Eric Bledsoe to carry the load for the team.
With a star-studded Western Conference and the Clippers looking to stay competitive this year, it'll be hard for them to stay afloat without Leonard. But PG-13 was able to lead them to the Conference Finals last season without the injured Leonard, so there's still the possibility of that happening again. Still, it won't be enough to get them to the NBA Finals and earn them their first championship in franchise history.
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