Entering this 2021-22 season, the Los Angeles Clippers were already a depleted team due to the torn ACL injury Kawhi Leonard sustained in the playoffs last year. However, their goal was to still become a formidable playoff threat and hope for Leonard to come back just before playoff time. That could still be plausible in this current scenario, but Paul George will also be out for over a month because of a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

With the Clippers down two talented superstars, it would be difficult for head coach Tyronn Lue to sustain their early-season play and propel this current roster to avoid the play-in tournament. Negotiating trades could be considered, but it will be tough for the Clippers to swing a deal because their players are not as attractive and valuable to other franchises. Thus, Lue is forced to work with his current crop of players and possibly fend off the play-in teams from entering the top six in the Western Conference.

Clippers Without Paul George And Kawhi Leonard

Run the offense through Morris Sr., Jackson 

In their outing against the Boston Celtics, Marcus Morris Sr. led the charge with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Their team was undermanned, but Boston could not prevent Morris to create offense from the elbow. On a triple threat position, he is a lethal man to defend because of his shooting prowess and ability to drive the ball to the paint. Additionally, he could utilize his playmaking as well when shooters like Luke Kennard and Terance Mann are open on the corners.

Reggie Jackson was cleared from protocols for their game against the Celtics, but he will still suit up on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors. He will be the primary ball handler and playmaker in the offense, but he must prove that he could be more efficient and a better facilitator for the next few weeks. Jackson must posses more of a leadership role in his Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons stints for the team to continue playing inspired basketball.

Focus their game plan on the defense

It is no secret that their talent on offense is severely compromised without Leonard and George. It is imperative for Lue to maximize the defensive talent and versatility of Mann, Morris Sr., Eric Bledsoe and Nicolas Batum. These four individuals have proven to excel at that end of the court at certain junctures of their career, making it a vital adjustment that Lue must continue to capitalize on at this critical stretch of the season.

Limiting the Celtics to 82 points and the Denver Nuggets to 103 points despite the loss is a step in right direction for this franchise. Their defense could still be improved, especially against the powerhouse contenders, but making it their calling card and focal point is a necessity for the Clippers. If they choose to keep it up offensively with the likes of the Golden State Warriors or Phoenix Suns, it will be a quick downfall even before the pending return of Leonard and George.

Continue searching on who will produce in playoffs

When it is approaching playoff time already, coaches tend to shorten their rotation to eight or nine reliables every game. The Clippers are a deep bunch in every position, but Lue must figure out who stands out for them to receive more minutes in the NBA Playoffs. Moreover, he must find the combination that will flourish when they are on the court with Leonard and George in the latter part of the season.

Individuals like Bledsoe, Mann, and Batum will have an increase workload, thus giving them more opportunities to showcase their talent. As Lue continues to find the best lineup combinations, he must also balance the ability for LA to rack up victories to keep their position at a respectable level. Lue already won a championship in his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, so he has the track record to prove that he can tinker with lineups and put role players to succeed in their respective roles.

Even with the sudden injury of George and the continued recovery of Leonard, Lue can still find some optimism and opportunities for his role players to find their groove. The Clippers are one of the franchises that has the highest payroll as well, meaning these others individuals could prove they are not being overpaid by the Clippers. It will be a tough hill to climb for LA, but with Lue at the helm, there is no doubt he will figure it out.