The vibes are high surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers heading into the 2022-23 season. Last year was a bit of a washout as Kawhi Leonard missed the entire season and Paul George played just 31 games. The team still cruised to a 42-40 record and ended as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. The season had a disappointing ending as Paul George tested positive for Covid prior to the play-in game. The Clippers were ultimately knocked out by the New Orleans Pelicans and sent planning for next year.

While the greatest impact will certainly be made from Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's full-time return, the Clippers still had work to do this offseason. The team will attempt to launch into the top championship contender conversation this coming year. Here is how they faired in the offseason to set them up for success.

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Full 2022 NBA offseason grades for Clippers

Trades: N/A

The Clippers did not make any trades so far this offseason.

Draft: B

It was an uneventful draft night for the Clippers as well. They held just the 43rd overall selection which they used on Moussa Diabate. The 20-year-old is a long-term developmental project whom the Clippers inked to a two-way deal. The IMG Academy product spent one season at Michigan before making the NBA leap. Diabate averaged 9.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game.

Standing 6'10” with the frame to add weight and good mobility, the selection is a risk worth taking. Diabate has a long way to go in his developmental process and must improve his body and his game. Regardless, he plays with a good motor and is active on the boards. He has some intriguing tools and the franchise could be rewarded if his development goes as planned.

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Free Agency: A-

The Clippers made some notable resigning from last year's team to keep most of the core intact. Nic Batum agreed to a two-year deal with $22 million. Robert Covington signed a two-year deal worth $24 million. The franchise also inked Ivica Zubac to a three-year deal and brought back Amir Coffee, Jay Scrubb, and Xavier Moon.

It is impossible to keep everyone and Isaiah Hartenstein and Rodney Hood each walked away in free agency. Hartenstein signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with the Knicks while Rodney Hood joined the Bucks.

The biggest free agent addition was John Wall. The five-time all-star has played just 40 games over the past three seasons and recently agreed to a buyout with the Rockets. Wall agreed to a two-year deal with $13 million to join Los Angeles. The former star is still just 31 years old and will be an exciting X-factor for the Clippers this season. It is unclear how much he has left in the tank but it should not be forgotten how great he once was. While injuries certainly could have taken away some of his burst, giving him a chance on a more limited role is an excellent bet by the Clippers.

Los Angeles also signed Moses Brown to a one-year deal to replace Hartenstein. The 23-year-old is still fairly unproven but has an intriguing skillset. His monstrous 7'2″ frame and impressive rebounding should fit well with the second unit.

Overall Grades: A-

The biggest reason for optimism surrounding the Clippers is a full season with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. This duo is up there with the best in the NBA and will immediately raise the franchise to the true contending category. The Clippers were wise to avoid any major shakeups that would interrupt the two players' potential roles. Given that Leonard did not suit up for a single game last season, he will essentially be the main addition moving forward.

Signing John Wall was an unexpected bonus for the franchise. The NBA world has been without his talent for too long and it will be exciting to see what he can do in a full season. This was the icing on the cake to the offseason and Ty Lue will certainly find his best usage on the team. Losing Isaiah Hartenstein may prove to be a bigger deal than it has been given credit, but not one that drastically changes the franchise's outlook.

The smartest thing the Clippers could have done this offseason was to stay the course and this is exactly what they elected to do. There are large expectations for the franchise this season and for good reason. The pieces have now been put together for a true contender and it will be exciting to see what this team looks like on the court.