Can the Clippers Turn Last Season’s Shock Success into a Championship Reality?

Few anticipated much from the Los Angeles Clippers heading into the 2024-25 campaign — and frankly, who could blame them? Stripped of Paul George, with James Harden seemingly past his prime, and Kawhi Leonard’s availability a perpetual question mark, expectations were as low as they’ve been in quite some time. Yet, against all odds, the Clippers didn’t just participate; they competed. They forged one of the league’s stingiest defenses, witnessed Norman Powell blossom into a near star, and saw Harden rekindle his old magic at an age when most players slow down. Central to their grit and grind was Ivica Zubac, a force on both ends who quietly anchored this team’s resurgence. And let’s not forget Leonard — ever the enigma, he proved he’s still one of the NBA’s elite architects of offense, crafting shots that leave defenders stunned. So, while Saturday’s heartbreaking Game 7 exit to Denver might read like a setback, it’s anything but a failure. The Clippers have laid down a marker — one that promises even greater things ahead. LEARN MOREHis 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game and ability to anchor an elite defense was a major key for Los Angeles to squeeze out games, even ones they weren’t supposed to be in.All that said, the Clippers wouldn’t have gotten this far without the play of center Ivica Zubac.James Harden (Player Option)
Nicolas Batum (Player Option)
Amir Coffey (UFA)
Ben Simmons (UFA)

James Harden (Player Option)
Nicolas Batum (Player Option)
Amir Coffey (UFA)
Ben Simmons (UFA)

James Harden (Player Option)
Nicolas Batum (Player Option)
Amir Coffey (UFA)
Ben Simmons (UFA)

James Harden (Player Option)
Nicolas Batum (Player Option)
Amir Coffey (UFA)
Ben Simmons (UFA)

Kawhi Leonard
Norman Powell
Bogdan Bogdanović
Ivica Zubac
Derrick Jones Jr.
Kris Dunn
Kobe Brown
Cam ChristieAdvertisement

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Despite the ending, James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers had a fine season. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)