Kendrick Perkins believes the LA Clippers are making a big mistake after signing Chris Paul.
The LA Clippers have put together quite a strong roster this offseason. With James Harden’s Clippers future secured, the front office got to work on making moves.
The Clippers went on to sign Brook Lopez to be the backup center behind Ivica Zubac. But their biggest move came just a few weeks later.
In a big shocker, the Clippers traded Norman Powell to land John Collins in a three-team trade including the Miami Heat and the Utah Jazz.
But they didn’t stop there, as the Clippers signed Bradley Beal once he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
Another guard signing came just days later, as the Clippers signed Chris Paul to be their next point guard. While many fans were impressed with their moves, Kendrick Perkins feels they’re making a big mistake.
Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty ImagesKendrick Perkins calls out LA Clippers for aging roster after Chris Paul signing
Kendrick Perkins made an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today to talk about the Clippers signing Chris Paul. He joked that the franchise’s aging roster makes them the NBA’s retirement home.
Perkins added that this move doesn’t make them a contender, given the tough nature of the West. Furthermore, their roster’s age will show when the time comes.
“Congratulations to Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA, for the players.
“If we think that this is about to move the needle for the Clippers, for as far as being a competitor, not just a title contender, but competing in the tough Western Conference, it’s not.
“I get it, Chris Paul, he brings great value, whether he’s playing or whether he’s on the bench, being an extension of Ty Lue. But when I look at their roster, I look at a guy like Dunn. Yes, he’s a guy that could defend at a high level.
“But the Clippers look old, and they still, to me, have a problem at their wing position when it comes down to depth from guys that could compete and play at a high level.
Kendrick Perkins questions LA Clippers’ contender status in Western Conference
Perkins further added that the Clippers do have a strong offensive unit with the addition of Chris Paul. But even with a decent regular season campaign, do the Clippers with Paul have enough to compete against the Thunder, Nuggets, or Rockets?
“Offensively, they got enough to put up points. They’re going to have a good regular season.
“But when it comes down to them competing in the Western Conference, especially when they get to postseason time, can they compete with the likes of Houston, OKC?”
The Clippers have a very top-heavy roster when it comes to their older players. Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, James Harden, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul are all above the age of 33.
This won’t help the team’s health next season, as their players are likely to be more injury-prone and not play a majority of their regular-season games.