The LA Clippers have made a lot of noise this offseason, but one of their quieter pick-ups will be the most noteworthy attraction next season.
The LA Clippers looked at their roster at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season and knew they had to make some big changes.
When free agency began, the Clippers immediately snapped up Brook Lopez. And then, in a major surprise, the Clippers traded Norman Powell and landed John Collins in a three-team deal.
To their luck, the Clippers were able to sign Bradley Beal after he agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
And with the return of Chris Paul to the Clippers, they truly have a complete roster, one that will look to challenge the heavy hitters in the Western Conference next season.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesJohn Collins can finally play high-level basketball again
One of the more interesting pickups for the Clippers this season was that of John Collins. The former Utah Jazz power forward was once considered one of the brightest prospects in the NBA.
However, playing for a struggling team like the Jazz, his numbers went down. In his first season with the Jazz, he averaged just 15.1 points per game.
But last season was a return to form, as Collins averaged 19.0 points per game, his best since the 2020-21 season, where he averaged a career-high 21.6 points per game.
On the Clippers, Collins won’t be a focal point of the attack. However, with a distributor like James Harden, he will get a lot of opportunities in the post to finish attacks.
Additionally, as a strong offensive rebounder, Collins will also get the chance to put away some second-chance buckets.
LA Clippers need strong season to put Aspiration controversy in rear-view mirror
The LA Clippers don’t just need to have a good campaign to redeem their championship window. But also because they’ve been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Two weeks ago, Pablo Torre uncovered evidence that the LA Clippers were allegedly using Aspiration, an energy company, to circumvent the salary cap.
The Clippers are cooperating with the NBA’s investigation into them right now, but they could face severe penalties if found guilty.
What better way to keep their fans from capitulating than by performing at the highest level on the court on a nightly basis?