With the start of the season approaching fast, things are looking bright for the Clips

From the sample size given thus far, the Clippers, along with their new offseason additions, look fantastic, despite a preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The old-fashioned eye test gives a positive impression when observing this newly loaded Clippers roster. There’s a sparkling energy flowing around the team, and that energy is translating onto the hardwood. Currently sitting at a preseason record of 2-1, there’s one preseason match left against the Golden State Warriors, but eager fans should already be excited about what they’ve seen from James Harden and company.

Individual performances during this stretch of games from returning core members were solid, with Kawhi Leonard averaging 16.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, and Ivica Zubac averaging 10.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. James Harden, however, seems to be taking it easy during the preseason, averaging a measly 6.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, though we’re confident he’ll ramp things up once the regular season commences. 

New additions John Collins and Brook Lopez are already making a huge splash in their Clippers debuts, with Collins averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, and Lopez averaging 13.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. If these two can consistently continue this level of production off the bench over the course of the regular season, the Clippers could end up as one of the elite teams to watch out for. 

Returning Clipper legend Chris Paul is also letting his impact be felt off the bench, averaging 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. We also expect these numbers, specifically his assists, to surge once the team is back into full rhythm. 

Another new face to the team, Bradley Beal, has been inactive so far in the preseason due to a knee injury. Thankfully, the roster’s depth is extremely deep and versatile, meaning the Clips can afford to let Beal sit out for a while other players can substitute for his role during his on-court absence. But once fully healthy, Beal should add to the scorching firepower and gleaming chemistry the team has been displaying. 

With one final preseason game set for Friday night against the Warriors, we can’t wait to see how the Clippers tackle the regular season. Game 1 of the regular season sends the Clippers on the road to visit the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, October 22nd.Â