{"id":179814,"date":"2025-07-18T19:42:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/179814\/"},"modified":"2025-07-18T19:42:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:42:17","slug":"in-a-copycat-league-clippers-are-ignoring-okcs-blueprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/179814\/","title":{"rendered":"In A Copycat League, Clippers Are Ignoring OKC\u2019s Blueprint"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBA can be a copycat league. Last month, the Oklahoma City Thunder became the second-youngest team ever to win in the NBA Finals. The oldest player on their roster was Alex Caruso<\/a>, who turned 31 years old on February 28. It seems like the Los Angeles Clippers have no interest in going that route. In looking for the franchise\u2019s first championship, LA has stacked their roster with players older than 30, and are even rumored to sign a 40-year-old. The Clippers clearly are not following OKC\u2019s blueprint to their championship.<\/p>\n

In A Copycat League, Clippers Are Ignoring OKC\u2019s Blueprint
\nClippers Are Going With An Older Team<\/p>\n

The Clippers had a hard-fought seven game series against the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of last season\u2019s playoffs. While they didn\u2019t come out on top, they still exceeded the expectations placed upon them before the season, especially after Paul George<\/a> left for the Philadelphia 76ers.<\/p>\n

They were one of the league\u2019s older teams though, and that\u2019s something they remain. An offseason trade bringing in John Collins<\/a> for Norman Powell<\/a> did make them younger. Bradley Beal<\/a> was brought in as somewhat of a Powell replacement<\/a>, and they are a similar age (Beal is about a month younger).<\/p>\n

Looking at the Clippers roster, well\u2026it\u2019s once again an older one. If you look at the ages of their likely top 10 rotational pieces, seven are at least 31 years old. Nobody is younger than 28 once the 2025-26 season tips off. (Ages in parentheses are how old they will be on opening night.)<\/p>\n

Now, the Clippers do have younger pieces as well such as 30th overall pick Yanic Koran Niederhauser<\/a>, Cam Christie<\/a>, and Kobe Brown<\/a>. It\u2019s hard to see these three usurping any of the 10 players listed above, at least to open the season. Of course, Leonard will have his days off and injuries could occur.<\/p>\n

\"\"Apr 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue (left) talks to guard Cam Christie (12) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Still, it\u2019s fairly remarkable to see those ages, when the Thunder just won a championship with an average age of 25.6. LA is also expected to sign someone even older than anyone else on their roster.<\/p>\n

Chris Paul Return To LA?<\/p>\n

Chris Paul<\/a> played six seasons with the Clippers from 2011-12 until 2016-17. It was a wonderful tenure from the \u2018Point God\u2019, as he led the league in assists twice and steals three times with the team. Now 40 years old, he could be returning to the team.<\/p>\n

It has been reported that Paul wants to play close to his LA home<\/a> this season after spending 2024-25 with the San Antonio Spurs. As mentioned by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the 20-year veteran is expected to sign with the Clippers.<\/p>\n

Some late night NBA talk here on the Clippers after agreeing to a deal with Bradley Beal.<\/p>\n

In addition to Chris Paul, who is expected to sign with LA, the Clippers also have strong interest in Malcolm Brogdon, sources told @ClutchPoints<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Brogdon has been linked to LA for years. https:\/\/t.co\/olOm1T4YB8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

That would make eight of LA\u2019s top 11 in their rotation at least 31 years old, and include one that is 40 years old. Siegel also mentions Malcolm Brogdon<\/a> who is 32 years old as a player they have interest in. While many teams believe in having an infusion of youth, the Clippers are going with the route of players who are longer in the tooth.<\/p>\n

Photo credit: \u00a9 Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t