Exited at the tiebreak, how did the Clippers make a comeback? US media sends 3 tricks: renewal of Harden + protecting the small card

The Clippers were eliminated in the first round unfortunately. How did the Clippers make a comeback next season through offseason adjustments? The US media "hoopshabit" gave three tricks in advance, including renewing the contract with Harden and continuing the strategy of protecting small cards this season.

Under the 7th tiebreak, I was eliminated in the game

After building the team around George and Kat for many years without success, the Clippers decisively gave up George before the start of this season, reorganized the lineup around Harden and Kat, and played a highly anticipated season.

Especially at the end of the regular season, the Clippers entered the playoffs with an impressive 8-game winning streak, and it seems that there is a possibility of competing for the championship.

was eventually eliminated by the Nuggets through tiebreak. Although they were unfortunately eliminated, judging from the playoff content, this Clippers built around Harden, Kat Jr., Zubac and Powell are completely possible to form a real championship ability after appropriate adjustments.

US media sends 3 clever tricks

In this case, the US media "hoopshabit" combined the Clippers' lineup needs and playoff performance to send 3 clever tricks, including renewing the contract and keeping Harden, and continuing to protect the small card strategy.

Music plan: Strengthen the bench

The Clippers have four offensive strong points: Harden, Kat, Zubac and Powell, but in fact they are a solid defensive team. They rely on the offensive launch of four players in this game, resulting in most of the scores being concentrated in the starting lineup.

This shortcoming in the playoffs was completely exposed. The Clippers averaged 24 points per game on the bench, and no substitute averaged more than 7 points per game.

This forced Tyron Lue to keep the starter on the court for a long time, and the vicious cycle led to the main players' lack of physical fitness at critical moments, especially Harden. The Clippers rely heavily on his ball holding and field control. The huge physical energy consumption brought by long-term appearances amplified his instability at critical moments. The good news is that the Clippers have the ability to upgrade to the bench during the offseason. In addition to looking forward to Bogdan's further integration, they hold a full middle-class special of $14 million, and can at least introduce an elite-level substitute scorer.

For example, Brogdon, Russell, Schroeder, Hardaway Jr. and Leville, to share Harden's ball-holding pressure. It is worth mentioning that according to the Clippers' Law Murray, the Clippers' primary goal is Brogdon.

plus there are some small trading exceptions. If some rotation end players are properly abandoned, the Clippers can further introduce 1-2 reliable rotation-level substitutes.

Skill 2: Renewing the contract Harden and Powell

Harden performed lower than expected at the critical moment of the playoffs, but the persistence and rebound of the regular season are obvious to all. Not only did he return to the All-Star after two years, he was also selected for the Best Third Team.

Plus "Open-Air Stand" reporter Zach Buckley revealed that Harden is very likely to reject the $36.5 million player option and stay in the team with a slight salary cut in a two-year, $75 million contract. The Clippers have no reason not to keep him.

US media The Stein Line reporter Jake Fischer also pointed out that the Clippers would not let Harden go, and the latter had no intention of leaving. Even though Harden performed poorly at the critical moment, the Clippers management was very satisfied with him because the team initially only had the third leader in positioning Harden, and what he did exceeded expectations.

Music Skill Three: Continue to protect Xiaoka

After half a season of rest, Xiaoka has rarely entered the offseason since joining the Clippers. This is obviously good news for Xiaoka to stay healthy next season.

When Xiaoka was healthy, he proved with his actions that he was still one of the best stars in the current service. He averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game in the playoffs, with an overall shooting percentage of 54%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 41%.

The Clippers' ability to play the playoffs healthy is entirely due to the Clippers' careful strategy for him this season. After strengthening the offseason, the Clippers need to continue this strategy in the new season to ensure that Clippers can play healthy for the entire season again.