Embarrassing Exit, Uncertain Future: Inside the Clippers Offseason Dilemma After Another Playoff Letdown

However, the Clippers when it comes to the postseason has not found the formula to close on the  goal which is a championship. The Clippers have had teams with star power, depth, talent, and  experience. After eight seasons, one would think that Ballmer would have a return on his  investment by now. 

Controversial Contract Negotiations

While there have been some bright spots for Frank, such as winning the executive of the year  award back in 2019-20. There have also been some controversial things that have put the Clippers at a disadvantage basketball wise throughout the years. Last off-season, the contractual negotiations with George were referred to as “disrespectful” before the 2023-24 season. George  who was coming off an All-NBA type of season averaging his best shooting splits while  averaging 22 ppg felt his worth was underappreciated by the Clippers. That is not the first time the words “disrespectful” have been echoed about Frank from a prominent player for the Clippers.  

After the 2020-21 playoffs, former starting point guard Patrick Beverley, said the same thing  about his contract negotiations labeling them as “disrespectful”. Former center DeMarcus Cousins, who also was a part of that 2021 playoff run as well for the Clippers, said, “It’s time for  Frank to start taking some accountability of how things are run with the Clippers.”  

The Westbrook-Harden Decision

The most recent one is now Russell Westbrook where the Clippers felt compelled to value James Harden more as the starting point guard. Followed by rotational piece Kris Dunn, taking his spot last free agency. That plan backfired for the Clippers, where Westbrook got his revenge against his old team. Frank’s title in the organization is obviously a huge one, and many fans may not realize that, but they are in prominent positions making important decisions. 

Excuses, Injuries, and Lack of Urgency

Of course, there have been unfortunate circumstances like the 2020 bubble mixed in with injuries to star players. That is undeniable, but in a results-based business where much revenue is dished out it becomes about bottom line. While Frank highlighted the Game 7 loss as “embarrassing”  there was no indication of any substantial changes coming to make up for that performance. Like years prior, after disappointing losses to the season Frank echoed the same nonchalant politically correct speeches with a lack of urgency to make substantial changes.

That speech may have been easier to digest in the past with injuries to the star players of Leonard and George. This offseason, that should not be the case where Clippers beat writer Joey Linn emphasized the  roster as “fully healthy.” In the past, Lue has said he just wants to see his stars healthy one time. Well, Leonard and James Harden both were playing at an All-NBA level more than healthy and ready to go.  

Lue has just completed his fifth season as a coach for the Clippers. He also received a five-year contract extension last offseason, but just like anything it is about updating your resume. What has Lue done to earn such an extension? The last three seasons for the Clippers have been filled  with particularly good regular season stents and first round exits.  

Comparing Lue to Other NBA Coaches

When you look around the league, coaches such as Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer, Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Michael Malone who have obtained better regular season records than the Clippers and/or a championship only for all five guys to be relieved of their coaching duties. The idea that Lue’s time and voice on the team may have run its course does not seem to  be as farfetched. That 2016 championship Lue won with the Cleveland Cavaliers was close to a decade ago. There are things to evaluate on his coaching resume to see where his position should  stand. 

This season, many things were in the Clippers favor as far as productivity. Harden, as mentioned, carried a lot of the weight offensively averaging 22.8 and 8.7 apg. Those numbers awarded him with an All-Star nod and possibly an All-NBA team selection. Center Ivica Zubac who has been playing at All-NBA Defensive level throughout the regular season. In a seven-game series  against the Nuggets, he was more productive, averaging 16.4 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 1.2 bpg.

Three time MVP Nikola Jokic felt Zubac’s presence throughout the entire series. Norman Powell, another weapon, elevated his game throughout the regular season, whom Frank said was playing at an “All-Star level” before his injury. Powell averaged a career high 21.8 ppg off 48.4%  shooting from the field. Jeff Van Gundy as well had the Clippers as a top five ranked defense in  the NBA throughout the entire season. 

Missed Opportunity and Lessons from the Nuggets

Finishing the season up on an 18-2 record they were peaking at the right time. This was a season where it began to shape for the Clippers to do something special. These are all ingredients towards a successful postseason. Ironically, the team they lost to the Nuggets seemed to be going the opposite direction. At least that was what the perception was from the outside. With the firings of the Nuggets General Manager Calvin Booth and former championship Head Coach Michael Malone the Nuggets have found new life. In business, sometimes it calls to make tough decisions. Booth and Malone were reported to have been at odds with one another surrounding  the roster. 

Clippers Offseason Dilemma: Compete or Contend?

The Clippers must decide is their goal to really win a championship or just be exciting and  competitive? Looking into the future, this could be an opportunity to take a page out of the  Nuggets playbook and start from the top. While Ballmer may have personal relationships with  Frank and Lue, neither has been able to deliver the results for this organization for an extended period of time.