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The 2020-21 NBA season is a few weeks away and training camp is underway. The Los Angeles Clippers had a disappointing end to last season after being ousted in the second round by the Denver Nuggets after leading 3-1 in the series. As a result, Doc Rivers was let go at coach and replaced by Tyronn Lue. We’ve seen this movie before in Cleveland. Does this mean Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will rally past possible chemistry issues and get to the NBA Finals in 2020-21? Perhaps. There was some turnover with the roster but not much has changed for the Clips. Here we’re going to take a look at the Clippers’ offseason, plus look ahead to the 2020-21 season.
2020 offseason
Key additions
Serge Ibaka, PF/C (free agency)
Luke Kennard, SG/SF (trade)
Nicolas Batum, G/F (free agency)
Key losses
Montrezl Harrell, PF (free agency)
2020-21 odds
Title odds: +550
Win percentage: O/U 65.5
Kawhi Leonard MVP odds: +2000
Paul George MVP odds: +6000
Kawhi Leonard DPOTY odds: +3000
2020-21 roster
Depth Chart
PG: Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Ky Bowman
SG: Paul George, Luke Kennard, Lou Williams
SF: Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Luke Kennard
PF: Marcus Morris Sr., Patrick Patterson, Mfiondu Kabengele
C: Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Patterson
Roster battles
Starting C: Serge Ibaka vs. Ivica Zubac
Fantasy basketball
Best Sleeper
Serge Ibaka — I don’t know if Ibaka will start, but I definitely think the Clippers could use Ibaka in a similar way as Harrell last season. My guess is Ibaka will be in crunch time lineups for his defense, versatility and ability to stretch the floor. If Lue went with Ibaka, Kawhi, PG-13, Morris and Lou Will in crunch time that’s four players who can defend and everyone can shoot from outside.
Likely Bust
Patrick Beverley — Pat Bev hasn’t been a fantasy asset in a while. His injury history is piling up and age is catching up with his defense. Usually good as a steals specialist in certain formats, I don’t see any need to take Beverley late in your draft. He’s also the “bust by default” with the Clippers lacking depth.