After the NBA Clippers trade, can this current lineup enter the playoffs next season?

This summer, the NBA Clippers did not spend a lot of money to chase superstars like they used to, but instead made some practical transactions and signing contracts. After Paul George left, everyone felt that the Clippers were going to rebuild, but they made up a few positions with their backhand, and the lineup looked quite competitive. The offseason started to be lively from the end of June. The Clippers first renewed Harden's contract, with a total amount of $81.5 million, and the second year's player option. This contract renewal is quite stable. Harden averaged 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game last season, and his organizational ability is still at the top of the league. Then, they signed Brooke Lopez, who was 18 million yuan in two years, and became Zubac's substitute.

Lopez averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in the Bucks last season. Although he is 37 years old, he has not lost the ability to open up space in the interior. He plays 10-15 minutes per game.

On July 7, the Clippers, Heat and Jazz made a three-team deal. The Clippers got John Collins and gave Norman Powell and some cash. Collins averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with the Jazz last season. This guy can open up space and rebound, making up for the weakness of the power forward in the Clippers last season. It's a pity that Powell left. He averaged 13.9 points per game last season, but his contract was 20.5 million, which was more cost-effective for Collins.

Then there is the highlight. After Bradley Bill bought out from the Suns, he joined the Clippers with a middle-class special case. Bill averaged 18.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game last season. He has more organizational skills than Powell and can share Harden's pressure. After the buyout, the contract is about 5 million yuan a year, and it is cheap. The Clippers also signed Chris Dunn, who spent 32 million yuan in four years and worked as a backcourt defense expert.

Dunn averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 assists in the Jazz last season, and 1.1 steals on the defensive end. Derek Jones is also here, with a one-year contract and a championship experience. Last season, he averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in the Mavericks and 9.1 points per game in the playoffs. Bogdan Bogdanovic came from the Hawks, with a 68 million digit in four years, averaging 16.9 points last season, and a substitute scorer.

The young players did not fall behind either. At the draft, the Clippers chose Yanick Conanidhauser with the No. 30 draw, center, and may play in the Development League in the rookie season. The 50th draw is Kobe Sanders, a defender, from the Trail Blazers trade. There are also second-round picks and undrafts such as Cam Christie, Jordan Miller, and Kobe Brown. The performance in the summer league is average, but it can add depth. Trentin Flowers contracts for two routes, restricting free agents.

Overall, the Clippers' lineup has been adjusted from the 13-man contract last season to about 15 people, with a salary of 8.9 million yuan below the first tax line, and there is still room to sign one person.

Now talk about the lineup. The starting players are probably Harden, Bill, Leonard, Collins, and Zubac. Harden controls the court, Bill scores, Leonard defends, Collins pulls, and Zubac protects the frame. Last season, Zubac averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, and was at the top five in the center. Leonard averaged 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, but he only played 68 games, which is a problem with his knees.

Dunn defended the backcourt, Bogdanovic made a three-pointer, and Jones cut in. The depth is better than last season. Last season, the Clippers lost 49 wins and 33 losses in the regular season, fourth in the Western Conference, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. This lineup is not inferior to the top five in the Western Conference. The Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, and Timberwolves may be stronger, but the Clippers have a lot of experience.

But the problem is also obvious. Older, the team is over 30 years old on average. The risk of injury is high, Leonard missed the playoffs last season, and Bill played 60 games in the past six years. Harden and Bill are both average in the backcourt of the defensive end. The Clippers defend third in defense last season, but it is uncertain how the integration of the new lineup is. There is depth, but the playoff rotation has shrunk to 8-9, and the veteran's physical fitness cannot keep up.

The competition in the West is strong, the Thunder are young, the Nuggets have Jokic, the Mavericks have Doncic, and the Kings and the Pelicans are also strengthened. The Clippers lost to the Mavericks last season's playoffs, and were beaten by Doncic and Irving on the defensive end. Dunn and Jones were added to the new lineup, and the defense became better, but the offensive firepower was weaker than when George was there.

predicts that there will be at least 50 wins in the regular season next season, fifth or sixth in the West. Harden has a stable organization, Collins and Bill Gal score points, and Lopez has a space. The playoffs will definitely be in, and the probability of direct playoffs is high, and the first four difficulties will be difficult unless others collapse. What about the playoffs? It is possible to pass the first round, but it is difficult to pass it. Health is the key. If Leonard is injured again, Harden's playoff mode will be launched and the team will not be able to withstand it. Bill has little experience in the playoffs and the Suns made their first round last season. Collins averaged 12.6 points per game in the playoffs and had no tough performance. Lopez's championship experience helps, but his age is still there.

Chris Paul may come, using the veteran's basic salary. Paul averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game with the Warriors last season, and the organization was OK. If we come, the substitute point guard will be stable and the lineup will be more rounded. Paul is 40 years old, slow, but experience is supplemented. The Clippers' management is smart, using trade exceptions and middle-class people to find bargains, and there is no overtax. Compared to the Lakers, they move quickly, accurately and ruthlessly. The Lakers only sign young players in the summer, and the Clippers make up for their actual weaknesses.

The Clippers' lineup is no surprise that it will enter the playoffs, and the top six in the West are stable. But how far you go depends on luck. Few injuries and good chemistry, maybe the Western Conference semifinals. Otherwise, it will be the first round of the tour again. Fans should not hold too much hope, but it is better than playing badly.

The West is too rolling, the Thunder Nuggets Mavericks Timberwolves Pelicans Kings Suns Lakers Pelicans Grizzlies, all want to compete. The Clippers have an advantage in experience, but physical disadvantage. Management Fallonke did a good job. After leaving George, he turned around to make up for it. His salary was flexible and he could be rebuilt after 2027.