Where the Los Angeles Clippers go, trouble–and the Clippers Curse–seems to follow.

Just when the Clippers thought that moving into their new home, the Intuit Dome, was going to mark the beginning of a new, prosperous era, Pablo Torre hit them with a proverbial sledgehammer. 

What was supposed to be a promising season for the Clippers with their retooled roster is now going to be in jeopardy. As the NBA’s investigation into their alleged salary cap circumvention regarding Kawhi Leonard drags on, the cloud of uncertainty hovering around this team only grows larger and threatens the outlook for a team that can realistically make a deep postseason run.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Clippers had a strong offseason, bringing in complementary pieces to support Leonard and James Harden who are entering the twilight of their careers.

They brought in Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul while essentially losing only Norman Powell and Drew Eubanks from last year’s rotation. 

Beal and Collins should play major roles for the Clippers, particularly on offense. This team was ranked 15th in the league in terms of offensive rating last year and if they can barge into the top 10 while maintaining their elite defensive aptitude (Third in defensive rating in ‘24-’25), they could emerge as legitimate contenders in the West.

The return of the 40-year-old Paul, who played six of the best seasons of his career with this team in the previous decade, is expected to provide this team with a major boost too, especially off the court. The vocal leadership that Paul brings is invaluable and something that this team has lacked in previous years as Leonard and Harden are not known for being leaders in the traditional sense.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

Leonard’s ongoing salary cap circumvention saga looms large over this team. For as long as the NBA’s investigation does not end up with his contract being voided or a prolonged suspension, the Clippers’ season should be able to chug along as planned. This adds another layer of uncertainty regarding the oft-injured forward who appeared in only 37 regular season games for them last season.

This team has the tools in place to be a good one even without Leonard on the floor, but their championship aspirations truly live and die by his availability.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The 32-year-old Beal arrives in Los Angeles following two inconsequential seasons with the Phoenix Suns where he was relegated to a third option. The three-time NBA All-Star is still in the tailend of his prime and should thrive playing off two strong playmakers in Harden and Paul. He is going to fill the role played by Powell last year and is definitely an upgrade from a talent perspective.

If Beal can acclimatize well, the Clippers will be difficult to beat, especially in a seven-game postseason series. On paper, a perimeter trio of Leonard, Harden, and Beal is a serious threat as there is not much overlap with regards to their preferred styles of play.

In a scenario where Leonard is unavailable to play, Beal’s role will grow even larger and he might even have a chance to put up scoring numbers similar to his best days with the Washington Wizards.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

This team is legit. 

They are two men deep at every position and can play almost any style given their personnel.

Naturally, the biggest concern for a team full of older players such as these Clippers is the risk of injuries. The ongoing Leonard situation is another obvious reason for caution.

The range of outcomes for them heading into this season is probably the widest in the NBA. It would not be a complete surprise if this franchise is either in flames or spraying champagne in June. One thing is for sure: These Clippers are going to be a must-watch this season whether it be their on-court product or the expected off-court drama that follows them wherever they go.