Nearly every offseason for the LA Clippers, excuses and high levels of criticism arise about what the team has improved. Last summer, the changes were minor, and the media discussed the Clippers relying on a version of James Harden who was past his prime, while not having Kawhi Leonard for an unpredictable timeframe.
However, the Clippers won 50 games, Leonard ended the year on a strong note, and Harden was selected to the league's third All-NBA team, which also earned him an All-Star selection, marking his eleventh honor in 16 seasons.
Moreover, the Clippers were the fifth seed with numerous holes in their roster.