3 players of the LA Clippers expected to deliver big in the 2021-22 NBA season

As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, there's no question that this team will look different compared to last year. The main reason? Superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss the majority of the season after undergoing an operation during the offseason.

After a year in which the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals, many will wonder if this Los Angeles team can battle back and become a contender in the playoffs again.

While the loss of Kawhi Leonard will challenge the Clippers, there's still some serious intrigue about this team being a bit of a "sleeper" in the Western Conference. Head coach Tyronn Lue has done a sensational job with the Clippers ever since he was hired, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Lue has a couple of tricks up his sleeve this year as well.

With a roster that has an intriguing mix of veterans and young talent, let's take a look at some players that could be prepared for a big year for the Clippers.

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The top players on the LA Clippers' roster for the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Terance Mann

Terance Mann could be an X-Factor for the Los Angeles Clippers

With the Los Angeles Clippers expected to be without Kawhi Leonard for the majority of the 2021-22 season, the team is going to need someone to step up and play a big role in the rotation.

One of the top contenders to do that is Terance Mann. After having a bit of a coming-out party during last year's NBA playoffs, the hope was that the 24-year-old wing would build off that momentum and become a bigger piece of the puzzle.

After an impressive offseason and preseason showing, the Clippers were pleased with what they saw with Mann. They gave him a two-year, $22 million extension. Mann is preparing to have himself a big year for the Clippers. He's got intriguing versatility on both sides of the ball and he's just scratching the surface when it comes to his full potential.

#2 Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson could be in for a career year with the Los Angeles Clippers.

One of the biggest developments of the Los Angeles Clippers' season is the strength of the backcourt. Over the last several seasons, the Clippers have played the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George at shooting guard and small forward. With Leonard expected to be out, the Clippers are now going to be focusing more on a smaller lineup.

Eric Bledsoe was brought over in a trade and is expected to be in the starting lineup. One player who's expected to be a big part of any potential Clippers success this year is Reggie Jackson.

After an eye-opening display of basketball throughout the NBA playoffs, the Clippers made it a point of emphasis to re-sign Jackson in the offseason. The 31-year-old point guard now looks positioned to potentially have a career year for the Clippers and he should be a fun one to watch this year.

#1 Paul George

Paul George could be in position for a career year with the Los Angeles Clippers

For the first time since his early days with the Indiana Pacers, Paul George is going to be "the man" again for an offense. With Leonard out, the Clippers are going to run their offense entirely through Paul George.

It could be potentially a massive year for the seven-time All-Star, as George will be motivated to show fans across the league that he can still be a dominant player when needed. Don't be surprised if George also has impressive numbers across the board, as Tyronn Lue has also done a great job of letting George be a playmaker while running the offense.

We saw glimpses of how dangerous Paul George could be during the Playoffs, as he carried the Clippers with some of his impressive performances. It would be great to see PG13's confidence soaring again, as he has the two-way ability to be must watch TV on a nightly basis.

If George can stay healthy and help the rest of his teammates push the needle forward, he could become a sneaky darkhorse contender in the MVP conversation.