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The LA Clippers still have dreams of emerging from the NBA's Western Conference this season, despite Kawhi Leonard's extended absence. Leonard suffered a partially torn ACL in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals last season and is expected to be sidelined for a large majority of the season.
While he may return in time for the postseason, time will be needed to return to his previous form. Meanwhile, the current roster will need to find ways to make up for his missed production. No player will be able to do that on their own, as it requires bits and pieces from a handful of contributors.
Paul George could return to his MVP-caliber form, Marcus Morris could shoulder more offensive responsibility, Serge Ibaka could bounce back from health issues last season, or maybe there are some unexpected youth contributors.
With how competitive the Western Conference is in the NBA, the LA Clippers will need at least one (if not more) of their X-Factors to step up.
Here are three players I see as those unknowns for the LA Clippers
#3 Terance Mann
In his second season in the NBA, Terance Mann broke into the LA Clippers rotation. He averaged 18.9 minutes per night throughout 67 total games played last season and seemed very aware that someone needed to step up in Kawhi's absence last postseason.
Most probably remember Mann's 39 point outburst in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals just one game after Leonard went down. Without Mann, the LA Clippers would not have made it to the next round. His seven of 10 made threes that night was the clear outlier, though, as he subsequently averaged just 8.3 points per game.
With another season under his belt and more earned trust from the coaching staff, Terance Man could be due for a breakout season. His emergence would ease the burden on the rest of the LA Clippers roster.
Also Read: What is PG’s Current Contract?
#2 Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe will play a notable role for the LA Clippers in the 2021-22 NBA season, the question being what level of production he will bring. He was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu.
Clearly, the LA Clippers front office has a level of belief in what the veteran guard can bring, shown by their willingness to move on from a previous starter in Beverley. His defensive ability has been apparent throughout his career, earning two all-defensive nods, despite his 6'1" frame. Offensively though, he has been a bit inconsistent.
His postseason struggles were highlighted by the Bucks, but averaging upwards of 15 points per game in decent efficiency along with roughly five assists a night is nothing to scoff at.
If Eric Bledsoe is able to substantially contribute to the LA Clippers offense, the guard pairing of Reggie Jackson and Bledsoe could have a significant impact.
#1 Luke Kennard
Luke Kennard's situation with the LA Clippers is confusing. The LA Clippers acquired the young guard from the Detroit Pistons one offseason ago and showed a clear belief in his ability earlier on by throwing a three-year $41-million extension his way.
He reportedly struggles with lingering effects of tendinitis in his knees, but his first year with the LA Clippers was undoubtedly underwhelming. In 19.6 minutes of playing time, Kennard averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebound, and 1.7 assists while shooting 47.6 percent from the field, 44.6 percent from three, and 83.6 percent from the free throw line.
That three-point percentage is great to see, but averaging roughly 10 less minutes and seven fewer points than his prior season in Detroit is an issue. Luke Kennard never looked comfortable during his time repping the LA Clippers, and maybe a healthy offseason with the team could change that.
Proving that last season was an outlier and regaining a hold on his previously positive projections would do wonders for the Kawhi-less LA Clippers this season.
