NBA 2019-20: 3 Western Conference teams that could disappoint next season

#2 Los Angeles Clippers

Both George and Kawhi have fitness concerns

The Los Angeles Clippers, the team everyone seems to be picking as the favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the West, should be wary of the health concerns that could be coming their way.

The Paul George-Kawhi Leonard duo appears incredibly fearsome, both in how they can work together and their defensive capabilities. But that assumes that the two of them are healthy, and there are major concerns for both players.

Kawhi’s injury concerns are well documented at this point, as he openly stated that he would not have reached the Finals without the “load management” which had him out for over 20 games last year. Further load management may be necessary as there are concerns that his quad issues may be degenerative. Paul George, on the other hand, had shoulder issues at the end of last season which drastically decreased his effectiveness and caused him to undergo surgery.

The Clippers do have backup weapons, such as the Lou Williams-Montrezl Harrell tandem which gave the Warriors fits in the first round. But this is a thinner team less able to handle a sudden long-term injury, and there are other questions such as their backup big man rotation. While the Clippers should not have any issues in making the playoffs, injuries could seriously derail their run in the postseason.