Today’s Hottest Take: The Clippers can be contenders next year

It may not seem likely at first, but the Clippers are not far off. A few strong moves and better health could change a lot. Teams in the West shift quickly, and a small improvement can move a team up several spots.

A big part of this depends on Kawhi Leonard. When he is healthy, he is still one of the most effective players in the league. He controls the pace, scores efficiently, and plays strong defense. If he can stay on the court, the Clippers have a chance in any series.

They also need more consistency from the rest of the roster. Too many games this season depended on one player carrying the offense. That is not a reliable way to win. They need multiple players who can step up on any night. If they fix that, they become much harder to defend.

Players like Nicholas Batum and Derrick Jones Jr. are big question marks on this team because they are past their primes. If they are able to hold onto what makes them great then this Clippers team will have plenty of great role players.

What you need to know: The young core is here to last

Even with the roster changes, the Clippers have younger players who can grow into bigger roles. That is important for a team without many future assets. Development has to be a focus.

Players like Darius Garland give them a starting point. He can handle the ball, create offense, and take pressure off the veterans. Having a guard like that makes the offense more stable and easier to run. They also have Bennidict Mathurin who they traded Zubac for. He needs to take some big steps into his development so he can become a starter next year. Rookies Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Kobe Sanders showed great flashes of becoming real players for this team. Along with young players like Jordan Miller and Kobe Brown, the Clippers have a solid young core

The goal is to have a mix of experience and youth. Veterans help win now, while younger players keep the team competitive long term. If the Clippers manage that balance, they will not have to start over in a few years.

Before you go: These roster pieces could make the Clippers deadly

The Clippers still need depth. They should look for players who can defend multiple positions and knock down open shots. Those types of players make it easier for stars to do their job. Free agents like Gary Payton II or Zaire Williams could help them

They could also look at adding another playmaker. Someone who can run the offense when the starters are off the floor would help keep the team steady. Right now, that is an area that can improve. Even somebody like D’Angelo Russell could help them out

There is also the option of making a trade. If the right deal is available, they could move role players to bring in someone who fits better. The key is not making a move just to make one. It has to clearly improve the team.

Even with the questions, the Clippers are not out of the picture. With the right decisions this off season, they can stay competitive and give themselves a real chance next year.