The team is spearheaded by two wings. One recently earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team, while the other claimed the Finals MVP award. Both players represent the pinnacle of talent in the NBA — excelling as shooters, defenders, play initiators, and cutters. They encompass every aspect of basketball greatness. Naturally, this team enters the season as a championship favorite. Are we talking about … the 2019-20 Los Angeles Clippers? The 2024-25 Boston Celtics? Indeed! Both teams.
In 2024, the Celtics dominated their competition like never before. They concluded one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history and have retained most of their roster during this offseason. As a result, they are now considered strong favorites to secure another championship next season. Conversely, heading into the 2019-20 season, the Clippers were viewed as favorites too. However, they spent five seasons performing well but not close enough to capture a title—ranking as onlythe sixth-winningest regular-season team without reaching glory—especially with Paul George now wearing Philadelphia 76ers colors.
Ultimately, much of what defines the last five seasons for the Clippers rests more on missed opportunities than actual achievements.
They began under comparable circumstances to those faced by Boston and had similar foundational pieces with their star wing duo.
There’s an argument that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George produced greater individual accomplishments than Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown when both were healthy over these years.
Yet it was Boston that converted its dynamic duo into an NBA championship while Los Angeles could not.
What accounts for this disparity? What lessons might other teams learn from these two organizations’ distinct journeys from similar starting positions?
Statistically speaking; however; when both stars played together on court,the Clippers actually achieved more success than their Celtic counterparts did—in regular-season performance at least.
The narrative shifts dramatically when examining playoff outcomes.
The Celtics showcased remarkable dominance during the regular season, and their performance remained formidable in the postseason as well. This was not always the case before 2024. In the four seasons leading up to their championship, Tatum and Brown achieved an on-court net rating of 4.43 in playoff games. They discovered something entering 2024—something that eluded the Clippers.
It’s important to note: health plays a crucial role. The Clippers faced significant setbacks with Leonard’s injury midway through the 2021 playoffs, followed by both Leonard and George missing time in the 2023 playoffs and again Leonard being sidelined midway through 2024 playoffs. Although they completed their campaign in 2020—when they succumbed to a stunning comeback from a 1-3 deficit by the Denver Nuggets—they have played together throughout various portions of other series as well. Consequently, despite injury issues, they’ve logged nearly 800 playoff minutes together—surpassing even LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This sample size is substantial enough to analyze their potential success if they had been healthier for more series. Nonetheless, evidence suggests otherwise; with almost neutral on-court net performance across these nearly 800 minutes combined with a team-building strategy that failed to find its fit.
After extensive adjustments over the years, the Celtics triumphed in assembling a championship-caliber team for 2024 that not only addressed star players’ preferences but also mitigated any aversions they had—which was particularly evident regarding mid-range pull-ups—a beloved shot type among all four wing stars.
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They accomplished everything without excessively holding the ball—another common characteristic they all share, with each ranking among the top 20 forwards in seconds per touch last season. (To be fair, the tendency to hold the ball for extended periods is a trait found in virtually every other star across the league.)
These preferences have been consistently evident in previous seasons for the Clippers; Leonard has not averaged rim frequency suitable for his position since his time as a Spur in 2014-15, and George hasn’t done so since he was with the Pacers. Yet, Los Angeles failed to build a supporting cast that could compensate for these gaps. In fact, several other players who have taken on significant roles over this span mirrored similar strengths and weaknesses. Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Lou Williams ranked fifth, sixth, and 11th respectively in total minutes played for Los Angeles since 2019-20; all three players have long been above average when it comes to mid-range frequency according to Cleaning the Glass. Morris and Williams frequently ranked near the top percentile of their positions during many of their seasons as Clippers.
Consequently, over the last five seasons, the Clippers were placed at 22nd in assists. It wasn’t until James Harden joined last season that Los Angeles had a point guard capable of imprinting his playing style on team dynamics while genuinely creating layups for others. When Harden was active on court for them, Clippers managed to assist on 56.4 percent of their two-pointers, compared to just 51.2 percent from 2019 through 2024 without him. (For context: this past season’s assist rate of 56.4 percent on twos would have placed them at ninth among teams, while a rate of 51.2 percent would tie them for 22nd.) Furthermore,Harden showcased an impressive [select status] – see consultation application form > offensive impact on/off with LA last year at plus-7.2 per every hundred possessions—a figure that ranks third among those who played more than one thousand minutes within Leonard’s era at LA.
In numerous aspects,Harden represented an ideal acquisition for Los Angeles.His arrival came at substantial expense via trade where they essentially emptied what little remains from their draft stockpile—a cost incurred when trading for George.To put it plainly: The team doesn’t fully own a first-round pick until *2030,* as their picks are either swapped or traded away completely.Even if they had decided against retaining George—options were scant regarding building around these stars meanwhle.Boston also benefited enormously because they drafted both its major contributors—they managed to onboard diverse talents capable of generating impacts akin to Harden’s but did so by spent money far less aggressively within trade markets.
They exchanged one first-round pick along with Kemba Walker as part of acquiring Al Horford back in *2021*, landing itself quite an adept shot-blocker complemented by floor-spacing ability— he previously provided significant contributions throughout his three-year tenure there.The deal further opened up salary cap initiatives which allowed Boston opportunity enough during ensuing offseasons—from here down some funding towards Josh Richardson whom they eventually dealt along complementary parts including another first rounder+pick swap similarly crafted into Derrick White.This transaction presented yet another adaptable floor spacer armed powerfully from defensive sides!
Once Jrue Holiday became available while navigating through reconstruction stages pursued by Portland Trail Blazers; Boston promptly captured him now engaging trades featuring two rotation assets alongside multiple future selections.As further validation showcasing managerial expertise observed—they even profited additional compensation moving separate role-player once comprising sale yielding more first-round opportunities alongside … Kristaps Porzingis famed reputation concerning dynamic handling combined excellent skills redirect towards big framework defensively too!【😁】
It’s undoubtedly one lesson drawn: paying reduced rates indeed striving worthy stars when wheeling deals!Or alternatively posited differently stating investing fewer resources acquiring individuals impacting performances reminiscent noteworthy “star” abilities!Although undeniably champions like James Harden outrank talents!! But still examining carefully choices made — Derrick White arguably reshaped phrases capability exhibited paired alike influence perceptible forged undergone transitions witnessed meaningful uplifting subtly infiltrated group cohesion executed anticipation thrives hustling possession-filled possessions!. 🔥👑👊🏽💪🏀🚀🎯🌟✈️📈🔥⚡️
“`htmlIt’s important to note that Ivica Zubac, being a large center, naturally has a low usage rate and rarely attempts mid-range shots. Even when compared to other centers, his mid-range attempts are notably few. Additionally, his average possession time of 1.36 seconds per touch ranked fifth-lowest among all centers last season. Zubac has consistently played an excellent supporting role for the Clippers.
Since the 2019-20 season, there has been a downward trend in both usage rates and frequency of long mid-range shots among role players—though with relatively low correlation factors—when considering win shares per 48 minutes. This suggests that players who engage less with the ball and shoot less often from Leonard and George’s favored areas have been more beneficial to the Clippers than those who do not fit this profile. Ironically, Batum—one of the key acquisitions in building up the Clippers—was traded to Philadelphia in order to accommodate Harden’s addition. Batum had recorded the lowest usage rate amongst high-minute role players while also holding one of the minimum mid-range frequency rates. Furthermore, he isolated so infrequently that he didn’t even reach nba.com’s filter requiring at least 10 isolation plays during any season as a Clipper.
The strategy employed by the Clippers in team-building stands in contrast to that of the Celtics and significantly influences Los Angeles’ offensive style—or rather fails to redefine it beyond catering to their two superstar players’ preferences. Historically, they have been noted for their propensity for mid-range pull-up jumpers. These types of shots typically arise from static isolations—during last season they led the league in isolation frequency. Because many role players contributed heavily toward this shot profile, Los Angeles ended up finishing last in passes per game last year. Although their non-modern offensive approach is effective (any offense led by Leonard or George tends to be), it continues facing challenges that become significant hurdles come playoff time. When Leonard and George were on court together, their team’s offensive rating dropped from an impressive 122.6 during regular seasons spanning 2019-2024 down to just <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612746&Season=2023-24,2022-23,2021-22,2020-21,2019-20&SeasonType=Playoffs&PlayerIds=202331,
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Last year, Boston’s playoff offensive rating saw a minor decrease, dropping from 121.6 to 119.0.
Although the league was once characterized by superstar wings, this notion has been outdated for years. The Celtics understood this concept while constructing their championship-caliber roster. In contrast, the Clippers failed to grasp it. Consequently, having retained their entire core group, the Celtics are now well-positioned to defend their championship title. Meanwhile, the Clippers are left reflecting on missed opportunities and contemplating a future filled with health and potential lessons as they enter their next era—whenever that may commence.
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Contrasting Paths: What the Celtics Can Teach the Clippers About Building a Championship Contender
The Current State of the NBA: Celtics and Clippers Overview
The NBA landscape is continually shifting, with teams adopting various strategies to secure a championship title. Among these teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers stand out as two franchises on contrasting paths. The Celtics have developed a strong nucleus through a mix of drafting, player development, and strategic trades, while the Clippers have pursued a star-studded approach, focusing on high-profile acquisitions. This article explores the lessons the Clippers can learn from the Celtics’ successful model and how they can apply these insights to build a championship contender.
Building a Strong Core: The Celtics’ Approach
The Celtics have established a robust foundation through effective drafting and player development. Here are key elements of their strategy:
1. Drafting Smart
- Identifying Talent: The Celtics have excelled in identifying talent in the draft, with players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown becoming cornerstones of the franchise.
- Value Picks: The ability to find valuable players in later rounds has been a hallmark of their success.
2. Player Development
Once drafted, the Celtics focus on maximizing player potential through:
- Coaching: A strong coaching staff that emphasizes player growth and skill development.
- Player Empowerment: Encouraging players to take ownership of their development, fostering a positive team culture.
3. Building Chemistry
Chemistry is vital in any successful team, and the Celtics have prioritized:
- Team-oriented Play: Fostering an unselfish style of play that promotes ball movement and collective responsibility.
- Long-Term Relationships: Retaining core players to develop relationships that enhance on-court chemistry.
The Clippers’ Current Strategy: Star Power and Its Limitations
The Clippers have adopted a star-oriented strategy, bringing in high-profile players such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, this approach has its challenges:
1. Dependence on Stars
While having star players can lead to immediate success, it can create issues such as:
- Lack of Depth: Relying heavily on a few players can lead to a lack of bench production.
- Injury Concerns: Stars are often injury-prone, which can derail championship aspirations.
2. Limited Development Opportunities
The focus on star players can lead to:
- Neglecting Young Talent: Rookies and young players may not get adequate playtime, hindering their development.
- Loss of Identity: A lack of a cohesive team identity can emerge when the focus is on individual stars.
Lessons the Clippers Can Learn from the Celtics
To build a championship contender, the Clippers can adopt several strategies proven effective by the Celtics:
1. Prioritize Drafting and Development
The Clippers need to refocus on their drafting strategy by:
- Research and Scouting: Invest in scouting departments to identify potential stars in the draft.
- Player Development Programs: Establish robust developmental programs that nurture young talent.
2. Create a Balanced Roster
A balanced team is critical to success. The Clippers should consider:
- Building Depth: Acquiring role players who can provide consistent production off the bench.
- Versatile Players: Targeting players who can fill multiple roles to adapt to different situations.
3. Foster Team Chemistry and Culture
The Clippers must work on creating a cohesive unit by:
- Team-Building Activities: Engaging in activities that enhance relationships off the court.
- Shared Goals: Establishing a common goal that everyone buys into, creating accountability.
Case Study: Boston Celtics’ Championship Success
To illustrate the Celtics’ effective strategy, let’s take a closer look at their 2022-2023 NBA season:
| Player | Role | Statistical Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | Star Forward | Average 26.9 Points, 8.6 Rebounds |
| Jaylen Brown | Star Guard | Average 24.0 Points, 6.0 Rebounds |
| Marcus Smart | Defensive Leader | Average 11.0 Points, 5.0 Assists |
| Robert Williams III | Defensive Anchor | Average 8.0 Points, 8.0 Rebounds |
This table highlights how the Celtics rely on a balanced attack, with contributions from both stars and role players. This synergy is essential for sustaining a championship run.
First-Hand Experience: Learning from the Celtics’ Success
Insights from players and coaches provide valuable perspectives on the Celtics’ approach:
1. Player Testimonials
Players like Jayson Tatum often emphasize the importance of chemistry and trust:
“We have built something special together. It’s about knowing where each other will be on the court and trusting each other’s decisions.”
2. Coaching Philosophy
Coaches have shared their thoughts on developing talent:
“It’s crucial to create a system that maximizes each player’s strengths. We focus on their development as much as we do on winning games.”
Benefits of Adopting the Celtics’ Model
Incorporating the Celtics’ strategies can yield several benefits for the Clippers:
- Long-Term Success: Building a strong foundation can lead to sustained success over the years.
- Increased Player Morale: Fostering a positive culture can enhance player satisfaction and retention.
- Competitive Edge: A balanced and deep roster can better withstand injuries and slumps.
Practical Tips for the Clippers
To implement these lessons effectively, the Clippers should consider the following action steps:
- Invest in Scouting: Enhance the scouting department to identify potential draft picks and trade assets.
- Expand Player Development: Create tailored development plans for each player and foster mentorship opportunities.
- Engage in Team Building: Schedule regular activities that promote bonding and teamwork.
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