The Los Angeles Clippers have come a long way from being the laughing stock of the NBA to becoming legitimate contenders for the NBA title. With the addition of James Harden earlier this season, their level of play has reached new heights, leading basketball legend Charles Barkley to declare them as the most formidable team to fear. Barkley’s high praise for the Clippers is rooted in their star player, Kawhi Leonard, whom he considers one of the top five basketball players in the world when healthy.
Charles Barkley Crowns Clippers: NBA Legend Anoints LA Team as the West’s Most Formidable Contender
“The scariest team in the West is the Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is amazing,” exclaimed Barkley. “If he’s healthy, he’s one of the five best basketball players in the world. If he didn’t get hurt, they would have beaten the Suns.”
Chuck: “The scariest team in the West is the Los Angeles Clippers. … Kawhi Leonard is amazing. If he’s healthy, he’s one of the five best basketball players in the world.”
High praise for Kawhi and the @LAClippers 🙌 pic.twitter.com/4uFO1VZ6Bj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 5, 2024
The Clippers have been in the midst of the Kawhi Leonard/Paul George experiment for several years now, but they have yet to achieve the desired results. However, with the recent additions of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the team appears rejuvenated and poised for a breakout moment in the upcoming postseason. The success or failure of the Clippers moving forward will largely hinge on Kawhi Leonard and his ability to perform at his absolute best.
Leonard’s impact on the court is undeniable. His exceptional skills, both offensively and defensively, make him one of the premier players in the league. However, his availability has been a concern due to recurring injuries. If Leonard can maintain good health throughout the season and playoffs, the Clippers’ chances of success increase significantly.
The Clippers’ transformation from a perennial underdog to a Western Conference powerhouse is a testament to the team’s resilience and commitment to improvement. The addition of James Harden and Russell Westbrook has injected a new energy into the roster, providing the Clippers with a dynamic and talented core. The team’s chemistry and cohesion will play a vital role in determining their success in the postseason.
While Barkley’s endorsement carries weight, the Clippers still have to prove themselves on the court. The Western Conference is loaded with talented teams, including defending champions, the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers will face fierce competition as they strive to establish their dominance in a highly competitive conference.
The Clippers’ journey to the top has been a long and arduous one, but they now find themselves in a position of strength. With a roster featuring stars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers have the potential to make a deep playoff run and contend for the NBA championship.
Read More: Watch Kid Sitting Courtside Trash LeBron James For Flopping During Game
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Clippers to see if they can live up to the hype and fulfill Charles Barkley’s proclamation. The team’s success will depend on their ability to stay healthy, maintain their level of play, and rise to the occasion when it matters most. The Clippers have finally shed their underdog status and are ready to make a statement in the NBA.
