Clippers' Garland Key to Season, Pacific Division Updates
Darius Garland's health is central to the Clippers' outlook, while Ben Simmons joins the Kings, Jeanie Buss fights to keep her Lakers role, and Draymond
The Los Angeles Clippers' hopes for the upcoming season hinge on point guard Darius Garland being healthy for a full campaign. The 26-year-old, acquired from Cleveland in February, averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 19 games last season despite a toe injury, helping the team reach the play-in tournament.
Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports writes that Garland's presence should benefit shooters like Max Strus, a former Cleveland teammate acquired last month. Iko also suggests Garland could help revive Gradey Dick, who is part of the pending Kawhi Leonard trade with Toronto. Dick saw his minutes slashed last season after a promising start to his NBA career.
Defensive Concerns and Moves
Iko notes the team's defense is expected to decline significantly when Brandon Ingram arrives to replace Leonard in the starting lineup. This perceived defensive drop-off, according to Iko, explains the Clippers' urgency to sign free agent forward Rui Hachimura away from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ben Simmons' Fresh Start in Sacramento
Ben Simmons has agreed to a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings. Jason Jones of The Athletic states Simmons has enough to focus on in his comeback attempt without being asked to mentor the Kings' younger players, arguing he is in no position to offer advice after his career derailed in recent years.
ESPN's Marc J. Spears suggested on Sactown Sports 1140 that Simmons would like to extend his stay. "If they give him the opportunity and he does well, and he wants them back, they want him back, and it’s fair, I think he’d want to stay," Spears said.
Jeanie Buss's Lakers Future
Jeanie Buss has an outside chance to remain the Lakers' governor if she can acquire enough shares to maintain a 15% ownership stake. According to Khobi Price of The New York Post, fellow minority owners Patrick Soon-Shiong and Ed Roski Jr. Support keeping Buss in that role but are not interested in selling their combined 7% shareholding.
Draymond Green Questions Salary Cap
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has questioned the value of the NBA's salary cap in the wake of league sanctions against the Clippers. Green discussed the issue on his podcast, as relayed by Luca Evans of The San Francisco Chronicle.
"Why is there a salary cap?" Green asked. "Why are guys being prevented from making money from team sponsors or league sponsors, or whoever else?" He expressed happiness that Kawhi Leonard did not receive the bulk of the punishment, calling the situation "absolutely beautiful."
