Who will be the face of the Clippers after Kawhi Leonard trade?
Trading Kawhi Leonard did more than remove the Clippers’ best player.It eliminated their last convincing claim to having a franchise centerpiece.That loss feels especially severe after the NBA punished the Clippers’ salary-cap violations with a $30 million fine, leadership suspensions and the forfeiture of five first-round picks.While Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and Toronto’s draft compensation provide talent and flexibility, they do not immediately answer the more existential question confronting the organization: Who gives Clippers fans hope that this team is not doomed to wander the wilderness for the foreseeable future?The face of a franchise does not necessarily have to be its leading scorer.
In this moment, the Clippers need somebody who creates stability, supplies an identity and makes the NBA’s punishment feel like a setback instead of the beginning of a lost decade.The next centerpiece should also represent a feel-good cleansing.After years spent chasing instant credibility through famous names carrying injury baggage or complicated reputations, the Clippers need somebody fans can embrace without reservation—not another tainted star acquired as an expensive shortcut.Garland presents the strongest case.The 26-year-old is a two-time All-Star under contract through 2027-28.
After arriving in the James Harden trade, Garland averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range across 19 games with Los Angeles.As the point guard, he can supply something the Clippers desperately need: order.Garland will initiate the offense, determine its pace and touch the ball often enough to establish a recognizable identity.
His age and contract also fit the near-term window.The limitations are equally clear.Injuries restricted Garland to 45 games last season, his size creates defensive problems and he has never established himself as the best player on a contender.
He may become the Clippers’ stabilizer without becoming their def...