Why the Clippers Silent Assassin Strategy Is Backfiring
The LA Clippers have spent years shaping their roster around Kawhi Leonard, acquiring players specifically to complement his unique skill set. When Kawhi is on the court, this strategy appears effective. His presence gives the supporting cast a superstar to build around, creating a culture that feels positive and focused. Players know their roles, and the team moves in sync, at least while he is active.
Injuries, however, make this approach risky. Kawhi Leonard is constantly in and out of the lineup, leaving the Clippers scrambling to adapt. Players designed to fit around him are forced to adjust to James Harden’s playstyle when Leonard is unavailable. Harden thrives as a playmaker and facilitator, prioritizing assists over midrange scoring. The result is inconsistency on both ends of the floor, and the team struggles to maintain rhythm without Leonard’s steady presence.
Los Angeles is not the only franchise to make this type of mistake. The New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers have all built their teams around star players who spend significant time sidelined. Zion Williamson has been unable to stay healthy for New Orleans, with multiple seasons of fewer than 30 games. Joel Embiid has led the 76ers through playoff runs, yet even he cannot guarantee consistent availability. These examples show that building around a fragile superstar often leads to frustration and missed opportunities.
The Clippers could have benefited from designing a system around James Harden, a player with a more reliable track record. Harden’s durability and proven playmaking ability could have provided consistency for the team. By prioritizing him over Leonard, the Clippers might have avoided some of the lineup instability that has plagued their seasons. The strategy could have allowed other players to thrive while still maximizing superstar talent.
For a team chasing its first championship in franchise history, roster decisions carry immense weight. Choosing to center the team around an often-injured star has put the Clippers in a familiar but difficult position. Every missed game from Leonard forces a recalibration, and the team risks never finding the consistent chemistry needed to contend at the highest level. Adjusting the approach now may be critical if the Clippers want to turn potential into tangible success.
