The Los Angeles Clippers are tied with the Denver Nuggets at the second spot in the Western Conference but are within range of the Los Angeles Lakers. With the talent that they got thus far, there is no denying the Clippers could do better. And it appears that is what prized recruits Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have in mind.
At 41-19, some feel that the Clippers should be at least closer to the Lakers if not overtake them. There are other factors to consider like chemistry. There is also the fact that the Clips are lacking key personnel in certain positions. That includes the center position which is manned by a 6-foot-7 cager named Monrezl Harrell.
Leonard knows that the Clippers can do better. The Clippers cannot afford to relax, especially at this stage of the NBA season. All he and the Clips can do is play hard and try to get better. It appears that is what the All-Star forward has in mind, Sports Illustrated reported.
"[We're] Still at a point where we wanna get better," Leonard said after L.A.'s 136-130 win over the Sixers. "For the most part, we still wanna get better. We're not being complacent at all, we just wanna keep getting better... hopefully, we can stay healthy and keep building from here."
George practically shares the same sentiment. He believes that they are headed in the right direction but need more time to build chemistry.
"I think we're trending towards the right way but this is a team that we want to gear toward being the best that we can be. So there's always things that we can work on and get better with, but that's what these games are for," George said.
Speaking of chemistry, the Clips have two new faces to factor in. Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson were recently added and both need time to blend into the system of head coach Doc Rivers. There is no telling how much time they need but the two NBA players address some loopholes in the roster.
Looking ahead, there seems to be only one position left that needs aid. Harrell may not be the ideal slot man and become a liability once the postseason wars start. Joakim Noah is reportedly being considered and the 34-year-old could agree with the Clippers soon.
Noah is a player the Clippers are monitoring. However, there were concerns about his health since he is coming off an Achilles surgery, ESPN reported. From the looks of it, the former Chicago Bull is good to go and someone who can occupy the center position better than Harrell. Noah is not only a big man that could help but someone who can energize the team with his intangible contributions.
