True, they managed to build a solid team with PG, Westbrook, and other key role players. I think the real issue lies with the Clippers management. Even before Kawhi was signed/traded to the Raptors, he was already injury-prone. But coach Nick Nurse did an excellent job managing his minutes, using load management effectively. It paid off, as Kawhi was incredibly consistent during the playoffs. And if you think about it, the Raptors' roster back then wasn’t as stacked compared to the Clippers’ roster when Leonard was traded.

But now that PG 13 is out on Clippers then they really need the service of Kawhi since the gap to fill by PG's departure is so big and they need to fill up those contributions he bring to his team. So don't know what will be the adjustment done by Clippers in this situation since if they only trust Harden to lead their team then I think nothing will happen on them. So Kawhi need to be healthy and play more games since they might fall short this season if they still keep doing that load management thing in their team. Kawhi is important piece for their team but his prone to injuries is really a huge problem for Clippers.

Let see how Clippers will handle this situation or they still do the load management thing and see if they can able to reach far in this season.

Many of us expected the same thing, and I think it's pretty normal that we think that way knowing that they're the defending champions at that time.

TBH, that Finals Match-up would be much better than that of Dallas-Boston. No disrespect to the Mavericks because they're a strong team, but it would be a better series in my opinion if it's Denver-Boston. It is what is, and the Nuggets can contend again this season and get that 2nd title... or are they a title contender right now? Why and why not? As for the contenders for the West, I see the Timberwolves as well to compete, but let's not forget the Thunder that just got an upgrade with the acquisition of Hartenstein and Caruso. I will not be surprised if the Thunder will win a title in the next 3-5 years with their current roster or at least the core players intact.

As for the East, Knicks might be the "dark horse" of the East but I'm thinking of who will be their Center if Mitchell Robinson will get injured. They don't have a back-up big because they let Hartenstein walk away, and because of this, I see the Sixers as the top contender in the East aside from the Celtics. Bucks? Nah, just forget about them they're pretty shit in defense and you can't win a title if you're that bad on defense. Will the Celtics make a back-to-back? TBH, they can. I mean the roster's almost the same, and their role players stayed which is a good thing. If there's one hindrance to them, it's injuries, but I think they can do it.

It's honestly a shame dude would have been a top 5 player in the league if he was healthy.  Was deadly on both ends of the floor.  I always loved he had that mid range jumper that was unstoppable.  He played like the dudes back in the 1990s played, didn't just sit around the 3 point line chucking up random 3s.  I root for the guy but agree, when he is on the floor ypu just wonder when's the next trip to the bench. 

Weird part is Paul George's games played is about the same but people saying he is gonna save the 76ers at 34 years old with 50 year old knees lol.

There are rumors that Rose himself has expressed a desire to leave the team. And it seems that Rose and the Grizzlies' management agreed on a buyout after he asked to be released from his contract. If that's true, it's a strange decision.
I don't know if he made this decision because of injuries or other reasons, but I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to retire.

Maybe it's time for him to just retire, and it seems that this buyout is already a proof of it. Although as fans we don't what him to retire and wanted to see him play, but teams might not be interested because we all know that after the injury, it was a different Derrick Rose.

Although he tries to revived his career developing his outside shot, teams are not willing to take their chance against the former MVP as he could reinjured himself or he might not contribute at all just like in last playing days with the Grizzlies.

Well the identity of the city of Los Angeles still belongs to the Lakers. And as much as the Ballmer wanted to change that during the lob city, they can't as they can't win any NBA ring with the prime CP3 and Blake and Jordan, it's like there are still missing pieces. And they try to rebuild, Ballmer throwing a lot of money that time to acquire Kahwi. Unfortunately, it was a different version of Leonard already, as he was not the same anymore.

So even if they got that shiny new arena, and new players, if they are not going to win any, the city will be with the Lakers. They have Lebron, they won a ring in the bubble and they still have the banners along with the championship and retire great players. Clippers can't take that away, and now they've lost Paul George.

Yeah right, he's earning by way and he doesn't need to worry once the doctors clear him then he will play in hope that there's no additional injuries to happen, but like what you just said that's the worries once he start playing hard and try helping the team chances that injury may take place and lead him to sit again.

More on the business side and once the management decided not to sign him back, that's  huge free allocation to offer for another star or sets of role players..

"Dark Horse" I like the sound of that. The New York Knicks had been doing great at rebuilding their team. The now Quadro Villanova players in their team will probably get some good chemistry although they are still playing small ball without Robinson.
The same as you, I also don't see the Bucks in the picture. Last season was so shitty that I have no interest in watching them play. As for the Celtics getting a back-to-back, they need to be fully healthy to achieve that. That backcourt defense of Jrue and White will be their key especially when playing against the like of the Knicks, like what they did with the Mavs.

Since the Clippers' name floated here. Remember that they will be playing at their new home this season.
NBA schedule news: Clippers to open Intuit Dome on Oct. 23 against the Suns
Los Angeles Times
It will be felt more when they are up against the Lakers at their own home.