The Los Angeles Clippers head into the 2023-24 NBA season somewhat crestfallen after repeated playoff setbacks over the last few years.
When they landed star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George four years ago, they were tabbed as the overwhelming favorites to win the world championship, both for the 2019-20 season and last year.
However, over the last four seasons, they have just one trip to the Western Conference Finals to show for all that hype.
Midway through last season, the Clippers made some roster moves in an attempt to bolster their title chances, and one of them brought guard Bones Hyland to town.
Hyland talked about the connection he’s developing with Leonard, per Joey Linn.
I asked Bones Hyland about his connection with Kawhi Leonard.
Bones: “It’s just dope, man. Just to see Kawhi always backing my play like that… I always got Kawhi’s back. Just wanna let him know he can count on me just like I can count on him.” pic.twitter.com/3Z0dfVReLM
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 13, 2023
Leonard, when healthy, continues to be one of the rare stars in basketball who can produce 25-30 points on a nightly basis while helping to lock down the other team’s standout or star wing.
But staying healthy has been his one big weakness over the last several years.
He hasn’t played in as many as 60 games in a season with the Clippers, and he missed all of the 2021-22 campaign with an ACL injury he suffered the previous season during the playoffs.
Hyland is one of several capable guards on L.A.’s roster — he averaged 10.8 points and 3.5 assists a game in 14 contests with them last season, and he recently turned 23 years of age, so he should still have some room for improvement.
Of course, their best guard is Russell Westbrook, who played well last year after they picked him up and seems rejuvenated after a brief but rough stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
