Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal 

By contrast, the Clippers have no remaining steps to take. This team is a bonafide title contender. 

Of course, they’ll need Kawhi Leonard to stay healthy. That hasn’t always been easy for him. Meanwhile, Paul George is no stranger to injury either. 

With that in mind, an extra wing to weather a short-term injury to either would be beneficial. Oubre Jr., of course, is not in the same class as either. If Leonard or George suffer a long-term injury, the Clippers can kiss their title chances goodbye. On the other hand, that’s true of any contender losing one of their two best players. 

Beyond taking out an insurance policy with Oubre Jr., the Clippers could use a backup center behind Ivica Zubac. Mason Plumlee fits the bill. He may not be a heavy rotation player – Zubac is a better defensive big, and the Clippers do like to go small. Still, he’s likely to shine in whatever role they do afford him. 

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In the NBA’s rat race, those kinds of marginal differences can result in a lot of success.