Exclusive: NBA Champion Reveals Honest Thoughts on Clippers' Title Hopes

Speaking exclusively with AllClippers at the Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala, former LA Clippers forward Matt Barnes was asked for his thoughts on what is a pivotal year for the organization he spent three seasons with.

"It all depends on health," Barnes said. "They've had one of the best and deepest rosters the last two or three years, with one of the best coaches in the game, and one of the best management and ownership groups in the game. It just all rides on the health. If Kawhi [Leonard] and Paul [George] can play more games than they miss, and be available for the playoffs, the Clippers are one of the best teams in the NBA."

In each season Ty Lue has been head coach of the Clippers, one or both of Leonard and George have finished the season sidelined due to injury. The duo has missed significant time during the regular season as well, which makes their lack of availability in the postseason even more difficult, since extended time off during the regular season has not helped their availability come playoff time.

While the Clippers have been a statistically dominant team whenever Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have played together, it's gotten to the point where many around the league now need to see them prove it for an entire postseason before believing in them again. Barnes, who played for the Clippers and Lakers before winning a championship with the Golden State Warriors, still believes the Clippers are one of the best teams in the league when healthy.

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