Pope of Basketball.

Summary

In January, the Clippers faced setbacks with three losses and injuries to key players. Jokic strained his hip and missed two weeks, while David West was out for nine games, leading to a decline in the team's performance. Whiteside stepped in as the starting center but struggled with tactical play, causing stagnant inside movement and contributing to losses. Player salaries skyrocketed, with Whiteside's salary seen as a bargain compared to past contracts. In February, the Clippers won all their games before the All-Star Game, but Yang Rui dealt with personal conflicts, relying on assistant coach Luke Walton for support. The All-Star Weekend was held in New Orleans after Charlotte lost hosting rights due to a controversial bill. James received the most fan votes, raising questions about the voting process and the league's manipulation of star popularity. The Clippers had three players selected for the All-Star Game, while the Eastern team lacked a legitimate center. The NBA is moving into an era dominated by swingmen, with notable shifts in player roles and performances.

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