The Philadelphia 76ers are sitting in a solid spot right now. At 14-10, they’ve carved out a respectable position in the Eastern Conference, holding down the fourth seed as we head into mid-December. But while Sixers fans are understandably focused on Joel Embiid’s MVP-level play and Tyrese Maxey’s continued emergence, there’s another storyline brewing out West that could have huge long-term implications for Philly - and it’s unfolding in Los Angeles.
To put it bluntly: the Clippers are a mess. And for the 76ers, that’s music to their ears.
Why the Clippers' Struggles Matter for Philly
Back in 2023, when the Sixers traded James Harden to the Clippers, they didn’t just offload a disgruntled superstar - they picked up some extremely valuable draft capital. Included in that deal were two key assets: the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick and the rights to swap first-rounders in 2029.
At the time, those picks were seen as long-term chips. Now? They’re looking like potential gold mines.
The Clippers have stumbled out of the gate with just six wins in their first 25 games, good (or bad) enough for 14th in the Western Conference. That’s not just a slow start - that’s a full-blown collapse. And with an aging roster, a stagnant offense, and defensive issues that show no signs of improving, this could be the beginning of a steep decline.
The Oldest Roster in the League - And It Shows
Let’s talk age. The Clippers have the oldest roster in the NBA, averaging 31.2 years - and it’s not close.
For comparison, the Kings, often mentioned as a veteran-heavy team, average 29.6. That may not sound like a huge gap, but in NBA terms, it’s significant.
Veteran experience is great - until it turns into fatigue, injuries, and declining production. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden aren’t the same players they were five years ago. The wear and tear is visible, and their ability to carry a team through an 82-game grind - let alone a playoff run - is very much in question.
Add in the failed experiments with Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, plus the recent breakup with Chris Paul, and it’s clear this Clippers roster is more patchwork than powerhouse. What was once billed as a superteam now looks more like a cautionary tale.
A Predictable Offense, A Leaky Defense
On the court, the Clippers’ problems run deeper than just age. Offensively, they’ve become easy to scout.
There’s not much movement, not much creativity - just a lot of isolation and hope that someone gets hot. That might have worked in 2015, but in today’s NBA, it’s a recipe for quick exits.
Defensively, they’ve been even worse. Rotations are slow.
Communication is lacking. And when your legs are older and your effort inconsistent, even average teams can pick you apart.
This isn’t just a rough patch. It’s the kind of foundational instability that could stretch into multiple seasons - which is exactly what the Sixers are counting on.
The Long Game: Philly’s Future Looks Brighter
If the Clippers continue down this path - and there’s little reason to think otherwise - the 76ers could be in line for a premium pick in 2028, and potentially another in 2029 via the pick swap. That’s the kind of draft capital that can change a franchise’s future. Whether it’s used to select a rising star or flipped in a trade for a proven one, those picks give Philly options - and leverage.
So while the Sixers are focused on the here and now, chasing wins and eyeing a deep playoff run, they’ve also got one eye on the horizon. And what they’re seeing out in Los Angeles? It’s a slow-motion collapse that could pay off big-time in a few years.
Call it irony. Call it karma.
Call it smart front office work. Either way, the Sixers are in position to benefit from the very team they sent James Harden to.
And as the Clippers continue to slide, Philly’s future keeps looking brighter.