Silence could mean a lot of things even in basketball. Kawhi Leonard has long been known as someone who hardly barks and makes some noise and this is something that sends off mixed signals. As far as Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers is concerned, it is a non-issue.

"I talk enough for everybody. He'll be fine," said Rivers, according to a tweet by NBC Sports reporter A. Sherrod Blakely. Seeing how Leonard wanted to team up with Paul George and play under the former NBA coach in Los Angeles, all signs point to a promising NBA season for the Clippers.

With the coming of Leonard and George, there is no question that the Clippers have emerged as one of the top favorites for the coming NBA season. However, the Clips will need to get past a competitive Western Conference division which includes powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors.

Aside from them, there are teams they cannot afford to take for granted. That includes the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers, teams that performed very well during the 2018-19 wars. Getting two premier NBA stars is something but the bulk of the work lies on the shoulders of Rivers, considered one of the best coaches the league has right now.

It will all boil down to defining roles and utilizing players in the best position possible. The team has other notable names in the mix such as Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Mo Harkless, JaMychal Green, Patrick Patterson and Patrick Beverly. Rivers has quite a mix at his disposal although he could further boost that lineup moving forward.

One spot they could look to improve is the middle. Harrell is likely to fill up that spot although critics feel he is a bit undersized. Mfioundo Kabengele and Ivica Zubac will alternate as backups and it is possible that Rivers is choosing to use role players who will simply crash the boards and do the intangibles.

In a previous post, it was mentioned that the Clippers were working out Spencer Hawes. Though not a big name, he remains a veteran. Could this be a ploy to ensure that the Clips have all bases covered for next season?

Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers motions to officials during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, March 4, 2019. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
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