Fifty-five years of waiting. That’s how long Clippers fans have been dreaming of their first NBA championship. While other teams chase the latest young superstars or build through the draft, Los Angeles is going all-in on a different philosophy: betting that a collection of aging veterans can finally get them over the hump. It’s a risky strategy that has prompted one prominent NBA analyst to call them out.
Why Does Kendrick Perkins Think the Clippers Look Too Old?
The Clippers have been busy this offseason, working to bring in the right pieces to complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden and put together a team capable of competing in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Chris Paul became their latest addition when Los Angeles agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the veteran point guard.
Paul brings a strong resume to the table. The former Wake Forest star is a 12-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA First team on multiple occasions. He knows how to control the tempo and speed of the game, and his playmaking typically allows his teammates to flourish. However, there’s one glaring issue: Paul recently turned 40 and is likely approaching the end of his NBA career.
This move hasn’t impressed everyone. Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins is one analyst who has not been impressed with the Clippers’ strategy, arguing that a handful of aging stars does not “move the needle” for Los Angeles.
“Congratulations to Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA for the players that are on the backend of their career,” said Perkins on ESPN’s NBA Today.
“If we think that this is about to move the needle for the Clippers as far as being a competitor, not just a title contender, but competing in a tough Western Conference. It’s not … the Clippers look old,” added Perkins.
Perk on CP3 to the Clips:
“Congratulations to Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers. They have officially become the nursing home for the NBA for the players that are on the backend of their career. The Clippers look old” pic.twitter.com/FvClR6ajFt
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 22, 2025
Perkins raises some valid concerns about the Western Conference landscape. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder features a group of young and energetic stars. The Houston Rockets brought in Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith. Additionally, the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets had one of the best offseasons in the NBA, retaining their core while adding experienced role players. So the question becomes: can the Clippers keep up with that type of firepower?
MORE: CHRIS PAUL’S INSTANT IMPACT ON EVERY NBA TEAM HE’S BEEN ON
“When it comes down to them competing in the Western Conference. Especially when it comes to postseason time, can they compete with the likes of Houston, Denver, OKC, or even the Lakers now? I just don’t see it,” said Perkins.
Can a Veteran-Heavy Roster Finally Deliver Los Angeles’s First Championship?
The numbers tell the story of what Los Angeles has assembled. The 40-year-old Paul joins a lineup that includes Harden (35), Leonard (34), Brook Lopez (37), and Bradley Beal (32). Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn are all over 30.
Despite the criticism, the Clippers are placing a high value on experience as they aim for their first title. The front office has been decisive this offseason, moving quickly to bring in some big-name stars. Their philosophy centers on the belief that veteran savvy and championship experience can overcome any concerns about age.
Only time will tell whether this bold strategy pays off, or if it simply leads to another disappointing playoff exit. That’s a story Clippers fans know all too well after decades of waiting for their breakthrough moment.
