The Los Angeles Clippers are approaching the 2024-25 NBA season with an entirely different lineup that does not feature Paul George anymore George was allowed to leave in free agency and is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning the Clippers are running it back with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. With Derrick Jones Jr, Nicolas Batum, and Kevin Porter Jr. being the team’s new members, the Clippers have improved depth and a chance to rotate between three different starting lineups for the 2024-25 season.
Starting Lineup No. 1: Traditional Lineup
James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr., Ivica Zubac
This lineup blends experience, defense, and a balance of inside-outside scoring. As the primary playmaker, James Harden brings his elite court vision and scoring ability, averaging 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. His ability to orchestrate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates will be crucial. Harden’s knack for drawing defenders and making smart passes opens up the floor for his teammates, ensuring the Clippers have a steady offensive flow.
At shooting guard, Norman Powell provides reliable scoring and perimeter shooting, averaging 13.9 points per game and shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc last season. His ability to stretch the floor complements Harden’s playmaking, creating more space for Kawhi Leonard to operate. Leonard, the cornerstone of this lineup, continues to be an elite two-way player, contributing 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His defensive prowess, coupled with his efficient scoring, makes him the anchor on both ends of the floor.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac round out the frontcourt, providing athleticism and rim protection. Jones Jr.’s versatility on defense and ability to guard multiple positions enhance the Clippers’ defensive schemes. Zubac, a reliable presence in the paint, averaged 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, offering consistent rebounding and interior defense. This traditional lineup focuses on balance, with a mix of veteran leadership, defensive intensity, and scoring versatility.
Starting Lineup No. 2: Shooters Galore
Bones Hyland, James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
This lineup maximizes perimeter shooting to create an offensive juggernaut. James Harden remains the primary playmaker, utilizing his exceptional passing skills to set up his sharpshooting teammates. Harden’s ability to penetrate and kick out to shooters is a key component, ensuring the Clippers maintain high offensive efficiency. With Harden orchestrating the offense, the team benefits from his 38.1% shooting from three-point range, adding to the overall shooting threat.
Bones Hyland, known for his scoring outbursts and three-point shooting, steps into the starting lineup to provide an additional deep threat. Hyland’s ability to create his own shot and shoot from distance (36.1% from three for his career) adds another layer to the Clippers’ offensive arsenal. Norman Powell continues to offer consistent scoring and shooting, while Kawhi Leonard’s presence ensures the team has a reliable go-to scorer who can also stretch the floor. Leonard’s ability to score in isolation and off the catch makes him a versatile offensive weapon.
Ivica Zubac remains the anchor in the paint, focusing on rebounding and interior defense. His ability to secure offensive rebounds and provide second-chance opportunities complements the team’s shooting-centric approach. This lineup prioritizes spacing and shooting, aiming to outscore opponents with a barrage of three-pointers while maintaining solid interior defense with Zubac’s presence. The combination of Harden’s playmaking and the collective shooting ability of Hyland, Powell, and Leonard makes this lineup a formidable offensive unit.
Starting Lineup No. 3: Size And Defense
James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, PJ Tucker, Ivica Zubac
This lineup emphasizes size and defense, aiming to lock down opponents while maintaining offensive efficiency. James Harden continues to lead the offense, leveraging his experience and playmaking skills to initiate the team’s sets. Harden’s ability to control the tempo and facilitate the offense ensures the Clippers have a steady hand guiding them. His scoring and passing will be crucial in breaking down defenses and finding open looks for his teammates.
Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard provide the scoring punch and defensive versatility on the wings. Powell’s ability to guard multiple positions and his reliable shooting make him a key component on both ends of the floor. Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the defense with his ability to shut down opposing stars and contribute offensively. His averages of 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks per game highlight his defensive impact, making him the linchpin of this lineup.
PJ Tucker’s inclusion adds toughness and defensive grit to the frontcourt. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and his tenacity on the boards, Tucker enhances the team’s defensive identity. Ivica Zubac, anchoring the paint, provides shot-blocking and rebounding, averaging 1.2 blocks and 9.2 rebounds per game. This lineup focuses on size and defense, aiming to suffocate opponents with physicality and defensive prowess while relying on Harden, Powell, and Leonard to generate the necessary offense.
Which Lineup Should The Clippers Use In 2024-25?
Overall, the Los Angeles Clippers should prioritize the “Traditional Lineup” for the 2024-25 NBA season. This lineup, featuring James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac, offers a balanced approach with a mix of playmaking, scoring, and defensive prowess. Harden’s ability to orchestrate the offense, combined with Powell’s perimeter shooting and Leonard’s two-way excellence, creates a well-rounded starting five. Derrick Jones Jr. adds versatility and athleticism on defense, while Zubac provides a reliable interior presence.
Ranking second is the “Size and Defense” lineup, which emphasizes physicality and defensive intensity with PJ Tucker joining the starting five. This lineup is ideal for matchups requiring a stronger defensive stance, leveraging Tucker’s and Leonard’s defensive capabilities. The “Shooters Galore” lineup, while potent offensively with Bones Hyland’s additional three-point threat, ranks third. It maximizes offensive firepower but might struggle against teams with strong defensive pressure. Overall, the “Traditional Lineup” offers the best balance, making it the optimal choice for the Clippers to start games with stability and versatility.
