The Los Angeles Clippers have undergone a massive roster change with Paul George departing the team and signing a five-year max deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. With George gone, only two stars remain on the team: Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. With a new lineup in place and some key signings such as Derrick Jones Jr and Kevin Porter Jr, here is the breakdown of the current Clippers roster.
Point Guards
James Harden, Kris Dunn, Russell Westbrook
The Clippers point guard rotation for the 2024 season is headlined by the dynamic and often polarizing James Harden. Harden’s commitment to the team on a two-year, $70 million deal brings a proven scorer and playmaker to the roster, fresh off a season where he averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.
Harden’s ability to create offense for himself and his teammates will be crucial, especially in high-pressure situations. Alongside Harden, Kris Dunn adds depth and a scoring punch off the bench. Dunn, who averaged 5.4 points per game last season with the Utah Jazz, provides a reliable backup capable of heating up quickly.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook, despite being in the twilight of his career, remains a high-energy player with a knack for filling the stat sheet, but the Clippers are looking for avenues to trade the point guard after he accepted his $4 million player option. The 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets are reported to be interested in Westbrook for the 2024-25 season.
Shooting Guards
Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Bones Hyland, Cam Christie
Norman Powell leads the Clippers’ shooting guard rotation, bringing his efficient scoring and defensive tenacity to the forefront. Powell, who posted 13.9 points per game last season, will be essential in providing offensive support alongside Harden and Leonard and should take on a bigger role as the third option on the squad.
Terance Mann’s versatility and energy off the bench are also crucial; he averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last year, often filling various roles as needed. Bones Hyland adds youth and explosiveness to the mix, with his 6.9 points per game on 32.6% from three showcasing his scoring potential. Mann and Hyland will also have bigger roles with Paul George gone, and expect the latter to have one of his best individual seasons if he stays with the Clippers. Meanwhile, rookie Cam Christie will look to develop and contribute when called upon, rounding out a deep and talented group of shooting guards.
Small Forwards
Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Porter Jr., Amir Coffey
Kawhi Leonard remains the cornerstone of the Clippers’ roster, carrying the burden of leadership and top-tier performance. Last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, proving his worth as one of the league’s premier two-way players. His ability to take over games, especially in crunch time, will be pivotal for the Clippers’ success. Of course, the Clippers are praying for Leonard to magically stay healthy but there are major doubts about that.
Kevin Porter Jr., who averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in 2022-23 with the Houston Rockets, brings additional scoring and playmaking capabilities, offering a dynamic option off the bench or in small-ball lineups. It was a shocking decision to see the Clippers bring Porter Jr back into the NBA after the player’s on and off-court issues, but he could be a game-changer for the Clippers if he gets his act together. Amir Coffey, known for his defensive versatility and hustle, provides depth and reliability as a third option at the small forward position.
Power Forwards
Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, P.J. Tucker, Kobe Brown
The newly signed Derrick Jones Jr. headlines the power forward rotation with his athleticism and defensive prowess. Known for his shot-blocking and ability to guard multiple positions, Jones Jr. will be crucial in anchoring the Clippers’ defense. He was excellent last year with the Mavericks and will greatly benefit from James Harden’s prowess in throwing up lobs.
Recently signed Nicolas Batum will bring experience, playmaking, and shooting to the Clippers as he looks to play out the rest of his career with the franchise. Last season, Batum posted 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. P.J. Tucker, a seasoned veteran, brings toughness, experience, and a championship pedigree after he accepted his $11 million player option.
Though his stats may not jump off the page, Tucker’s intangibles and corner three-point shooting (37.1% last season) make him an invaluable piece of the puzzle but the Clippers will likely look to move the veteran this summer. Second-year youngster Kobe Brown adds youth and potential to the power forward spot, looking to make an impact with his size and versatility.
Centers
Ivica Zubac, Mo Bamba
Ivica Zubac remains a reliable presence in the middle for the Clippers. Last season, Zubac averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, providing a consistent interior presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to protect the rim and clean up the glass will be essential, especially in matchups against the league’s elite big men.
Backing him up is Mo Bamba, acquired to bolster the frontcourt depth, bringing shot-blocking and floor-spacing capabilities. Bamba averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season, offering a different look and skill set compared to Zubac. Together, they form a complementary duo capable of anchoring the Clippers’ defense and providing valuable contributions on offense.
Kawhi Leonard And James Harden Have To Carry A Heavy Burden In 2024-25
The departure of Paul George to the 76ers has undeniably left a significant void in the Clippers’ roster, placing an even heavier burden on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Leonard, though still one of the league’s premier talents, has struggled with health issues, making it uncertain if he can endure the rigors of both the regular season and the playoffs. Without George, the Clippers lack the additional star power necessary to contend with Western Conference heavyweights like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
James Harden’s performance will be a critical factor in the Clippers’ success. If Harden can return to his MVP-caliber form, there is hope that he and Leonard can spearhead a competitive campaign. However, the reality remains that this team may fall short of the expectations and fail to secure a Finals appearance. The Clippers find themselves behind in the pecking order, and unless both Harden and Leonard play at their absolute best and remain healthy throughout the season, another year of unfulfilled potential looms on the horizon for this franchise.
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