The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a new chapter in their history, as they move into their new home at the Intuit Dome. However, the excitement of a fresh start is tempered by an uncertain future following a disappointing 2023-24 season that saw them finish 4th in the Western Conference with a 51-31 record, only to be bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
To add to the uncertainty, Paul George has departed the team, leaving the Clippers with significant questions about their ability to contend for a championship. Despite a star-studded roster, injuries, and inconsistent play derailed their season after the All-Star break. Now, with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard as the key remaining stars, the Clippers will look to navigate this new era.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: James Harden
Reserves: Kris Dunn, Bones Hyland, RayJ Dennis
James Harden extended his stay with the Clippers after a solid debut season following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. With Paul George gone, Harden will need to shoulder a bigger offensive load, but he’s proven he can still be a leader and playmaker. His passing ability will be crucial in keeping the Clippers’ offense flowing, especially with Kawhi Leonard as the primary scorer.
Backing up Harden are Kris Dunn and Bones Hyland, two guards who offer very different skill sets. Dunn brings defense and toughness, while Hyland is a scoring spark plug who can provide instant offense off the bench. RayJ Dennis will compete for minutes as well, adding depth to the point guard position.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Terance Mann
Reserves: Amir Coffey, Cam Christie, Alondes Williams
With Paul George no longer on the team, Terance Mann will take on a more significant role as a shooting guard. Mann averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range last season. Known for his defensive versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, Mann will be asked to take a step forward offensively. The Clippers will need Mann to become a more consistent scoring threat to help replace George’s production.
Amir Coffey, Cam Christie, and Alondes Williams will all compete for minutes off the bench. Coffey, in particular, has shown flashes of being a solid contributor, while Christie and Williams are young players looking to prove themselves in the rotation.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Kawhi Leonard
Reserves: Norman Powell, Kevin Porter, Trentyn Flowers
When healthy, Kawhi Leonard is still one of the best players in the league. Last season, Leonard played 68 games—the most since 2017—averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.
However, injuries have always been a concern for Leonard, and the Clippers will need to manage his minutes carefully to ensure he’s available for the playoffs. With Paul George no longer on the roster, Leonard will need to carry even more of the scoring burden.
Norman Powell, who averaged 13.9 points and shot 43.5% from three-point range last season, will play a key role off the bench as a scoring option. Powell is capable of starting as well, especially if Leonard misses time. Kevin Porter and rookie Trentyn Flowers round out the small forward depth, with Porter looking to provide scoring punch and Flowers developing as a young prospect.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Derrick Jones Jr.
Reserves: Nicolas Batum, Kobe Brown, Jordan Miller
Derrick Jones Jr., fresh off a Finals run with the Mavericks, will step into the starting power forward role. Jones averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 48.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range. Known for his defense and athleticism, Jones will be tasked with guarding opposing forwards and providing energy on both ends of the floor. While he’s not a high-volume scorer, his role as a defensive stopper will be important for the Clippers.
Nicolas Batum, a veteran forward with playmaking and shooting ability, will continue to provide valuable minutes off the bench. Batum’s versatility allows him to play both forward positions, and his experience will be crucial for the team’s second unit. Kobe Brown and Jordan Miller will also compete for minutes, with Brown being an exciting young prospect who offers rebounding and physicality.
Center (C)
Starter: Ivica Zubac
Reserves: Mo Bamba, PJ Tucker, Kai Jones
Ivica Zubac remains a steady presence at center for the Clippers. Zubac had another solid season, averaging 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and shooting 64.9% from the field. He’s a reliable rim protector and rebounder who can hold his own against some of the league’s top centers. Zubac’s ability to finish around the rim and anchor the defense will be key as the Clippers navigate their new era.
Behind Zubac, the Clippers brought in Mo Bamba, a big man known for his shot-blocking and ability to stretch the floor. Bamba will provide depth and could potentially be a key part of the rotation if he stays healthy. PJ Tucker, who is known for his defensive versatility and toughness, may see limited minutes but will provide valuable veteran leadership. Kai Jones offers athleticism and upside as a developmental player in the frontcourt.
The Clippers are entering a transitional phase, with Paul George gone and questions surrounding the long-term health of Kawhi Leonard. James Harden will be expected to take on a larger role as a leader, and young players like Terance Mann and Derrick Jones Jr. will need to step up if the Clippers hope to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
As they open their new home at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers will likely be fighting for a play-in spot, as their roster no longer looks like the title-contending team it once was.
Ty Lue will have his hands full trying to manage the remaining stars and integrate the new pieces, but with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden still on board, the Clippers could still surprise if everything clicks. However, the team’s ability to stay healthy and find consistency will be crucial to their chances of making any noise in the postseason.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
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2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
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