Steve Ballmer and Doc Rivers were extremely aggressive this summer and did not hesitate to pull the trigger on landing Paul George. Still, they know their future is on the line and are forced to deliver right away.
Thus, the Los Angeles Clippers are going to have a lot of pressure on their shoulders entering next season, as they have a tiny gap of time to win a Championship before Paul George and/or Kawhi Leonard can leave.
Fortunately for them, they have a roster that is more than capable of competing at the highest of levels. They took the Warriors to 6 games before adding two of the best 5 players in the league, so there is no wonder why they’re considered as one of the teams to beat in the West.
But before making it to the Finals, they need to develop some rapport now that they’ve landed two superstars, especially considering how much of their starting lineup is about to change. Today, we’ll discuss it:
Bench: Landry Shamet, Lou Williams, Jerome Robinson, Rodney McGruder, Mo Harkless, Patrick Patterson, Ivica Zubac
Point Guard: Patrick Beverley
The Clippers have one of the most suffocating, pesky, and crafty backcourt stoppers in Patrick Beverley, and something tells me he’s going to get along just fine with George and Leonard in that regard.
Beverley can guard multiple spots on the floor and isn’t a ball-dominant kind of point guard. He’s more than capable of running the offense but thrives the most playing off-ball.
Shooting Guard: Paul George
Paul George is coming off arguably the best season of his career. He was a part of the MVP conversation for most of the year, but a shoulder injury took a major toll on his game during the playoffs.
George is an elite scorer and his defense keeps getting better. He already embraced his role as the second scoring option behind Russell Westbrook, so he should be just fine next to Kawhi. Also, he gives the Clippers an insurance policy in case they manage Kawhi’s loads.
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard wanted to be in control of everything wherever he went this offseason. Now, the Clippers have put him in a position to feel comfortable and do things the way he wants to. Also, he has the chance to put himself in the GOAT conversation if he takes this franchise to a Championship.
Leonard is the best two-way player in the world and it’s not even close. He destroyed the Miami Heat and ended the Warriors’ dynasty as well. He’s an efficient scorer from all three levels and is the only player capable of locking up Harden, Durant, and James.
Power Forward: JaMychal Green
JaMychal Green is going to play a huge role with the Los Angeles Clippers next season. He’s a bit undersized for his position but makes up for it with great instincts as a defender, especially against bigger opposition.
Green is going to give the Clippers a physical presence. He’s a guy that’s willing to put his body on the line on every loose ball, and that’s not going to hesitate to take a beating and go between screens.
Center: Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell took a major step forward last season. He was in the Sixth Man of the Year mix for most of the year and made a fool out of almost every big man that tried to stop him below the rim.
Harrell is a dominant rebounder and scorer in the low post. He’s a great pick-and-roll player and has improved as a rim-running big man as well. He lacks the range of modern centers and is a bit undersized, but his hustle and energy are a huge plus for the Clippers.
