The Los Angeles Clippers couldn’t have been more disappointing than they were a year ago. The Clips rolled over in their series against the Nuggets and looked like they wanted to go home. Will 2021 be any different?
Key Additions: Serge Ibaka, Luke Kennard, and Nic Batum
Serge Ibaka was a huge save job for the Clippers. Ibaka brings more shooting to the table and is a reliable veteran presence. Last year in Toronto, Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and shot the ball at a 38.5% clip from down town. He should step right in and start at the 5.
Luke Kennard comes to town as an interesting project. Kennard took a huge step forward in his third NBA season with Detroit. Albeit, it was in a short sample size. However, Kennard does bring an underrated playmaking element to his new team. A skillset that the Clippers desperately need.
The Clippers also signed Nic Batum. End of explanation.
Key Departures: Montrezl Harrell, JaMychal Green, and Landry Shamet
The Montrezl Harrell loss feels like a big blow. Not just because he was a 6th man of the award winner. Harrell brings energy that this Clippers team otherwise just doesn’t have. Harrell is a certified dog. I’m not sure LA has another guy like this on the roster. It’s crushing.
JaMychal Green is also a much better player than maybe his name power indicates. Green was a reliable 3-point shooter and provided chunk minutes off the bench. Asking Batum to fill that Green role is a large ask.
Landry Shamet essentially got swapped for Kennard. Shamet’s stock maybe took a bit of a dip this year after lighting it up as a rookie in Philadelphia. I still believe in the jump shot. His playmaking ability should also took a step forward in a less stagnant offense.
Starting Lineup: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Marcus Morris, Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka
The starting 5 looks much the same. I would assume that Ivica Zubac is no longer starting. That’s really the only difference.
Season Outlook:
The Clippers left a sour taste in all of our stomachs last year. LA’s problem feels the same; too many ball stoppers, not enough ball distributors. Will Kawhi Leonard take on more of a leadership role? Lou Williams still feels like a problem and a guy defenses attack when he’s on the floor. Is Ty Lue an upgrade or downgrade over Doc Rivers? Will Paul George disappear when he’s counted on most again?
