During the LA Clippers’ preseason, which was shorter than many other teams', some players stood out. For some, this is good news as the regular season approaches; for others, it’s not, as their minutes in the rotation, role on the team, and time with the organization are on the line.
That said, let’s recap the two biggest winners and one biggest loser of the last three games.
Winner: Darius Garland
In the summer, after Kawhi Leonard's departure and news that Brandon Ingram wouldn’t be ready for the first chunk of the regular season, questions arose about how Darius Garland would fare as the LA Clippers’ first option. This would be the first time in his young career with such duties, leaving room for doubt. By the end of the preseason, Garland squashed it all.
Garland’s numbers look great. He averaged 13.3 points and 5.7 assists in 19.1 minutes, shooting 48.1% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc. More importantly, it was clear he was prepared for what’s ahead.
The 26-year-old handled the on-ball pressure well, constantly encouraged his teammates from the sidelines, and showed strong leadership on and off the floor.
Health-wise, there were no questions. Garland has had toe issues in the past, but over the last three games, he backed up his recent words where he mentioned he was 100% healthy.
Winner: Baba Miller
Baba Miller entered the LA Clippers’ preseason as someone head coach Tyronn Lue would use in garbage time, at least at the start of his rookie season, or if a frontcourt player got injured.
Miller finished by locking down a legitimate role in the second unit as the secondary power forward/center.
How did he do that? Miller looked the part on both ends of the floor, averaging 11.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in just 18.9 minutes, shooting 55.6% from the field.
Miller clearly had the goal of ending the preseason as a player the Clippers needed to use from day one, and he did just that.
Loser: Cam Christie
Several players on the LA Clippers’ roster could’ve walked away with this title, but it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that there is one bigger than Cam Christie.
The Clippers’ preseason was his golden opportunity to show the front office, and the rest of the league, that he is legit, as they once said. However, in just two games, the former second-round pick was borderline atrocious.
Christie averaged 8.0 points, which isn’t too bad, but he shot 36.4% from the field and didn’t make a single three-pointer. Turnovers were also a massive issue for the former second-round pick, as he had five against the Golden State Warriors.
Now, Christie is probably at the end of the roster, with his future in LA on literal eggshells.
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