Nov 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers began their offseason as a crushed team after their loss in the Western Conference semi finals to the Houston Rockets. They were dubbed as the team that never gets past the second round and were essentially removed from the list of contenders for the 2015-16 NBA season before the Finals even begun. Now, however, Doc Rivers has managed to assemble the deepest roster they’ve had yet to prepare them for what could genuinely be their best season in franchise history.
No longer will the Clippers need to rely on superstar power and their Big 3 alone. Instead, they have enough depth across the board to offer their stars more rest throughout the season, thus keeping them in better condition for the playoffs. On top of that, they actually have role players that can make something happen off the bench; at both ends of the floor.
Of course, they will need time to adjust, and we can’t know how players such as Lance Stephenson will fit in at first, but it’s not too long until we find out.
So, as we wait for the new season to arrive, it’s time to do a power ranking of the entire roster. Not just to see what their overall depth chart looks like, but to see who is most important to this revamped Clippers squad.
It’s a not exactly easy to rank each member of the team, especially when it comes to the Big 3 of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. With so much talent and every player offering their own skill set, arguments can surely be made to rank different players either higher or lower than they might finish on this list.
Never mind that, though. Let’s just begin the rankings.
Next: C.J. Wilcox
15th: C.J. Wilcox
Coming in at 15th for the Clippers, it’s 24 year old shooting guard C.J. Wilcox. He showed off his shooting form in Summer League this year, but on a team featuring so many stellar wing players and elite shooters such as CP3, J.J. Redick and Paul Pierce, Wilcox is going to have a hard time earning minutes as long as he’s a member of the team.
Last season, Wilcox appeared in just 21 games and averaged 4.8 minutes a night. Come playoff time, he didn’t set foot on the floor once. With the Clippers having virtually no bench, Wilcox still couldn’t emerge as a viable option, although that isn’t too surprising as he has few strengths besides three point shooting.
He shot 36.8 percent from beyond the arc last season, and in an attempt to make as much happen for the Clippers’ offense during his incredibly limited minutes, Wilcox averaged 2.5 made threes and 14.6 points per 36 minutes.
He put on a pretty good showing in Summer League, too. The video above shows his 22 point, 4 threes performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hot shooting nights will be his best chance of making it onto the floor next season. If he can enter the game in garbage time and heat up, maybe he can steal a few extra seconds.
Wilcox has a little promise, but it’s never going to be enough to move up the rotation in the Clippers’ deeper core of wing players for the 2015-16 season.
Next: Chuck Hayes
14th: Chuck Hayes
Jan 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Chuck Hayes (44) goes after the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Clippers beat the Raptors 126-118. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
As the Clippers’ newest signing, 6’6″ big man Chuck Hayes is most likely coming to L.A. at number five in the frontcourt rotation. With the likes of Griffin, Jordan, Josh Smith and Cole Aldrich around, Hayes will start with a minor role near the bottom of the second unit with rookie Branden Dawson.
Hayes will only be playing around 5 minutes a game in the rare occasions he steps onto the floor. His role will be something similar to that of Ekpe Udoh from last season, which means that he’ll hardly be making much difference to the Clippers’ championship chances. However, that doesn’t mean that he has nothing to offer.
When looking past his career free throw percentage of 61.8 (which isn’t much of a problem seeing as he has such a small role), Hayes can bring two key strengths to the Clippers: post defense and playmaking.
On defense, Hayes uses his strong frame to try and force opponents out of the paint as much as possible. Even though he lacks explosiveness and speed, he makes up for it with correct instincts and effort. As a result, he made opponents shoot 5.8 percent worse than normal on two point attempts. Then, at the other end of the floor, Hayes used his vision and high-post passing to average 2.8 assists per 36 minutes last season, whilst creating 8.4 points per 48 minutes with his passes.
He won’t be doing a lot for the Clippers, but he’ll stick to his role and bring some defensive energy when necessary. If he can help serve as a solid veteran presence to younger players as well, that’s just another added bonus.
Next: Branden Dawson
13th: Branden Dawson
Feb 1, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Branden Dawson (22) defends Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Aubrey Dawkins (24) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The Spartans won 76-66. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
It took until the 56th pick for the Clippers to enter the 2015 NBA draft, but they finally did so in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. As a result, they were able to land defensive specialist Branden Dawson of Michigan State.
Dawson undoubtedly has the potential to climb up several spots on this list in the near future. That’s the key reason why he’s been placed ahead of Chuck Hayes. But, as of right now, he’ll need to prove his defensive abilities and operate reasonably enough on offense to earn some solid minutes from Doc. Even though that may take time, Dawson’s potential value to emerge as a defensive energizer off the bench for the Clippers is extremely high.
Last season, he simply dominated the Big Ten Conference. At only 6’6″, Dawson uses his immense athleticism and aggressive play style to make up for any height that he lacks. Because of his combination of explosiveness and hustle, he can out-play big men that tower above him; at both ends of the floor.
Dawson led the Big Ten Conference in offensive rebounds (102), rebounds per game (9.1), total rebound percentage (17.9) and defensive rating (91.1), whilst even ranking 4th in blocks per game (1.7) and 2nd in defensive win shares (2.5).
Simply put, Dawson can bring everything the Clippers need to help improve their 15th ranked defense. It will take him time to create a role, but he has the potential to make a serious difference off the bench.
Next: Pablo Prigioni
12th: Pablo Prigioni
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Pablo Prigioni (9) dribbles again Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
As the Clippers’ third option at point guard, Pablo Prigioni was an excellent signing. He’ll be following Austin Rivers in the rotation, though, so Prigioni’s attributes will only be utilized in moderate bursts by the Clippers.
After entering the NBA at 35 years of age with the New York Knicks, Prigioni hasn’t exactly spent long in the league. Yet that doesn’t undermine his basketball IQ. He has a clear understanding of the game, which is shown by his patience on offense when setting up his teammates and his pesky defense at the other end of the floor.
Along with the signing of Paul Pierce, the Clippers needed some veteran know-how. Prigioni may not have the “swagger” and clutch shooting of The Truth, but that’s not what he needs.
The following extra is from a column written by Jeff Nisius (one of our writers here at Clipperholics) who analyzed Prigioni’s ability to run an offense:
"Due to his willingness to make the extra pass and lay the table for his teammates, Prigioni averaged 19.5 points created by an assist per 48 minutes last season with the Rockets, according to NBA.com. That is the exact same mark as Damian Lillard and more than players such as Goran Dragic, Derrick Rose and Mike Conley."
His passing is clearly impressive. When adding his defense to the equation, his 2.4 steals per 36 minutes can also help the Clippers create even more fast-break opportunities.
With his combination of smart playmaking and quick reactions in passing lanes on defense, Prigioni may even be able to teach Austin Rivers a thing or two as well.
Next: Wesley Johnson
11th: Wesley Johnson
Feb 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) reacts after making a basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers are already the highlight machine of the NBA. From ferocious alley-oops in transition to Blake just blowing past players with ease for monster throw-downs, there isn’t any way to stop them at times. After all, you don’t get the nickname “Lob City” for nothing.
With Wesley Johnson, the Clippers now have yet another explosive athlete to add to their arsenal of fast-break weapons. At 6’7″ with a 7’1″ wingspan, he’s certainly got plenty of length, and with a 37 inch vertical, he’s got the bounce to execute plenty of dunks in Los Angeles.
When looking through the Clippers’ new set of wing players, Johnson comes in last due to not quite having the defensive ability last season to establish himself as a 3-and-D player who will deserve more minutes than the likes of Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce or Josh Smith. Johnson allowed opponents to shoot 2.9 percent higher than normal, whilst making a more positive impact at the other end of the floor by making 35.1 percent of his threes.
With two All-Defensive first team players to learn from in Paul and Jordan, Wesley Johnson may be able to improve on defense. So when considering his three point shooting and athleticism, it’s obvious that he can still be a key contributor by at least keeping players higher up the roster well rested.
Next: Jamal Crawford
10th: Jamal Crawford
May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) drives to the basket during the third quarter as Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) defends in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
After being such a valued offensive spark-plug for the Clippers over the last few seasons, it’s a shame to see Jamal Crawford move down in the rankings as one of the team’s most important players. In all honesty, though, he just seems like the odd-man-out right now and his minutes are going to drop significantly.
He became Sixth Man of the Year in 2013-14 in L.A. due to his near unmatched ability to provide instant offense, but now those days may be over. Few fans will want to hear that and rightfully so. Yet there’s far more competition on the Clippers’ bench now.
Crawford’s efficiency fell rather suddenly last season, as he only shot 39.6 percent from the floor and 32.7 percent from three point range. In the playoffs, those numbers dropped to 36 and 24.3, respectively. His fluid handles and scoring ability is obviously still there and he’s one of the most talented 35 year olds in the league. That doesn’t mean that his declining efficiency can be overlooked, though. With Lance Stephenson, Doc has now gone in a new direction for the Clippers’ sixth man.
Don’t worry, though, because if Stephenson can return to his form from his Indiana Pacers days (and that’s still a big “if”), his playmaking, versatility, rebounding and defense can give the Clippers a new dynamic at both ends of the floor.
Next: Cole Aldrich
9th: Cole Aldrich
With so many athletic monsters in the NBA today, lumbering centers such as Cole Aldrich aren’t always viewed as highly. Yet due to his combination of instincts, timing and intensity, he can deliver on defense in ways that the Clippers really need from their backup center.
Last season, Spencer Hawes just didn’t help out at all. His field goal percentage fell by 7.5 from the previous year, his three point percentage plummeted by 13.5 and to top that off, his defense was almost entirely absent.
With Aldrich, though, the Clippers have a reliable, 6’11”, defensive minded center to support Jordan. He averaged 12.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes last season in the biggest role of his career (started 16 games averaging 16 minutes a night). That production is entirely sound for a backup center, and as you can see in the video above, he can reject his opponents with major emphasis.
Aldrich also recorded a total rebound percentage of 20 last season; almost double that of Hawes, who finished the year with a percentage of just 11.4.
That kind of defensive improvement can go a long way in helping the Clippers’ improve their main weaknesses. As after ranking 15th in defensive efficiency and only 16th in rebounding rate, Cole Aldrich can not only give more rest to Jordan, but address L.A’.s flaws, too.
Next: Austin Rivers
8th: Austin Rivers
May 8, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the second half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
If the Clippers didn’t make so many new additions this summer, Austin Rivers might even be slightly higher on this list. Consistency is his glaring flaw, but he still proved that he’s developing after delivering a few memorable playoff performances.
The key takeaway from his performance in the postseason — most notably his game four against the San Antonio Spurs and 25 point performance against the Houston Rockets in game three — is the confidence he showed. That’s not all he needs, though, as he still only made 42.7 percent of his shots and 30.9 percent of his threes during the regular season. Yet the way he almost took over games at times is something no one could have seen coming.
Rivers drove to the rim with more intent and success than we’re used to seeing, despite the fact that the likes of Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard stood in his way.
As that confidence grows and his competitive nature continues to shine through, it should only be a matter of time before we gradually see his shooting and composure running the offense improve. Plus, more veterans to learn from such as Pierce and Prigioni can help his development even further.
The potential to be the backup point guard of the future is there, and having less pressure on his shoulders now that he has some help alongside him in the second unit should help a young player like Rivers.
Next: Josh Smith
7th: Josh Smith
May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and center Andrew Bogut (12) defend during the third quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Smith never fit in with the Detroit Pistons, yet managed to turn himself around during the latter part of last season with the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately for the Clippers, that turnaround reached it’s climax in the second round of the playoffs. So now that Smith is coming to L.A., we still have to wait and see exactly how he’ll gel with his new teammates.
With the best floor general by his side in the form of Chris Paul, though, a great coach in Doc Rivers and numerous other talent, the chance of Smith operating to full effect as a key player off the bench is definitely a good one. Especially because he brings one asset to the table that the Clippers didn’t have last season: versatility.
In Houston, Smith’s three point shooting soared to the second best mark of his career at 33 percent (that may sound dramatic, but just look at how poorly he shot in Detroit), and his production was highly impressive across the board. With 16.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per 36 minutes, Smith used his ability to play at either forward position to contribute in multiple ways at both ends of the floor.
If that wasn’t enough, Smith reiterated that he can defend multiple positions. He swamped opponents from mid-range by forcing them to shoot an entire 8.4 percent worse than normal from within 10 feet. When moving into the paint, Smith became even tougher as he made players shoot 9.6 percent below average inside six feet.
More so than his explosiveness, improved shooting, and the fact he can take some minutes away from Griffin, it’s his stellar versatility on defense that really makes him valuable to the Clippers.
Next: Lance Stephenson
6th: Lance Stephenson
Nov 7, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
As the Clippers’ new sixth man who’ll take the majority of the second unit backcourt minutes, Lance Stephenson has to earn a high ranking on this list. So what with the being the new sixth man, he’s in the position to emerge as one of this team’s most valuable players.
Before we proclaim him as the saviour to the Clippers’ bench, though, he’ll first need to prove himself again. We know what he’s capable of, as the kind of versatility he had to lead the league with five triple doubles in 2013-14 doesn’t just go away. However, after shooting 37.6 percent from the floor and making a measly 17.1 percent of his threes last season, Stephenson will need some time to reach top form again.
That’s where the star power and leaders around him can help.
His creativity and playmaking will be key in diversifying the Clippers. Even in the worst year of his career with the Charlotte Hornets, he still averaged 5.5 assists per 36 minutes. Furthermore, his ability to attack the basket is something that the Clippers and their host of three point shooters lack. He uses his strong, 6’5″, 210 lbs frame to attack the paint through smaller guards and uses his speed and handles to beat slower defenders off the dribble. As a result, he’s made 65.6 percent of his shots within three feet over the course of his career.
With his passing and aggression when attacking the paint in mind, not to mention his competitive defense and rebounding, Stephenson has the perfect opportunity to reach his potential in L.A. and help improve the Clippers’ primary areas of weakness.
Because of the fact that a lot of the team’s second unit success hinges on the performance of Lance, he has to be given a high ranking in this list.
Next: Paul Pierce
5th: Paul “The Truth” Pierce
May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with injured Wizards guard John Wall (L) and Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (M) after making the game-winning basket against the Atlanta Hawks as time expired in the fourth quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The role that Paul Pierce will have with the Clippers is still not entirely certain. He’ll most likely start but with limited minutes (around 17-20 per game) in order to keep him in good condition for the playoffs, which would allow Doc Rivers to make the most of what Pierce has to offer.
He’s still delivering even at 37 years of age after playing 26.2 minutes a night to average 11.9 points on 44.7 percent shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while making an efficient 38.9 percent of his threes (his best mark in five years).
Though it’s not just his shooting that makes him valuable. It’s the championship winning experience and leadership that he possesses which makes him so valuable to what used to be a relatively young and inexperienced (at least in the playoffs) Clippers team.
His buzzer beater to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in game three of the Eastern Conference semi finals is a shot that will be remembered long after he’s retired. It proved what he still has to offer, and his response of “I called game” in the following interview made the moment so much better.
That confidence and fourth quality ability is what the Clippers need from Pierce, and thankfully for them, he still appears to have it in bucket loads.
Next: J.J. Redick
4th: J.J. Redick
The veteran presence and leadership of Paul Pierce made the call between him and J.J. Redick a tricky one. The former has more to offer in terms of his attributes off the floor that can provide some mental toughness to the Clippers, meanwhile Redick will carry a greater load through the regular season to help position L.A. near the top of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Which is why Redick has to come first. He recorded a career high 16.4 points on a career best 47.7 percent shooting. Oh, and he had yet another career high with his three point percentage of 43.7. His movement around the perimeter and deadly shooting just adds so much to the Clippers’ offense alongside the play of Griffin in the post, not to mention Redick is an underrated defender as well.
To illustrate some of the main reasons why he’s so difficult to defend, here’s a brief extract from a recent column of mine to show some of the numbers behind is elite shooting:
"When it comes to making the most of easy catch and shoot opportunities, Redick is just a fraction away from being the best in the league. He recorded 8 catch and shoot points per game last season — just 0.5 less than first place Atlanta Hawks All-Star, Kyle Korver… Last season, he made 47.4 percent of his pull-ups, which came largely from mid-range or from three point bombs in transition. Although, if Redick looks to create his own shot after surveying his options from the perimeter, his accuracy is still impeccable."
He’s had such success in a big role with the Clippers for that reason. Redick’s shooting is just so hard to stop, and he’s a fundamental reason as to why they led the league in offensive efficiency last year.
Next: The Big 3
3rd: DeAndre Jordan
May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Now that we’ve reached the Big 3, this is where things get really interesting when breaking down the Clippers’ roster based on each player’s value.
There’s a case that could be made to put DeAndre Jordan at the top of this list, simply because without him the Clippers’ interior defense and rebounding would be lost. Yes, he can’t shoot free throws and yes, he has no kind of post-up game. No one is perfect. That doesn’t mean that Jordan doesn’t excel in other areas of the game.
Specifically, those areas of ability for DeAndre come through the air at both ends of the floor.
The numbers and details behind Jordan’s defensive impact could be talked about for ages, but this list isn’t going to describe every nitty gritty detail. Simply put, he honed all his physical tools and mental instincts last season to become an All-Defensive first team center, which immediately ranks him above most of the league’s big men.
To put his performance into context, though, a few key statistics have to be mentioned. With 2.2 blocks, a league best field goal percentage of 71 due to his endless dunks, a league leading 15 rebounds per game and ranking 5th in overall win shares (12.8) take Jordan’s worth to an immense level.
The panic that was caused by his near departure to the Dallas Mavericks can remind everyone just how important Jordan really is to this team. He may be critiqued for lacking skill, but he more than makes up for it by how he anchors the Clippers’ defense.
If he didn’t have two of the league’s biggest superstars on his team, he could be the most important player on a franchise.
Next: Blake or CP3?
2nd: Blake Griffin
May 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Choosing between the Clippers’ top two players is by far the hardest part of this process. The way both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul can carry the team puts them straight to the top of the discussion, but it’s still a close call between the two. Especially after Blake’s performance in Paul’s absence during the playoffs.
Griffin was proving himself to be one of the top few power forwards in the NBA during the regular season before his triple double prowess even began in the playoffs. His dunks continue to be terrifying, his range is expanding (40 percent from 16 feet out), his post game is developing and his passing is better than ever before. With averages of 21.9 points on 50.2 percent shooting, 7.6 rebounds a career high 5.3 assists and improved ball handling, he’s becoming a point guard/quarterback in a power forward’s body.
His level of explosiveness, skill and vision of how to run a team simply allow him to do a combination of things that few other players can.
Griffin is easily one of the best all around offensive big men in the game now. He’s not just a highlight dunker anymore; he’s a highly skilled player with an offensive arsenal that continues to grow year after year. On top of that, he has the playmaking ability and ball handling to be able to run an entire offense; as he proved in the playoffs with a with a stat-line of 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists, including back-to-back triple doubles to finish the Spurs in game seven and start strong against the Rockets.
The one thing stopping him being ranked as the Clippers’ MVP, though, is that his defense isn’t on level with his offense. Which is where the two-way greatness of Chris Paul comes into play.
Next: Chris Paul
1st: Chris Paul
Apr 26, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) leads a fastbreak against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
When looking at the impact that he makes at both ends of the floor and how much better his team are with him leading the way, the Clippers’ MVP has to be Chris Paul. From maintaining his crown as the NBA’s best floor general, to his title as the best defensive point guard in the game as well, it’s the way Paul excels equally at both ends of the floor that places him above Griffin.
Yet again, Paul led the league in assists with 10.2 per game, averaged 19.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, shot 48.5 percent from the floor and even made 39.8 percent of his three pointers (the second best mark of his career). As a result, he became an All-Star, an All-Defensive first team member and All-NBA second team member.
The numbers can go on forever with Paul, so here are two that you need to know: he ranked 2nd in win shares (16.1) and the Clippers led opponents by a ridiculous average of 13 points per 100 possessions with him in the game, compared to trailing by 7.9 without him.
That just sums up Paul. He has a combination of two-way ability that hardly any player can match and he means everything to his team.
Ultimately, the Clippers did fall tragically against the Rockets in the second round. But that wasn’t because of Paul, Griffin, Jordan or any other individual. The Clippers didn’t have a bench and their stars were bound to get gassed after carrying the load every single night. That’s just not a recipe for championship level success.
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Now that Doc Rivers has assembled a talented second unit to support his stars, though, they can lead their team forward with the correct support they need in the 2015-16 season.
It’s time for Jordan to prove himself after earning a max contact, for Griffin to continue his evolution as a skill based player, and for Paul to lead his Clippers as both their MVP and the best point guard in the game.
No one at the position can make as much difference at both ends of the court as Paul. In fact, few players all together can. That is why he ranks first in this Clippers power ranking.