Austin Rivers thinks Cole Aldrich is “unbelievable”, and that the Los Angeles Clippers’ improving bench gives the team a chance to “be the best”.
In 2014-15, the Los Angeles Clippers’ bench ranked 22nd in scoring with 30.4 points per game. This season, however, they ranked 4th with 38. It’s a major improvement, but beyond the fact that the second unit can actually score, albeit with wavering efficiency, the fact there are players who can contribute defensively is a major upgrade.
Over the latter stages of the season, especially since Blake Griffin was ruled out with injury in December, the Clippers’ role players have contributed to the team’s jump from 15th in defensive efficiency last season to 4th. It was a vital factor in their 30-15 record without Griffin, and the defense is proving itself yet again in the playoffs so far with two controlling wins over the Portland Trail Blazers, allowing a measly average of 88 points per game.
Now, with the likes of Wesley Johnson, Jeff Green (despite the inconsistencies), Austin Rivers‘ elevated defense, and Cole Aldrich, there are more pieces to make a difference.
As Rivers explained to reporters after the 102-81 win in Game 2, he’s nothing but thrilled with the play of his second unit counterparts after their combined +/- reached +89 for the second contest against Portland (via the Orange County Register):
Seeing as the bench actually has spells of play where they can hold onto a lead or combine in certain rotations to benefit the starters, it’s impossible to deny that they’re far better than they were at the start of the season.
“We feel like we have a full second unit,” Rivers said with clear confidence. “We’ve just gotta keep getting better. I feel like we could be the best.”
Aldrich is at the center of the solidified bench play and defense. Without his effort, physicality, and averages of 13 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 3.1 blocks per 36 minutes, the second unit wouldn’t be in this position.
In fact, according to Rivers, Aldrich “has been f*****g unbelievable, man. He has been… at both ends… his defense has been incredible”.
It’s hard to disagree there.
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As of right now, though, the Clippers’ second unit still can’t compete with those of the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs. The defending champs have some serious talent coming off their bench, highlighted by skilful and reliable backups such as Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala, Marreese Speights and Festus Ezeli. As for the Spurs, from veterans like Manu Ginobili and Boris Diaw to Patty Mills, everyone fills out the roster perfectly.
If the Clippers’ bench somehow finds a way to be as efficient and consistent at both ends of the floor as those two units, the team is going to pose a far greater threat than last year. Although, with streaky shooters like Jamal Crawford and Rivers, and a total liability such as Paul Pierce (who Doc Rivers insists will play), the bench hasn’t done enough for the Clippers to be on level with the teams ruling the Western Conference.
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It’s hard to fault Rivers’ praise at the moment, though. He has every right to compliment his fellow role players and after their recent performance.
However, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. Even though they’ve won in commanding fashion in the playoffs so far, the Clippers are still only two games into the first round against an opponent who overachieved to remarkable proportions to even make the postseason as a 5th seed.
When L.A. face the inevitable challenge of Golden State in the second round, a lot more will be asked of their second unit as the toughness of the opponent and intensity of the situation increase.
In order to have the best chance of causing an upset and taking the Warriors to as many games as possible, though, the Clippers’ improved rotations and bench play has been taking some lengthy steps in the right direction for a while now.
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Combined with the return of Griffin, they certainly have a chance to continue their rivalry with the reigning champs and give us what should easily be the best series of the playoffs so far.