LA Clippers Roundtable: What has been most impressive so far?

Chemistry – By Paul Tooke

Despite the additions of Marreese Speights, Alan Anderson, Raymond Felton, Brandon Bass, and Diamond Stone, the LA Clippers’ team chemistry has not struggled this season. One might say that there is no reason for the chemistry to lack, because the core three players, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and Blake Griffin all remain on the team.

However, when any team adds new talent to the team, there is a risk of disrupting  the teams’ current scoring style simply because the ball is entering new hands. The new players signed this summer could have corrupted the team’s ability to score while the starters rested, however their focus both on offense and defense has improved rather than hindered the secondary unit’s productivity. There has been some drop off during the recent 6-6 down spell following the 14-2 start, but the bench has still taken a step forward.

It is clear that Speights, Felton, and Bass are higher quality players than last year’s Josh Smith, Lance Stephenson, and Pablo Prigioni. All three of those new additions are arguably more relaxed, experienced, and mature when they step on the court. They have all impressed me so far this season, and I hope to feel the same if and whenever Bass, Anderson, and Stone (obviously less so as the raw rookie) receive consistent minutes during future games.

GM Doc Rivers made it possible for these individuals to wear the L.A. colors this season, and despite their very different NBA backgrounds and playing styles, the team’s overall chemistry is most impressive. Let’s hope that helps their defensive intensity come back at full strength in Griffin’s absence.