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Updated Look at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Depth Chart

By Garrett Chorpenning

PLAYA VISTA, CA - JUNE 25: Draft picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Jerome Robinson #13 of the LA Clippers pose for a photo during the Draft Press Conference at the Clippers Training Facility in Playa Vista, California on June 25, 2018 at Clippers Training Facility. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - JUNE 25: Draft picks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Jerome Robinson #13 of the LA Clippers pose for a photo during the Draft Press Conference at the Clippers Training Facility in Playa Vista, California on June 25, 2018 at Clippers Training Facility. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 5: Patrick Beverley
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 5: Patrick Beverley /

Point Guards

Starter: Patrick Beverley

Patrick Beverley appeared in just 11 games for the LA Clippers last season, but assuming he’s healthy and ready, he’ll be the team’s starter.

Beverley’s intensity is unmatched on the team, and potentially the league. And at age 30, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

He recorded averages of 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 30.4 minutes per game last season in 11 starts.

There’s a very real chance that rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes over the starting spot by season’s end. Not only does he have a higher ceiling, but Beverley could be traded prior to 2019’s deadline. Whether Gilgeous-Alexander develops by then is up for discussion, but under Beverley, he’ll learn how to be as assertive as possible.

Backup No. 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander was the Clippers’ first selection (sort of) in this year’s NBA Draft, and he looks to be a very promising guard. At 6-6 with a 7-0 wingspan, he’s a pesky defender and a solid playmaker.

There are two areas that Gilgeous-Alexander will need to improve to become a starting-caliber guard, the first being size. Gilgeous-Alexander is long, but he’s incredibly thin. He’ll need to spend a lot of time in the gym this summer to bulk up so that he can handle tougher guards.

The other is his shooting. Despite shooting over 40% from deep in college, Gilgeous-Alexander is far from a three-point shooter. He averaged merely one make per game for his freshman season. His jumper isn’t all that fantastic either, but that should be easier to improve under the advisement of assistant Sam Cassell.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a silky-smooth finisher at the rim, which is one thing he’ll be able to build upon that should translate well to the NBA. Considering his rare length at the position, he’ll be able to get around bigs with ease in the paint.

Backup No. 2: Jawun Evans

Considering his draft position and low expectations, Jawun Evans had a fantastic rookie season. Taken with the 39th overall selection, no one expected Evans to take part in a significant amount of NBA games. Instead, the expectation was that he would go play for the Agua Caliente Clippers, LA’s G-League affiliate.

Instead, Evans appeared in 48 games, and started four. As a starter, he recorded averages of 9.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 29 minutes per game.

While he was productive, Evans is best suited this far back on the bench. He doesn’t have the size or skill to compete with top point guards just yet, but he’s one of the better third guards around the league. More importantly, in the event of an injury, Evans has already showed he’s ready to be the next man up.

Those are the kinds of intangibles that keep rotation players in the NBA for a very long time.

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