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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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BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 14: Avery Bradley
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 14: Avery Bradley /

Shooting Guards

Starter: Avery Bradley

Avery Bradley makes up one half of what is arguably the best defensive backcourt combination in the NBA. Alongside Beverley, even the best guards will have a hard time scoring on these two.

We never did see what Bradley and Beverley were capable of last season. Beverley appeared in just 11 games, all of which came before the Blake Griffin trade that brought Bradley to LA. Bradley, then, played just six games, before he was permanently sidelined with a groin injury.

Those two together at full strength could be a scary sight, and that’s likely why the Clippers brought him back. Bradley agreed to a two-year, $25 million contract on Tuesday, $14 million of which is guaranteed.

If the Clippers can swing a deal for Kawhi Leonard, they’d certainly be in the conversation for league’s best defense.

Backup No. 1: Lou Williams

The Clippers are truly stacked at the shooting guard position, more so than any other. Of course, that’d be true for any team that starts a 2x All-Defensive teamer that’s backed up by the reigning Sixth Man of the Year (and team MVP, for what it’s worth).

Lou Williams is an offensive mastermind, much to the contrast of Bradley. He’s also an improvement over virtually every other two-guard that comes off the bench in the league, and he uses that to his advantage.

Last season, Williams averaged nearly 22 points per game off the bench, as well as 5.3 assists. He’s an underrated facilitator, and because he draws so much attention, is able to get open looks for his teammates with ease.

Williams may start a few games next season, as he did the last, in certain situations. However, fans should look for him to be right back in the Sixth Man conversation once again when the time comes.

Backup No. 2: Jerome Robinson

With the 13th pick, the Clippers drafted Jerome Robinson, a bit of an unknown that many labeled as a reach. And while that may be true, numerous other teams were ready to pull the trigger on Robinson within the same range.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the Nuggets, Wizards, and Bucks were strongly considering Robinson with picks 14, 15, and 17, respectively. The Clippers were reportedly interested in trading back to pick No. 19 to select him, but we now know that he likely wouldn’t have been available at that point.

Regardless of label, Robinson is an elite offensive talent and will be able to contribute this season. He’s found himself in a fantastic situation as well, with Bradley and Williams to learn from. By year’s end, we could start to see him evolve into a polished two-way star, which is surely the goal.

He won’t get a lot of minutes next season, but when he does, watch out. Robinson is a torch that can catch fire in no time.

Backup No. 3: Sindarius Thornwell

This spot is up for debate, and very well could be until the official roster is announced.

On one hand, you have C.J. Williams, one of league’s best success stories and two-way standout. He was a solid scorer for the Clippers when necessary, though he’s not very well-rounded.

On the other, you have Sindarius Thornwell, a second-round selection that looked especially impressive down the stretch. He’s more of a two-way player than Williams, and he shows more promise in the grand scheme.

For now, Thornwell deserves the spot, although the Clippers do have the freedom to make changes throughout the year. It just seems as though Thornwell fits Jerry West‘s mold a tad more.

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