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The Los Angeles Clippers are resting their season on their defense

By Ryan Snellings

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 12: Avery Bradley #11 of the LA Clippers defends against Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 12, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 12: Avery Bradley #11 of the LA Clippers defends against Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 12, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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With the signing of Luc Mbah a Moute and re-signing of Avery Bradley, it has become clear the Los Angeles Clippers are focused on a defensive future.

Through the last several seasons, the NBA league average in scoring has increased. Teams are nearly shooting 30 three-point attempts per game when as recent as 2012-13, they were only getting up 20 shots from deep. While the NBA is zigging, it appears the Los Angeles Clippers are zagging.

The recent addition of Luc Mbah a Moute, the drafting of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and re-signing of Avery Bradley it has become apparent that the Clippers aren’t going to conform to league trends. Instead, they will embrace being a defensive minded team.

We know what Luc is capable of from his first stint with the Clippers. Prior to his injury last year, he was a key piece for the Houston Rockets due to his lock down capabilities. The same can be said for Avery Bradley who despite struggling last year has been named to All-Defensive NBA teams twice in his career.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the length to be a great defender, but will need to pack on a little more muscle. Still, he’s already averaging two steals a game in his Summer League play. The ability is evident.

Not only were players signed, but assistant coach Rex Kalamian was hired. Kalamian is a defensive guru who upon his hiring in Toronto brought them from 25th in overall defense in 2014-15 to 11th in the next season. The team only improved from there.

The team already has defensive stoppers in Patrick Beverley and Sindarius Thornwell. They traded for Marcin Gortat, who is a downgrade from DeAndre Jordan, but is still a capable defender at the center position. At the very least, he won’t tolerate laziness on defense which may actually be an upgrade from Jordan.

The best part about these signings? If getting Kawhi Leonard either this year through a trade or next summer through free agency is a possibility, the team can still keep its identity. It doesn’t take a basketball savant to know that Leonard is an amazing defender. Adding him to this already stout defense would be icing on the cake.

The team will still have scoring with the likes of Tobias Harris, Lou Williams and the rookie Jerome Robinson. Leonard would have an impact here as well, should he be added. However, the main focus will be defense. The team will hang their hat on getting stops and will likely be able to get out and run after stops.

Who ever said defense can’t be exciting?

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