CENTER : MARCIN GORTAT
While Harrell remained a viable option to accommodate as a small-ball five, deficiencies as a passer and a productive rebounder assisted my decision in picking Gortat. Harrell, a youngster whose forte includes manufacturing high energy plays and flat out scoring the ball, was a key bench player alongside the reigning Sixth Man Of The Year, Lou Williams.
However, Gortat’s attributes match with the Clippers’ requirements for this lineup.
The ‘Polish Hammer’ renders the team a dependable rebounding presence after the departure of All-Star rim protector, DeAndre Jordan. The 34-year-old veteran has seen his production drop over the years, nevertheless he averages a passable 11 rebounds every 36 minutes. Having waned as a defensive prospect, supplementary skills like effectual screening and undervalued passing from the low post make him a shrewd inclusion for the 42 game-winning team.
A proven mid-range shooter and a versatile finisher around the rim make him a realistic threat on the offensive end. Having substantiated his durability over the years, he remains a reliable option for the Clippers.
He no longer provides the same impact that established him as a highly regarded big man in the past, though his multifaceted skill-set would see him contribute effectively in Rivers’ system.
Having played alongside Hall Of Fame caliber guards in Steve Nash and Vince Carter, he could offer assistance to the rookie guards and aid their development. His production in the passing, screening and rebounding department, make him an odds-on choice to feature in the ‘Death Lineup’.
While the Clippers may lack a household name in their roster, they comprise a group of skilled individuals with enough talent to carry the franchise into the playoffs. Far from being labelled as contenders, they possess the ideal roster to stay competitive on a nightly basis. Trying to elude from the failures of the ‘Lob City’ era, the Clippers have built a respectable roster for the short term while aspiring to eventually construct a championship team in the future. Lawrence Frank and Co. have succeeded in assembling a competent roster while creating flexibility for the future via astute moves in the off-season. With the support of The Logo, they have placed themselves in an intriguing position to build a superteam in the future. With the right moves, Ballmer and Co. could very well see their hopes of winning a ring come true in the emerging seasons.