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Los Angeles Clippers: Analyzing if the team needs to start Lou Williams

By Allan Aguirre

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 8: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 8: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After coming off one of the best seasons in his career, should the Los Angeles Clippers look at starting Lou Williams?

It is fully expected that the Los Angeles Clippers will bring Lou Williams, their super Sixth Man of the Year, off the bench. Williams has thrived as a bench scorer over the years, adding a spark plug to teams. The last couple of seasons, we have seen his evolution into an all around scorer and playmaker.

Last season, Williams put up a career high in both points, assists, and VORP (value over replacement player). Williams coming off the bench was a deadly option for the Clippers as he would demolish second units and give the Clippers an edge after the starters come out. He played roughly the same amount of minutes as a starter, so one could argue there is no difference.

However, looking at the Clippers current roster iteration, it may be difficult for them to compete for a playoff spot without Williams in the starting line-up. Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley are both great defensive guards who are able to create for others, but neither has had great success as main ball-handler, and neither have natural vision. Beverley, Bradley, Gallinari, and Harris are all able shooters on the perimeter, but if the ball is not moving in motion for them to get open shots, all see a drastic drop-off as shooters.

In many games last season, The Clippers’ starters would get killed to start the games and the bench would bring them back in contention. They would then hold together as Williams was out there in crunch-time. As the West improves, the Clippers often necessitates a player who can create a basket when the spacing is tight.

If the Clippers were to move Gallinari to the bench and replace him with the defense-oriented and corner three specialist Luc Mbah Moute, whilst switching Lou Williams for Avery Bradley, the Clippers could improve both their defense and offense. Gallinari could play as the full time four off the bench who runs the offense and tears up back-up forwards.

Meanwhile, Lou Williams pairing with Marcin Gortat would provide the Clippers with potentially the most devastating guard-big Pick and Roll duo in the league. Back when Williams was on the Lakers, the Ringer’s  Kevin O’Connor detailed how Sweet Lou had become one of the most dangerous scorers in the Pick and Roll. Gortat is one of the best screeners in the NBA, known for his illegal picks where he will literally drag players to create space, yet he is rarely called on. This video illustrates how Gortat uses his arms to widen his base and create space for John Wall and Bradley Beal. Gortat has a mid-range game and can put the ball on the floor when driving to the rim in open space. He may not be the athlete DeAndre Jordan was, but Gortat is a much more skilled offensive player.

Williams was the best player on the Clippers last year. In order for them to make the playoffs this year, they will need to lean on him more this season. Considering Williams is coming off the two best seasons of his career and is improving as a three point shooter, who’s to say Williams can’t elevate another level?

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