Los Angeles Clippers Depth Chart Breakdown: Point Guard

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

The Clippers have a competition at backup point guard between two talented players. Milos Teodosic and rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are expected to compete over the role.

With the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Clippers selected Kentucky point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander quickly became a fan favorite and was one of the standouts rookies in the summer league.

In his four summer league appearances, he averaged 19 points per game while shooting 46% from the field. Gilgeous-Alexander also looked comfortable on the court. He did not make many mistakes and displayed the composure of a veteran.

He is an excellent finisher around the rim, a good passer, and showcased a fantastic midrange game during the summer league. His 6’6″ height and 6’11” wingspan gives him the potential to be an elite defender at his position.

Gilgeous-Alexander is clearly the Clippers point guard of the future, which makes him competition not only for Teodosic, but potentially for Beverley as well. If Gilgeous-Alexander plays well in the minutes he is given, I would not be surprised to see him starting sooner than later.

There was a lot of excitement when the Clippers signed Serbian guard Milos Teodosic. Teodosic is regarded as an international basketball legend. He is a former EuroLeague MVP and one of the most gifted passers on the planet.

Last year, Teodosic saw a lot of minutes at shooting guard, because his offensive-minded game complimented Beverley’s style of play. Beverley’s strong perimeter defense was expected to theoretically help make up for Teodosic’s shortcomings as a defender, as well.

Even after Beverley went down, Teodosic continued to play minutes at shooting guard, because the Clippers simply had a lot of guards. With Avery Bradley returning to start alongside Beverley and Lou Williams locked in as the sixth man, Teodosic’s best bet for minutes is at his natural position of point guard.

In his time with the team last year, Teodosic’s court vision and highlight passing ability were on full display. In addition, his three-point shooting ability translated well as he shot 37.9% from deep.

However, Teodosic obviously had problems on the defensive end. He does not have the size, athleticism, or speed to stop opposing guards from getting to the basket. He struggled with injuries, as well, missing 37 games.

All in all, the Clippers were a much better team when Teodosic was on the floor. He made plays and found open teammates unlike anyone else on the roster. When he played, the Clippers were 29-16 compared to 13-24 when he was out.

The Clippers have a real dilemma. Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Teodosic belong on the floor, but at the end of the day, it is a good dilemma to have.

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