LA Clippers: Ranking the team’s top five players through week one

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
6 of 6
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers drives against Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 23: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers drives against Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

No. 1: Tobias Harris

We all knew that if Tobias Harris was going to get his big payday next summer, he’d need to take his game to the next level and show significant signs of improvement. That isn’t to say Harris is or ever was a bad player, in fact, but there’s a legitimate debate as to whether or not he deserves max money.

It’s still early, but Harris is answering the call for this year’s Clippers squad.

Through four games, Harris is averaging 23.5 points (a career-best), 8.5 rebounds (another career-best), 2.3 assists (very close to a career-best), and a block (career-best) per game. He’s also connecting on 49.3 percent of his field goal attempts, another high mark for his eight-year NBA career.

When Harris is on the floor for the Clippers this season, LA is 2.6 points better per 100 possessions. When he’s off, they’re 12.4 points worse — a net rating of 15.

If the Clippers are going to get anywhere this season, it’s going to happen with Harris in charge.