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The Clippers ‘BIG’ Three: Breaking down the center position

By Thomas Fenn

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Montrezl Harrell #5 and Boban Marjanovic #51 of the LA Clippers react to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 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 - APRIL 11: Montrezl Harrell #5 and Boban Marjanovic #51 of the LA Clippers react to a play during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 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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The versatility of the center position for the LA Clippers is severely underestimated. Let’s take a look at all three players.

The LA Clippers let their longest tenured player in franchise history, DeAndre Jordan, walk in the summer of 2018. After the arrival of Marcin Gortat through trade with the Washington Wizards, the position was thought to be under flux between Gortat, Montrezl Harrell and Boban Marjanovic.

This move allowed the Clippers to obtain some much needed flexibility at the position while lowering the hit on the salary cap. Gortat, Harrell and Marjanovic combined command $26.5 million per year while DeAndre Jordan commanded $22.6 Million in his final year with the Clippers. This flexibility at the spot allows the Clippers to run a variety of lineups to close out games which may be dependent on player health, match-ups or synergy at the time.

Marcin Gortat

After DeAndre Jordan’s departure from the team was made clear, the Clippers tried to fill the starting slot with a solid veteran in Marcin Gortat. The ‘Polish Hammer’ Gortat is in his tenth year in the NBA and is a savvy veteran who can contribute on both ends.

Gortat spent his last five seasons with the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference. In his final season with the Wizards he averaged 8.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

While we may not see the Polish veteran play extended minutes or even be on the court during crucial moments we can be sure his presence in the locker rooms adds to the Clippers arsenal.

A high basketball IQ combined with an effective mid-range jump shot and post game, Gortat might not be the same player we saw during his tenures with the Washington Wizards or the Phoenix Suns but we can be sure of his importance to the team.

Montrezl Harrell

The former NCAA champion was re-signed by the Clippers on a two year $12 million contract. Harrell has continued where his hot streak left off last year averaging 13.5 points , 6.2 rebounds and an impressive 2.2 blocks per game in a limited 20 minutes per game. Montrezl Harell has worked hard for his opportunity to play in the NBA. The former NCAA champion has proved his worth by providing both the Clippers with a much needed offensive as well as defensive boost in limited minutes.

While most players take a step back after earning a contract Harrell seems to be an exception.

Harrell showed out against his former team the Houston Rockets by scoring 30 points and thereby eclipsing his previous career high which was against the Clippers while playing for the Rockets.

The former NCAA champion has added a solid offensive arsenal which along with his defensive intensity and his energetic play style allows Harrell to be the Clippers most favorable center match-up in terms of closing out games.

Boban Marjanovic

The 7’3 Serbian sensation has finally gone mainstream. Boban quickly became a fan favorite for the Clippers last season. Whether it’s his dance moves, movie appearances (Upcoming John Wick movie) or even his show with friend and teammate Tobias Harris, it’s safe to say that Boban is the new toast of Los Angeles.

People however fail to see the basketball player behind the gigantic frame, Marjanovic is a talented center who can provide the Clippers with an offensive flurry like no other in limited minutes. Due to defensive limitations averaging just  5.9 points and 4.4 rebounds during the 2017-18 season Doc Rivers has begun trusting the Serbian sensation more this season.

Marjanovic provides the Clippers a unique post presence with a solid 80% free throw percentage to boot. Showing glimpses of an improved mid range game as well Marjanovic has changed from a niche performer to a key cog in Coach Doc Rivers machine.

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