Small Forward #1: Garrett Temple
2018-2019 statistics: 9.4 PTS, 3.1 REB, 1.4 AST
Garrett Temple is no Tobias Harris, but he’ll be a solid filler for the time being in the starting lineup.
The 6’6″ swingman has played three different positions during the course of his eight-year career, but has primarily switched back and forth between shooting guard and small forward. And since LA has more than an abundance of guards, it makes since that he slides in here next to Danilo Gallinari.
Temple has had a career-year with the Grizzlies this season, scoring a career-high 9.4 points per game on 35.2 percent shooting from deep.
He isn’t prone to scoring outbursts, but Temple is a reliable wing that can get the job done night in and night out. He’ll be a solid option until his contract expires at the end of the season.
Small Forward #2: Wilson Chandler
2018-2019 statistics: 6.7 PTS, 4.7 REB, 2.0 AST
Clippers fans rejoice: After years of rumors regarding Wilson Chandler‘s potential move to Los Angeles, he’ll finally be joining the team.
He just won’t play yet.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Chandler could miss up to three weeks with his current quad injury, meaning we probably won’t see him play until after the All-Star break passes. Once he’s healthy, there’s a chance he could start over Temple, but he’ll need to prove with his play that he’s better than him and better for the rotation.
Chandler was averaging a career-low 6.7 points per game with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, but he wasn’t exactly a top option in their offense. Surrounded by guys like Ben Simmons, J.J. Redick, Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid, it’s not surprising that Chandler took less than six shots per game this year.
Like Temple, he’s a solid veteran that can be provide solid play when need be. And since he’s on an expiring deal, his arrival to the Clippers seems worth the wait.
Small Forward #3: Sindarius Thornwell
2018-2019 statistics: 1.3 PTS, 0.9 REB, 0.4 AST
Sindarius Thornwell is arguably the most versatile piece of the LA Clippers roster, so his placement in the depth chart is the least certain. His quick hands allow him to play both guard positions, but his size and strength enable him to defend wings as well, and big ones at that.
But because of the logjam at both guard positions, Thornwell seems best suited here, behind Temple and Chandler.
Thornwell hasn’t played as big a role this season with the Clippers as he did last year. His minutes are more than halved, and he’s made 16 less starts as well. Of course, these Clippers haven’t been as depleted in terms of injuries as the ones from last year, so it makes sense as to why he’s had a decreased role.
Sin is still great in certain sets, and his on-ball defense is among the best on the team. He may be slotted far back in the depth chart, but he’s as valuable to the team as any other.