What should each player work on over the summer?
Question via @giantsonthemoon
Here’s another great question, and it’s one that could have serious implications for some players and their futures with the LA Clippers.
As stated earlier, the Clippers have eight players signed through next season, one of which (Sindarius Thornwell) has a non-guaranteed salary. Not all of them necessarily need to work on something to an extreme degree this summer. However, there are a few that would seriously help themselves by improving a certain area of their game.
Let’s start with Montrezl Harrell. He’s been one of the best bench players in the NBA this season, and he seems to be constantly improving. But if there’s one area that could use some work, it’s his free throw shooting. Harrell is converting just over 61 percent from the line this season, and while that’s hardly a drop from his percentage last season (62.6 percent), Harrell could become an even more unstoppable force if he can become a more efficient shooter from the stripe.
Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would benefit most from working on his shooting. He’s already very efficient inside and from the midrange, but his outside shot is lacking, and he could become even more dangerous once it develops. Increasing his shot volume from three-point range and upping his release speed will help him become a more well-rounded player that’s capable of carrying the team on both ends of the floor.
The same applies for both Tyrone Wallace and Thornwell. Already pests on defense, they could both become more versatile, two-way bench players by adding an improved shot to their games.
For Jerome Robinson and Landry Shamet, I’d continue to work on three-point shooting and facilitating. Both have shown the ability to make smart, efficient passes, and they could become the primary ball-handlers in certain sets if they continue to develop.