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LA Clippers: What every player needs to do in the playoffs

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Stay confident

It’s been a long time since the LA Clippers have drafted a rookie that’s as good as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Already an above-average defender, Shai took control of the Clippers’ offense during the second half of the season and showed everyone what he could be capable of in the seasons that follow.

The 20-year-old appeared in all 82 games for the Clippers this season (starting in 73) and averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 26.5 minutes per game. His post-All-Star break numbers were even better, averaging 12.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.3 minutes per game while shooting nearly 44 percent from three-point range.

Perhaps the most impressive thing that came from Shai’s rookie season, though, is how well his team performed. Gilgeous-Alexander was a big reason why the Clippers were a 48-win team this year, and he did plenty more to help rather than hurt LA on their run to the playoffs. All the way through, he looked like a smart, confident leader that was wise beyond his years.

To write the perfect ending to his rookie campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander needs to bring that same level of play into the playoffs. It won’t be easy, especially since he’ll be up against one of the greatest teams of all time. But if we’re being real, I doubt anyone would knock him for struggling against the Warriors after the year he just put together.

But if Gilgeous-Alexander stays consistent — or makes improvements in the early goings of the postseason — then he could be one of the players most poised to make a significant jump heading into next season.

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