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Three ways in which the LA Clippers could improve this summer

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers steals the ball away from Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers steals the ball away from Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, Landry Shamet #20 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers look on during the first half at Staples Center on April 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets, Landry Shamet #20 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers look on during the first half at Staples Center on April 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Develop the young guys

It was an impressive year for the LA Clippers’ rookie guards, who burst onto the scene during the second half of the season and impressed in the postseason. Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet made enormous contributions, and were especially vital parts of the Clippers’ Game 2 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

More importantly, though, they established themselves as pieces the franchise can build around for years to come. Their future point guard is already here in Gilgeous-Alexander, while Shamet is hot on the trail of becoming one of the league’s elite three-point shooters.

With development this summer, they’ll improve even further, even if it is only scratching the surface of what they’ll be able to become throughout their NBA careers.

Gilgeous-Alexander already appears to be putting on some muscle, which was one of his biggest weaknesses coming into the league. In addition to that, he’s surely working on further incorporating a three-point shot into his game, which would make him a legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the floor.

He shot 43.8 percent from range after the All-Star break, and assuming that’s something he can build upon (or at least maintain) next season, he’ll at least make a significant jump on offense. He won’t play in Summer League this time around, so we’ll have to wait until preseason to see what kind of jump he’s made during the offseason.

Shamet, on the other hand, has nowhere to go but up. By continuing to work on his mobility and three-point shot, he’ll be a difficult matchup even for the best perimeter defenders the league will throw at him.

Jerome Robinson should also get more of an opportunity next season, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he makes a significant jump as well. As a spark plug off the bench, Robinson should be able to provide quality scoring in bunches, much like we saw him do in a few games during the Clippers’ postseason run.

Next. Why Doc Rivers should have been named Coach of the Year. dark

With enough time and development over the summer, the LA Clippers’ young core could be one of the biggest reasons as to why the team will succeed next season.

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