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Which LA Clippers players are due for a breakout season?

By Garrett Chorpenning

NEW YORK, NY MARCH 24: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers looks on against the New York Knicks on March 24, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY MARCH 24: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers looks on against the New York Knicks on March 24, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 3: Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell, the “Energizer Bunny” of the LA Clippers, already had something of a breakout season in 2018-2019. Alongside Lou Williams, he brought his averages up in nearly every category and was one of the most efficient players on the roster. But at age 25, he’s still got plenty of room to grow.

Harrell’s best shot at improving further is by adding a three-point shot, something that he’s already looking to add to his game. If he can pair his ability to run the floor with a consistent outside jumper, he’s going to become even more of an issue for opposing defenses to handle.

Harrell is a bench player right now, but with the talent and motor he has at his disposal, it’s possible that the Clippers move him into the starting rotation by season’s end. And if not, he should still figure to be a part of the group that closes out games, along with Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Without a doubt, he’s one of the team’s top five players.

Even if Harrell doesn’t add an outside shot in 2019-2020, there’s still room for him to become a better player.

Harrell is a solid shot blocker, but his defensive ability outside of that is lacking a bit — which isn’t helped by the fact that he’s undersized for his position. He could become a much better post and perimeter defender in time, so we’ll see how he plays this upcoming season and go from there.

Harrell also started the season as a very good free throw shooter, but that percentage dipped down to 64 by year’s end. Consistent shooting at the stripe could help him become a more well-rounded scorer, and given his ability to get to the line, he’s not someone that opposing teams would want to see on the floor in clutch situations.

It would be best for Harrell, though, if he focuses on adding the three-point shot. There aren’t a lot of floor-stretchers in the game that are capable of doing what he does in the paint, and if he were to do so, he could become one of the more versatile bigs in the game — in a contract year, nonetheless.

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