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Ranking the five best players on the LA Clippers roster

By Garrett Chorpenning

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors holds the MVP trophy during the Toronto Raptors Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 4-2 to win the 2019 NBA Finals. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors holds the MVP trophy during the Toronto Raptors Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 4-2 to win the 2019 NBA Finals. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers attends a game between the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers attends a game between the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 5: Patrick Beverley

2018-2019 statistics: 7.6 PTS, 5.0 REB, 3.8 AST

In a way, it hurts to put Patrick Beverley this “low” on this list. If it were based on competitive spirit alone, he would rank first every time. The same would be true if this were based on playing bigger than one’s size or leadership ability. Best player or not, he’s the heart and soul of this team, and that should continue to be true even with the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Beverley did a little bit of everything this past season for the LA Clippers, and he did it consistently. According to Basketball Reference, he recorded a range of 10-19 points 27 times, 5-9 rebounds 27 times and 5-9 assists 27 times. In addition, he recorded at least one steal in 40 different games, and at least one block in 31. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet.

It’s also hard to consider the Clippers’ record in games Beverley started to be a fluke, when the evidence is swayed so heavily to one side. In the 49 games he started, LA went 35-14, compared to 13-20 when he came off the bench or did not play.

But more so than any other player on the roster, Beverley’s contributions are measured by much more than just the numbers. He’s a leader that’s always willing to guard the opposing team’s best player. He helps his teammates play better basketball. Most importantly, he doesn’t let the Clippers die.

Now at age 31, Beverley is set to finish up the best years of his career with the LA Clippers after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $40 million at the beginning of free agency. With what’s shaping up to be the most talented roster he’s ever been a part of, don’t expect him to quit fighting now.

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