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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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TORONTO, ON – JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on from the team bus during the Toronto Raptors Championship Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on from the team bus during the Toronto Raptors Championship Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 1: Kawhi Leonard

2018-2019 statistics: 26.6 PTS, 7.3 REB, 3.3 AST

After winning the NBA title, being named Finals MVP and opting-out of his previous contract, many expected Kawhi Leonard to either re-sign with the Toronto Raptors or head out to Los Angeles to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.

He went out to Los Angeles alright, but he joined the LA Clippers instead, pairing up with Paul George in the process. In doing so, Leonard made the Clippers a title contender overnight, and considering the moves the front office has made to complement him and his style of play, LA should be considered a front-runner to take home the title in 2020.

There’s hardly anything Leonard does on the court that isn’t exceptional. He’s arguably the best defender in the league with two Defensive Player of the Year awards, he can score with ease from anywhere on the floor, and his personality aligns perfectly with the Clippers’ culture. It’s a perfect marriage, and with Doc Rivers coaching the team, there’s no limit to what LA could achieve.

Leonard posted career-high averages in points and rebounds this past season for Toronto, and the numbers he posts with the Clippers should be fairly similar, even though he’ll be paired with George.

The only thing that could hold Leonard back in 2020 is his leg, which is something the Raptors prepared for. Leonard appeared in 66 games in 2018-2019, never playing both games of a back-to-back. He did suit up for all 24 of the Raptors’ postseason games, but it was clear he was struggling near the end. In order to keep him as healthy as possible, the Clippers will likely manage his load in a similar fashion.

Next. Predicting LA Clippers players ratings in NBA 2K20. dark

The LA Clippers have an extremely talented and deep roster. With two superstars leading the way, they’re sure to be one of the league’s top teams this coming season.

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