Ryan Snellings
In selecting my lineup, like Joseph, I didn’t go for the most flashy one possible. Instead, I went for the team that is almost guaranteed to get us a stop when needed.
- PG: Patrick Beverley
- SG: Paul George
- SF: Kawhi Leonard
- PF: Maurice Harkless
- C: Montrezl Harrell
We already know about the defensive prowess of Bev, PG, and Kawhi. That trio alone will scare opposing teams trying to close out a game. Montrezl Harrell and Mo Harkless give our frontcourt another two solid defenders, albeit a little undersized. Positions one through four can switch fairly easily (we’ve already seen Bev guarding 280lb players and seven-footers).
Harrell getting switched onto a guard isn’t ideal, but he has enough length and athleticism to where it’s not like a huge mismatch will be generated.
Harkless’ defense is underrated in this lineup. Last year for Portland, he drew the team’s toughest assignment. In the first round of the playoffs, this meant guarding now-teammate Paul George. No one was locking down PG in that series, but when inserted in this lineup, Harkless has to defend maybe the fourth-best opposing player on the court? Easy.
The best part of this elite defensive lineup? They have absolutely no problem scoring. How many defensive groups can say that? Both PG and Kawhi can put up points while Harrell proved last year he can also be an elite offensive threat.
Beverley and Harkless may not be creating for themselves in this lineup, but both are capable knockdown shooters. Last season, as Joseph pointed out, Harkless didn’t do too hot from deep, but if his career averages are any indication, he should bounce back. Beverley on the other hand, thrived when given an open shot from deep, knocking down 39.7 percent of his 3.6 attempts from three-point range.
Given the gravity of both Paul and Leonard, these two should see plenty of open looks while Trezz rounds out the offense with his scoring in the paint.
Depending on how close the game is, this lineup could be used heavily in fourth quarters. It probably won’t be the one to close out though. For that one, let’s see what Garrett has to say.