Re-signings of the Highest Importance
The LA Clippers got a lot of new pretty pieces to add to the team, but what about the pieces that made last year so special? Johnathan Motley, JaMychal Green, Patrick Beverley, and Ivica Zubac are all coming back this season thanks to some great selective choices by the head brass.
Motley is by far the most quietly talked about of the four signings, but he does have a reason for coming back. He scored 102 points in 22 games last season and had 51 total rebounds. He also had a great season in the G League, so his promise level is high. It has not been seen yet if he spends the season with the big club, but this could be a great breakthrough year for him if he does.
Green is another quiet player that was re-signed, but he had a very solid season with LA that earned him the right to stay. 208 points in 24 games, 157 total rebounds, and an 81.0 percent mark from the line cemented him as a reliable shot maker in everything except for the three-pointer. Expect him to play some more solid basketball with the team this season as well.
Beverley is the biggest signing of this group as he was one of the best defenders the LA Clippers had last season. 596 points in 78, 43 blocks, 338 total rebounds, and a free throw percentage of 78.0 all made him look like a true stud for the Clips. His ability to get under everyone’s skin provides for some fun basketball to watch, and it works well against some of the greatest veterans left in the league.
Zubac is the last of these returners, and for a good reason. Zubac proved his usefulness right away after he got traded over from the Lakers last season. 244 points, 200 total rebounds, a 53.0 field goal percentage, and a 73.3 free throw percentage for the Clippers alone was a good sign for things to come. He worked hard, played with a lot of grit, and just brought with him a good attitude that meshed well with the team chemistry. He’ll still be one of the better centers that the Clippers have this year.