22.5
Let’s end on a good note, shall we? And it’s even a good note about our defense! 22.5 is the final number that I think is important for the upcoming year. That’s our opponent’s turnover percentage last year, which was tied for 3rd in the league.
Turnover percentage is a way of estimating how many turnovers were force per 100 possessions, so that number is telling us that the Clippers forced a turnover on more than a fifth of their defensive possessions.
Now we have taken that team, and the front office added Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, whom NBA GMs just rated as the two best perimeter defenders and 2 of the 5 best defenders in the NBA. This team is going to feast on turnovers and transition chances.
So while the interior defense is looking worrisome, I would not be surprised in the slightest if the Clips topped the opponent turnover percentage and turnovers forced charts next season.
So that’s my list and my thoughts on some of the important data from last season that could make a big impact in the coming one.
Of course, no numbers are going to replace watching the games, and seeing two of the premier players in the NBA playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. For me, it’s finally starting to feel real that the Clips landed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and I’ll do my very best to look up from the spreadsheets from time to time to actually see them play.