LA Clippers: How Tyronn Lue is setting Paul George free
LA Clippers’ Benefit to Paul George #2: A Hyper-Versatile Defense
Spoiled by a Beverley-George-Leonard-Batum-Ibaka starting lineup, the LA Clippers have enjoyed a deeply flexible brand of defense that has alleviated the individual strain that George has faced through most of his career.
On a unit bearing no glaring defensive flaws, the Clippers have been able to competently switch onto a plethora of different assignments in either the halfcourt or open court, often nullifying many of their opposition’s actions.
Ibaka’s interior strength combined with his lateral quickness has allowed Lue to keep the 2019 NBA Champion on the floor in critical situations to continue the floor spacing at the other end. Ibaka’s defensive presence will also be integral against a seemingly inevitable postseason matchup against an Anthony Davis or Nikola Jokic, who perhaps view the new-look Clippers as somewhat vulnerable in the paint.
Hot. Marcus Morris is Fine With Role On the Bench. light
As part of the Clippers’ lineup flexibility, Batum has often begun games against the opposition’s best perimeter talent. Presenting the Frenchman this responsibility may prove especially valuable in playoff action, where George will be given opportunities to rest away from the top defensive assignment and can therefore be better positioned to shine offensively. In this ‘3 and D’ role is where Batum can be of the greatest assistance to the two-way distinctions of both George and Leonard.
Integrating personnel who can directly relieve George of his once-exhaustive defensive responsibilities may be the path to reinstating MVP buzz for the 2019 All-NBA First Teamer.