LA Clippers: Examining the Clippers’ Trade Deadline Wishlist
LA Clippers Trade Wishlist Item #3: A Defensive Guard
I’ve come around to the idea that the LA Clippers do need another guard, and the trade deadline would be a good place to grab one. I’m still a little bit out on the idea that the reason we need a guard is because the Clips are missing a playmaker. The idea of taking the ball out of the hands of Kawhi or PG and into the hands of somebody who’s available on the market doesn’t sit right with me.
What I want to see the LA Clippers grab is somebody who can hold their own against smaller, speedier guards. Leonard and George are fantastic wing defenders who can certainly switch onto a guard, but their natural role is guarding bigger players. And at this stage of his career, Pat Bev is best used guarding up a position.
That leaves the Clippers short on players we can rely on to guard guys like CP3, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving. Of course, nobody we’re going to get is going to be able to put the clamps on those guys, but I’d bet we can find somebody more defensively capable than Reggie Jackson or Lou Williams.
Take a look at the five guys who have scored the most against the LA Clippers this season:
- Trae Young
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Zach Lavine
- Kyrie Irving
- Bradley Beal
Outside of Giannis, who is always an anomaly, the other four guys are 6’5 or shorter. The LA Clippers need a guy they can throw at those shorter guards and at least feel good that they’ll make the opponent work for their points.
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If the LA Clippers could find a way to add both a competent big and a defensive guard to the rotation, that would shore up many of the issues we’ve seen so far.