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Analyzing which LA Clippers’ guards should be in the playoff rotation

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers Luke Kennard
LA Clippers Luke Kennard (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

LA Clippers Guard: Luke Kennard

When the LA Clippers signed Luke Kennard to an extension that can pay up to $64 million, fans were at a loss. While Kennard had shown signs in Detroit, paying him before seeing him play seemed like an odd move for the front office.

To start the year, the concerns began to grow. However, Luke has started to play with confidence and the trade of Lou Williams makes the club’s decision to pay him early makes a little more sense.

Kennard has been absolutely lights out from deep, converting on 47.2% of his attempts from deep. Among players who attempt more than three three-pointers per game, that puts him at third in the league behind only Joe Ingles and Joe Harris.

Related Story. Why Luke Kennard's extension is a worthwhile risk. light

He can attack the paint off the ball, having shown the ability to pull up in the mid-range right at the free-throw line. Even if he doesn’t have as much of an opportunity to do that in the playoffs, it still is a threat other teams will have to worry about.

While Kennard’s defense isn’t all that desirable, he can provide enough offense when he’s shooting confidently to offset that. If both PG and Kawhi are attacking more in the postseason, Kennard could see a role as a spot-up shooter alongside them. He would also benefit from playing next to Rajon Rondo, who could similarly set him up. Kennard has shot 46% from deep as a spot-up shooter this year. That’s not as good as Reggie Jackson (46.7%) but he has done it at a higher frequency so we know it’s something he can do with success.

Now, it’s worth noting that Kennard, despite all the good shooting, has seemed like the odd man out so far this season. Ty Lue has talked several times about how they want him to play with more confidence and while we have seen that some, it hasn’t been consistent confidence.

In the postseason, that will be a huge factor and it’s very possible Ty just doesn’t have the trust in Luke to do that in big moments. If he can get similar shooting from Reggie Jackson (who we know doesn’t lack confidence) or slightly worse shooting but better defense from Patrick Beverley, it becomes difficult to justify having Luke get significant minutes.

Luke might get tossed in some short minutes when guards need a breather or get into foul trouble but as the postseason continues on, I’m not sure we will see him on the court much, if at all.

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