When the LA Clippers went out and signed Justise Winslow to a two-year deal, it was a bit of a surprise.
The Clippers hadn’t been linked to Winslow much at all this offseason, and he wasn’t seen as a potential primary target. However, Winslow’s build, ability to defend multiple positions, and offensive potential highlight why they went after him.
It was an interesting, low-risk, high-reward pickup for the Clips, and a few of his teammates in particular probably like the signing.
No. 3 LA Clipper who should love Justise Winslow signing: Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley most likely can’t wait to get on the court with Justise Winslow on the LA Clippers.
Winslow is going to make Beverley’s life on defense a lot easier.
Beverley’s a three-time All-Defensive Team selection, but struggles at times against bigger guards. The Clippers, however, just added another G/F who’s long at 6’6″ in Winslow.
It’s another player who has the size to take on those bigger players, that way Bev can lock down somebody a bit smaller. It’s not that Beverley isn’t a great defensive player, but it’s that Winslow being added to the mix will help Beverley with those bigger guards if they’re out there.
Beverley won’t have to guard players he doesn’t match up well against, and he can look for a more favorable matchup.
Winslow will certainly be up to challenges on defense. Check out this stat by Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated:
In the 2019-20 season, Justise Winslow held his opponents to 38.7% from the field.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) August 6, 2021
That was 6th best in the entire NBA amongst all players who defended at least 100 shots.
Very solid defensive pickup for the Clippers. https://t.co/gNwItx0C02
Winslow has plenty of potential to be a real nice addition on defense no matter who he guards. That’s going to draw less mismatches for Pat Bev when it comes to size.