While the LA Clippers will likely start a center in their standard starting lineup for this 2021-22 season, Head Coach Ty Lue showed in the playoffs this year that he’s not afraid to go small.
If Lue decides to go small, and sit both Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac to start, he’s got a lot of options. This roster is wing-heavy, and these wins are long and can play on both ends of the floor.
There are three dream small ball lineups that the Clippers can pull out next year, and could prove to be matchup nightmares to opposing teams. (Keep in mind that Kawhi Leonard will not be in these lineups, as he will likely miss the start of this season.)
No. 3 small ball group to use in 2021-22 for the LA Clippers:
Here’s an LA Clippers lineup that provides an absolute nightmare for opposing frontcourts.
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Paul George
SF: Justise Winslow
SF/PF: Nicolas Batum
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
All five of these players are great shooters (even Winslow when he’s healthy), as all of these guys have experience scoring from the wing.
Opposing centers aren’t going to be able to hang out by the basket, or else we’ll rain threes from deep. If they want to come out and try to hang around the perimeter, Jackson or George will slash to the basket.
On defense, this lineup is filthy. George is a four-time All-Defensive selection, and the other four are at least quality defensive players. Morris is someone who can be trusted to take on any assignment, and both Batum and Winslow (when healthy) can guard two-guards and any forwards.
Jackson’s quickness and energy can turn into a lot of great fast-break opportunities after stops, which the Clippers will be getting a lot of in a lineup like this.