No. 1 element of team strategy to be defined in LA Clippers training camp: The starting backcourt dynamic
If the LA Clippers want to start both Eric Bledsoe and Reggie Jackson, they probably should let Bledsoe run the point.
In his last two seasons where he ran the point (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) he was an All-Defensive selection in both years. He also averaged 15.5 points per game, 5.5 assists per game, and shot 48% from the field.
In New Orleans, where he played the two-guard for most of his minutes, he was not an All-Defensive selection, and saw his numbers dip to 12.2 points per game, 3.8 assists per game, and 42.1% shooting. He also went from 4.6 rebounds per game to 3.4.
He’s much more comfortable and a better fit when he can play the one. Jackson, on the other hand, can be just as productive from either spot.
He’s got plenty of experience playing the two with the Clippers too.
They could go with a hybrid rotation too, but they can’t be in a situation where Bledsoe is on the wing a majority of the time. That’s not why we brought him into this team.
If the Clippers can establish this, along with addressing these other two areas of concern, they’ll be in for a great year.