The LA Clippers received Bennedict Mathurin from the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, and within three games, it was clear that he is too talented to bring off the bench. But with Darius Garland returning soon, Derrick Jones Jr. providing elite defense, and Kris Dunn anchoring perimeter coverage, Tyronn Lue faces an impossible puzzle with more starting-caliber players than roster spots.
Mathurin isn't some developing project that needs G-League reps and garbage time minutes. He's a 23-year-old former top-10 pick who can score 20+ points in his sleep. Against Orlando, Kawhi Leonard trusted him with the potential game-winner in the final seconds. That's not something you do with a bench player; that's franchise cornerstone treatment.
The Clippers have a talent overload problem
Tyronn Lue is in a tough (but fortunate) position where he has a bit too many 'starting level' players. By watching some of the LA Clippers' recent battles, we can tell that Bennedict Mathurin is not a bench player. Making him a sixth man would be a crime to this guy's potential.
The numbers back that up. Mathurin scored 20+ in three consecutive games, and did so through causing havoc in the mid-range and at the iron.
He has legitimate All-Star potential if he commits to defense and other areas beyond scoring, and it will start with maximizing his development by giving him 30+ minutes per night.
The Clippers have a five-into-three problem on their hands
Here's the math: Darius Garland (starter), Bennedict Mathurin (starter-level), Kris Dunn (elite defender), Derrick Jones Jr. (starter-level), and Kobe Sanders (credible starter) all deserve significant minutes. But only three guard/wing spots exist in the starting lineup alongside Kawhi Leonard and John Collins.
The most commonly proposed starting five is: Garland, Mathurin, Leonard, Collins, and Brook Lopez. That gives you offensive firepower, size, and Leonard's two-way brilliance. But it sacrifices perimeter defense, which has been the foundation of the LA Clippers' turnaround.
The smart compromise nobody wants
The logical solution is making Bennedict Mathurin the sixth man, letting him anchor the second unit, and playing him heavy loads anyway while closing games.
It makes basketball sense. Additionally, the LA Clippers desperately need bench scoring after losing James Harden, and Mathurin solves that problem instantly.
But it also risks stunting his development and sending the wrong message about his value. Young players with All-Star potential want to start. They want the validation and the platform that comes with being announced before tip-off. Making him the sixth man, even while playing a ton of minutes, could create friction or affect his confidence.
Due to his contract stuff this offseason, the Clippers are likely trying to maximize his potential until the forseeable future. That's the cold calculation of a modern NBA team.
Thus, the Clippers' best bet is to keep Mathurin coming off the bench this year to preserve team balance, then unleash him as a starter in 2026-27 when the roster resets and he is likely on a new deal.