During the Kawhi Leonard era, one of the biggest mistakes was not having enough youth. It was always veterans surrounding the two-time champion, and whoever his top running-mate(s) were, with the expectation to win in a league that’s being run by superstars much younger.
However, Leonard’s time in LA is done, or at least it should be once the Aspiration investigation is done, and based on the Clippers’ updated depth chart, it’s clear they’re on the same page as everyone else in terms of adding guys that are young, with potential to prosper for the future.
This is a great sign, and could lead the Clippers to being one of the best teams in the league down the road if everything pans out as planned.
Point Guard
Projection: Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, Sean Pedulla
The LA Clippers’ point guard position is arguably their strongest, and it’s because they are young and deep.
Darius Garland, alone, is one of the best starting floor generals in the league, as he has two All-Star appearances on his resume at just 26 years old. Not many teams around the league can relate, and beyond that, a top rookie in the class will join him off the bench in Keaton Wagler.
That’s an excellent way to begin the first season without Kawhi Leonard, and it doesn’t end there; Sean Pedulla is a name that’ll fly under the radar for many, but let’s not forget he won G-League Rookie of the Year last season.
Shooting Guard
Projection: Kris Dunn, Jordan Miller, Cam Christie
Though the LA Clippers’ shooting guard rotation would look a lot better at the moment with Bennedict Mathurin, who no one knows whether he will re-sign or not, Kris Dunn is a phenomenal choice to have in the starting five.
He plays defense like no other, can knock down threes at a decent level, and is a great complement to Darius Garland.
Behind him is 26-year-old Jordan Miller. He flourished last season, and the hope is that he’ll reach even higher heights next season after receiving a long-term contract with the organization this summer.
And, if a youngster like Cam Christie is in the third string, that’s how you know the team is in a good spot after trading away the best player they’ve ever had.
So, all things considered, the Clippers have solid youth, impact, and strength at the two-spot.
Small Forward
Projection: Brandon Ingram, Derrick Jones Jr., Nick Martinelli
Along with the point guard position, the LA Clippers’ small forward rotation will also do extremely well.
29-year-old two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram has taken the keys from Kawhi Leonard, which is great, and off the bench, Derrick Jones Jr., who is also 29, could realistically end the regular season as one of the best sixth men in the league.
Health is really the only concern here. If both can remain on the court for at least 65 games, they could turn the Clippers into an underrated nightmare opponents won’t want to see.
Rookie Nick Martinelli will be there in the third string, learning, and ultimately ready to step in if needed.
Power Forward
Projection: Rui Hachimura, Kobe Sanders
It’s no doubt the LA Clippers need a bit more help in the power forward rotation, but Rui Hachimura and Kobe Sanders are, by no means, weak.
These two are still young, and because they can shoot the ball extremely well, the Clippers will have no issues offensively from the four spot.
Sanders is also expected to make a strong sophomore leap, which will make the Clippers stronger than they already are in the frontcourt.
Center
Projection: Brook Lopez, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Isaiah Jackson, Baba Miller
Brook Lopez leading the way is unconventional for a team that’s trying to build more youth, but behind him is the real future of the LA Clippers’ center rotation.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser had a handful of exciting rookie moments, and behind him are 24-year-old Isaiah Jackson and recently drafted Baba Miller.
There is simply too much athleticism, paint dominance, and defensive prowess to not like what the Clippers have going on at the moment, and post-Lopez’s tenure.
When healthy, the Clippers are easily deepest at the center position.
The Clippers have learned their lesson
Based on the current depth chart, the LA Clippers saw the consequences of not having youth while Kawhi Leonard was on the team and acted accordingly.
There is now more athleticism, burst, speed, and promise across the entire roster.
That's about all you can ask for as they enter a new era full of so many things to be excited about.
Add us as a preferred source on Google