As the two-way superstar Paul George found a home with another contender, head coach Tyronn Lue elevated LA Clippers’ premier sixth man Norman Powell to the starting lineup. Although this was the correct move, the bench was left without a spark.
Given the Clippers’ financial situation, limited options were available to fill the void. The guards that appeared to fit had high demands or signed before executives could pick up the phone. As a result, the front office looked overseas and signed the former Houston Rocket, Kevin Porter Jr.
Initially, fans worldwide had mixed opinions on Porter Jr., primarily due to his history off the court. Some understood why the signing was made, while others were heavily against it. Nonetheless, the Clippers needed a score-first guard and landed one on a minimum contract.
Following the quarter-season mark, fans realized that Porter Jr.’s playstyle did not match Lue’s two-way game plan. There have been instances where he shined off the bench, but it is clear he does not boost the Clippers’ odds of winning a championship. This coerces the front office to have a difficult conversation regarding Porter Jr.’s future in LA.
Kevin Porter Jr. has been all but successful with the LA Clippers.
When Kevin Porter Jr. confidently makes shots, he is precisely what the LA Clippers need. The only issue is that he is extremely inconsistent when scoring the ball, which is one of his main duties on the court.
Through 24 games, Porter Jr. is averaging 9.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, shooting 41.1% from the field and 21.3% from three. Given that he only plays an average of 20 minutes, these numbers explain why he is not fit for the active rotation.
When stepping into the film room, Porter Jr. is seemingly ineffective without the ball. Once the ball does find his hands, he consistently attempts poorly-timed, highly contested jump shots. In addition, the USC product tends to force careless passes into tight windows, leading to potential points in the opposite direction. This is type of play is harming the Clippers more than it is helping.
Despite a disappointing trial with the Clippers, Porter Jr. has proven he deserves to play in the NBA. He is beyond talented and experienced to help guide another team to their hopes and dreams. Conversely, his home does not reside in Intuit Dome, leaving him on the trade block for other teams to propose an offer.