The LA Clippers did add Brook Lopez this summer, who started 466 out of 469 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he was not brought in to compete for Ivica Zubac's role. In fact, the Clippers added him because of his previous experience with Zubac, and they believe he would be the best backup center in the NBA.
Thus, the keys for the starting position belong to Zubac and will remain in his keychain throughout the foreseeable future. This locks in a third of the frontcourt, with another third going to Kawhi Leonard, who has also started 264 out of 266 games as a Clipper.
Furthermore, with the small forward and center positions filled, fans have been pondering who will be selected to start the regular season at power forward.
Head coach Tyronn Lue has several candidates on his list of suitors, each bringing both similar and different strengths. Yet, with a crucial decision to make, a Clippers writer for ClutchPoints addressed the choice the Clippers have made.
The LA Clippers will likely nominate John Collins to complete the starting front court
The LA Clippers could opt for the old reliable on opening night and have Derrick Jones Jr. start against the Utah Jazz. He did excellently last season, and so did Kris Dunn, but with the trade for John Collins, fans had a hard time pinpointing what Tyronn Lue could be thinking.
With training camp beginning on the upcoming Monday, Tomer Azarly, a credible source for any news regarding the Clippers, published a piece covering the final piece of the front court, and it will most likely be Collins.
This is ultimately why the trade was made, as the Clippers needed more athleticism to start games, which would help prevent them from collapsing early due to fatigue, and because the coaching staff wanted Kawhi Leonard remain put at small forward in all of their lineups.
Additionally, Collins could have a phenomenal performance against the Jazz, as this is, coincidentally, his former team that he will visit in his first game after being traded mid-offseason. In fact, it is a road game at Delta Center, giving Collins more energy to show the Clippers why they won the trade.
That said, with the front court essentially finalized, the days leading up to training camp will likely reveal the complete starting five, as the final guard spot next to James Harden remains open.