With the modern era centered around scoring and shooting from long distances, players have been granted the ability by the change of the game to rack up points easier than ever. In fact, many use energy conservation strategies specifically for offense to help uplift their teams.
The LA Clippers have players who once played this style of ball, like James Harden. He has always been a playmaker at heart. Still, the former MVP legitimately changed the art of scoring for the current generation and next, with combinations of misdirection dribbles and step-back three-pointers.
However, Harden found his true love of playmaking, and the Clippers have seen it since his debut in red, white, and blue. Yet, last season, his passing helped head coach Tyronn Lue keep the offense above water with a focus on filling in the empty spots defensively.
The Clippers were successful, and with new additions, the goal by the end of training camp is obvious, and it fits how Lue may want his team to play.
The Clippers will aim to master the fundamentals of basketball as a team by the end of training camp
Defense is certainly a ginormous part of the game, and it was established early in history that hustle and effort lead to championships. This is how many teams used to do it, but unfortunately, that is no longer the only key to winning a title; yet, it is still a central piece of the puzzle.
Efficient scoring is a need, and the LA Clippers should strive to master the fundamentals and exclude the unnecessary shot attempts and excessive dribbling in isolation. This will not work against the best teams and will fail in the postseason.
Furthermore, ball movement, ultimately swinging the rock like a hot potato, plus sets of plays that have everyone moving around, will get the Clippers to the NBA Finals. This should be emphasized the same way defense was last season by Tyronn Lue.
The talent is there, as is the experience, and a major benefit to adding Chris Paul on a team with an already-elite level of knowledge is that, because he played through different eras, he can search through his memory and help Lue in drawing up plays that are more old-school style.
This is the goal, and it must be obtained by the end of training camp, as trial runs can be conducted during pre-season to prepare for the following 82 games and playoffs.