To win the last seven of the season and end on an eight-game win streak, head coach Tyronn Lue must reasonably switch up the starting lineup. Rain or shine, the Clippers need to receive guaranteed placement in the playoffs.
Furthermore, the Clippers may be sitting on the mountaintop but could still play better. This comes from an offensive philosophy, as their ratings would be elevated if Lue acted on his previous judgments.
Beyond Lue's base of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac, he must select the fifth man who is impeccable on both ends of the court. This player must add velocity and magnitude to the Clippers' offense, especially through half-court movement and backdoor cuts.
Two players on the bench fulfill the conditions, but only one of them has previously established himself.
However, if Lue does not make an obvious change, the Clippers could face additional opponents in the play-in or vacate in the first round.
Advanced data emphasizes clearly why Derrick Jones Jr. should start as soon as today for the LA Clippers
36-year-old veteran Nicolas Batum could very well fit into the LA Clippers' starting five. Still, Tyronn Lue should not provoke new experiments and adjust the status of his high flyer, Derrick Jones Jr. He is known as 'Airplane Mode' for a reason, as he can jump to the sky for alley-oops or recover missed shots and slam them home.
Moreover, Jones Jr. can do more than just being a human airplane. He is an above-average three-point shooter and stands as a monster defensively. This epitomizes a dream role player any superstar and head coach wishes to have.
In 70 games, Jones Jr. has averaged 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds, shooting 52.7% from the field and 36.7% from three.
Conversely, his averages may be better than those of other possible starters, but they are a secondary reason he should be promoted.
The current starting lineup of Kris Dunn, James Harden, Norman Powell, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac has played 185 minutes and posted a net rating of 4.8.
In place of Dunn, Jones Jr. has played with the same core four for 179 minutes and recorded a net of 23.1.
That said, Dunn's inconsistent shooting may also be quickly revealed in the playoffs. By choosing Jones Jr., Lue will use the player with far more offensive strengths and a just as potent defensive stance.