The new NBA season is nearly upon us. While there are some questions and uncertainties that lie ahead, in my opinion, this LA Clippers squad inspires nothing but hope for the foreseeable future. Let us dive into the roster to analyze why.
Past his prime, slower and less athletic though he is, James Harden has proven one thing throughout his career: that he can run an elite-level offense. He is the system, after all (using his own words). With the right pieces around him, James can elevate the offensive ceiling of every team he is a part of. Now that Paul George has departed, the team’s decision-making “keys” are his. The former MVP is still one of the best passers in the league, and will no doubt carry the playmaking duties throughout the 82-game-long season.
Kris Dunn provides a solid backup to Harden, able to score the ball and defend the opponent’s second-string point guard. Terance Mann, entering his 5th season in the league, now has the experience and confidence to compete with the best of them. The explosive guard is the number one guard stopper for the Clippers, and I expect him to have a commanding role in the team’s success. Really, there are no notable flaws in his game, and he is a near-perfect role player.
The Clippers have multiple underrated role players
Some might forget about Kevin Porter Jr., but he is returning to the league with a vengeance. An excellent scorer and defender, this athletic guard/forward will provide a spark off the bench. One phrase for him: instant impact. The Clippers' guards are rounded out by two reliable players in Amir Coffey and Norman Powell — three-point specialists who provide much-needed spacing and have everything to gain from Harden’s playmaking.
The bread and butter and end-all-be-all superstar of this roster is Kawhi Leonard. His reputation precedes him. It is well known that with the right roster, Kawhi can lead you to the promised land, and he certainly has that roster. The only thing that can stop him is injuries, but this squad’s smooth sailing through the regular season should limit his intensity and strain for the first 82 games. One phrase: best two-way player in the league.
For those who didn’t catch last year’s playoffs, one thing was made clear: Derrick Jones Jr. is the best role player in the league. A defensive force who can shoot the three, Jones is an incredible addition that makes this team an instant contender. The forwards list is completed by Nicolas Batum, a veteran presence who still has some left in the tank, especially for the team he loves. Another battle-tested three-point sniper for the squad.
This team has the makings of a champion
We know him, we love him. Ivica Zubac is every team’s dream center. A quiet offensive presence who dominates the glass on defense, and with James as his playmaker, has become a lob threat. Mo Bamba is here to rest him, but I expect a small-ball, versatile lineup in the Zubac-less minutes.
A veteran past-his-prime playmaker, a reliable role-playing big man, a three-point sniper, a spark off the bench, and Kawhi Leonard. Does it ring a bell? This team gives off 2019 Toronto Raptors vibes, and we all know how that ended: in a championship. The makeup of this squad is conducive to a similar type of deep playoff run.
With the right mid-season additions, I don’t see why this team isn’t a solid contender to come out of the West. Have hope, Clippers fans — good times are upon us.