When acquiring a talent that is viewed as an upgrade and a better fit to start games, nearly every coach would not even think twice to decide his placement in the rotation. This is an obvious choice, as nine times out of ten, the best players at each position will always begin games on the hardwood at tipoff.
Moreover, the Clippers' two players, who could be in the starting five throughout the 2025-26 season, this summer, Bradley Beal and John Collins, should each be at the top of the depth chart for shooting guard and power forward. A conversation on who belongs where is not expected, as Beal replaces Norman Powell and Collins moves Kawhi Leonard to small forward.
However, Tyronn Lue has developed a unique approach, which has credibility considering the championship he won in 2016, that surrounds working with what he feels is best, over what is anticipated by Clipper Nation and the NBA community.
This means Lue could simply kick off the opening night with a regular-season lineup that has already amassed a large sample size, which could set the Clippers back from beginning with the stretch of wins the team desires.
Tyronn Lue could choose to start Kris Dunn over John Collins based on the success that occurred during the 2024-25 regular season
John Collins would be the starter on every team that does not have a star power forward, such as Evan Mobley. However, Tyronn Lue and his staff, including Jeff Van Gundy, may latch on to what has worked in the past, specifically on defense, making Kris Dunn the lead shooting guard.
Bradley Beal would be the small forward in this lineup, as Norman Powell was last season, possibly leading to more success next season. This may be the clear choice, given how Lue loves to make decisions out of the box, like he did with Derrick Jones Jr. against the Denver Nuggets over Nicolas Batum.
Conversely, picking Dunn over an efficient, three-level scoring glass cleaner like Collins would be a regretful mistake. This is because the Wake Forest product will reduce the risk of Kawhi Leonard sustaining an injury, as last season's power forward, and can shoot the three-ball confidently.
If the Clippers hope to collect as many wins as possible next season, Collins needs to be in the starting lineup, not playing as a sixth man. Yet, based on what has been seen from Lue since he took over for Doc Rivers, the unexpected should always be taken into account.