Clippers Big Stars Cast Big Shadows

Clippers Offseason Success

Stars Struggling

Over their last five games, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been above average at best. They have combined to shoot 37% FG and 29% 3P on 38 and 14 attempts per game respectively. Kawhi did not play in the 12/22 loss to the Thunder, as has been customary for second nights of back-to-backs. Aside from that, he has still managed to score at least 19 points in the other four contests. He has only had a negative +/- once in the loss to Utah. Paul George on the other hand, has failed to hit the 20 point mark in four of the last five games. He did not even crack 15 in two of them. His +/- has negated itself to a disappointingly neutral 0 over his last five outings. What has kept the Clippers in such good standing this far into the season?

Clippers Other (More Important?) Offseason Moves

The sheer magnitude of having two all-world caliber players on the same team has done wonders in masking some of the true reasons behind the Clippers’ success. The other moves made this offseason have proven to be just as vital, if not more so, to the team’s success thus far. Maurice Harkless, an often forgotten addition, was thrown to the Clippers for virtually nothing during the Jimmy Butler trade. His defensive presence has been a massive addition beside Leonard and George. His length and IQ allows at least 2/3 of the lengthy defenders to always be in passing lanes. And let’s not forget the late summer addition of Patrick Patterson. Most expected him to be an end of the bench, locker room presence, but Patterson has started a few games for the team this year. His 3 point shooting and general size has aided in more than a couple victories through the onslaught of injuries faced by the team thus far.

Retaining Relentlessness

Perhaps the most important moves however are generally not thought of as “moves.” Through a summer full of moves, only four teams returned rosters that played 75% or more available minutes last year. However, the Clippers were able to retain both Landry Shamet and Ivica Zubac while trading for Paul George. Losing SGA hurt, but at least they could keep two of their young and rising role players. The most important move in my opinion however, was convincing Patrick Beverley and JaMychal Green to stay with the team even if they might get more money elsewhere. Having stars is essential to winning in today’s games, but having depth is just as important. Take a look back at the Warriors team that won 3 out of 4 a couple season ago. Their mantra “Strength in Numbers” seemed to work well for them.

Credit Where Credit is Due

To answer the question posed earlier in the article, no one deserves a majority of the credit. Paul George came out of the gates on fire, but has since regressed into a hopefully unsustainable slump. Kawhi has showed flashes of true greatness – when he’s on the court. Beverley and Harkless have provided consistent defense, along with much needed energy plays on both sides of the ball. Zubac has made huge steps in his game and continues to earn more minutes. Lou Will and Montrezl are as deadly as ever when attacking in the pick and roll offense. To be short, no one player or even duo can be pointed to when reviewing the team’s success. More than anyone else, the front office should be heralded for their ability to not only construct an elite starting unit, but also maintain one of the best bench units in NBA history.

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