LA Clippers Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAWESTERN CONFERENCEPacific DivisionLA Clippers

Oct 19

Our LA Clippers preview 2021 finds that this team, which has finished second or better in the Pacific Division for a decade and made the playoffs nine times, will struggle this year. Last season, the LA Clippers (47-25) finished second in the division and fourth in the West. In Round One of the playoffs, they beat the Dallas Mavericks four games to three, and in the Semifinals, LA took out the Utah Jazz four games to two. However, the Clippers lost in the NBA West Finals to the Phoenix Suns in six games. Thus, their quest for their first NBA championship came to an end.

Clippers Frontcourt

The best part of this team is the small forward spot. Led by Paul George, who is both one of the best wing scorers in the game and an avid defender, this group includes dependable 13-year veteran Nicolas Batum and premium inside-out shooter Luke Kennard. Last season, George’s stats included 23.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 5.2 APG. Whether he’s shooting in the paint, at medium range, or from downtown, George is a 40-plus percent shooter.

Our LA Clippers preview 2021 notes that the outlook for this team would be a lot different if power forward Kawhi Leonard was healthy. But Leonard, who signed a new multiyear deal with the Clippers in August, is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery in July to repair a partial ACL tear in his right knee. He won’t be back on the court until next season. There are options but none are as good as Leonard who’s a superior two-way player. The most likely candidates to fill the position are capable 10-year vet Marcus Morris Sr. and quality defender Batum. Center is in good shape with Ivica Zubac and Serge Ibaka sharing the spot. Both are solid inside shooters and defenders.

Clippers Preview – Backcourt

The point will be held by Reggie Jackson while Eric Bledsoe will start at shooting guard and ably switch over to relieve Jackson at point. When that switch occurs, look for young, athletic scorer and defender Terance Mann to step up into the shooting spot. Although this trio is not overwhelming as other premium backcourts, they are solid and will get the job done on both ends of the court. Also in the mix is Luke Kennard (8.3 PPG, 47.6 FG%, 44.6 3PT%).