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Sports Illustrated
So, now preseason is over and the start of the season is upon us, let’s take a look at the different lineups we are likely to see from the LA Clippers this season. I’ll break this down into different categories; focusing on their starting, closing, offensive and defensive lineups.
Starting:
The starting lineup will look slightly different over the first 10-15 games until Paul George is back to full health. Taking into account the various preseason lineups, in George’s absence this will be the go-to lineup:
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Landry Shamet
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: JaMychal Green
C: Ivica Zubac
This lineup is a mixture of defence and steady offence. Beverley will run the ball and be a hound on defence, as always. Shamet will create space and openings with his off ball movement, sinking those threes. Leonard will share the ball with Beverley and bring a calming presence with an all-round scoring game, linking up with Zubac strengthening an already budding partnership.
When George is back to full health and he’s able to start games, this is what the starting team will look like:
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Landry Shamet
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Paul George
C: Ivica Zubac
This starting lineup has the best two-way players in George and Leonard. They will switch between the three and four, giving the team the luxury of locking down the opposition’s best players on a nightly basis. Then you have their offensive prowess that will cause them to be double teamed, leading to an outlet pass to the other star or to Shamet whose sitting on the perimeter for a spot-up three, BINGO! Overall this lineup has a ton of shooting, along with a versatile defence.
Closing:
The closing lineup will be dependent on the opposition and individual personnel. If they’re chasing the game and need points, then this will look different to when they’re holding a tight lead to close the game out. These are the players that will dominate the closing lineup on a regular basis:
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Lou Williams
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Paul George
C: Montrezl Harrell
Three out of the five already have experience closing out games together, after consistently doing so last season. You have Beverley doing what he does best, along with the dynamic duo Williams and Harrell, pick and rolling teams off the court. Leonard and George compliment these three, adding elite level scoring and lockdown defence. If Williams is struggling defensively and being isolated by the opponent, then Shamet will close instead. Shamet proved last season that his defence is above average, after successfully defending Steph Curry in the playoffs.
Defensive:
When needed, Doc has the depth in his squad to throw out a wrench tightening defensive lineup. Squeezing teams into losing the ball and hitting them in transition. When the opportunity presents itself, this is what that lineup would look like:
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Paul George
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Maurice Harkless
C: JaMychal Green
All five players are plus level defenders, who are more than capable shooters. The only player who has questions over shooting is Harkless, after depleted results last season.
Offensive:
If the team needs a hot streak of scoring or just want to have fun like they do in the All-Star game, then they have the players to do so. This is the lineup that excites me the most:
PG: Lou Williams
SG: Landry Shamet
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Paul George
C: Montrezl Harrell
This lineup is dangerously stacked with scorers that have ice in their veins. You have two shooting guards who can handle the ball, switching positions between the one and two. Then you have the two new additions, George and Leonard suffocating the opposition on the defensive side, leading to buckets in transition. With Harrell using his explosive energy to post up and break the backboard. There is a downfall to this lineup and that is their height. They will be relying on their speed and agility to overcome this.