Draft Outlook
The Clippers have resolved the biggest dilemma facing most NBA teams by having a pair of All-Stars — something which is necessary to travel deep into the playoffs. Paul George is signed long-term and while Kawhi Leonard has an option for next season, he and the club are expected to hammer out an extension. The rest of the roster is more uncertain, with players inked to shorter-term deals and the Clippers needing to find a creative way to refresh the roster. Other than Terance Mann, the Clippers lack up-and-coming talent in the rotation. Still, with George and Leonard on board, the Clippers shouldn’t have any problem remaining among the NBA’s elite teams. The challenge is establishing a winning culture that lasts.
A Stat That Matters
41.4% — The Clippers led the league in 3-point percentage at 41.1%, the fourth highest mark in NBA history. They led the league in catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage (42.8%), corner 3-point percentage (46.7%) and above-the-break 3-point percentage (39.1%) while ranking third in pull-up 3-point percentage (37.3%).
The Way To Go
The Clippers better enjoy the 25th pick, because it will be years before they control their first-round selection. Their immediate Draft future — starting in 2022 — belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder as a result of the George trade. They’ve had solid success with players named Mann, so why not try another? Tre Mann is a 6-foot-5 guard from Florida who showed improvement as a playmaker and shot creator, averaging 16 points and shooting 40.2% on 3-pointers last season. The Clippers’ guard situation seems tenuous despite the presence of Reggie Jackson and Pat Beverley, so there’s a good chance the club seeks depth and improvement in that area.
Under Contract
G: Patrick Beverley
G: Yogi Ferrell
G: Luke Kennard
G: Rajon Rondo
G/F: Terance Mann
F: Paul George
F: Marcus Morris
C: Ivica Zubac
Free Agents
G: Reggie Jackson (unrestricted)
G/F: Nicolas Batum (unrestricted)
G/F: Amir Coffey (restricted)
F: Serge Ibaka (player option)
F: Kawhi Leonard (player option)
F: Patrick Patterson (unrestricted)
C: DeMarcus Cousins (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Jayden Scrubb (55)*
*Acquired via trade
— Shaun Powell