The trade deadline passed and the chips fell. Following an eventful week, we ask, “what is next for the Clippers?”. The acquisitions of Norman Powell and Robert Covington help immediately. As the team needed a downhill attack and three-level scoring that Powell provides. Additionally, Covington provides the team with another 3&D defender that can play 3-5. Powell’s contract secures his status as a Clipper until 2026 while Covington’s expires after this season. In their first few games as LA Clippers, it is evident that they can contribute not only this season but in the ones to come. But, should the Clippers stop at that? I break down the other trade in which the Clippers acquired Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye, potential buyout candidates, how Powell fits in with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and more!
What is Next for the Clippers?
Deadline Deals
It’s safe to say that Powell is the best player on this Clippers team. And considering they gave up three bench players and a second-round pick for him, the front office deserves a standing ovation. He shined in his debut with 28 points and displayed his three-level scoring. He hit threes, attacked the rim, and even showed a nice step-back mid-range. Against Dallas, he had a career-high six assists in which he got deep in the paint to find teammates. Hopefully, his playmaking can be a new norm (sorry) for this team.
The Clippers also got a valuable role player in Covington, who lately has shown great defensive instincts and quick hands in his short time with the team. He does take the additional contested three, but at 6″7′ with a 7″2′ wingspan, it does not appear as bad. He won’t beat a defender off the bounce, but rather attack a closeout to penetrate the defense.
In regards to Hood and Ojeleye, they have not had stellar seasons. Both are averaging around three points per game and are not projected rotation players with this team. Though, the additional depth at the wing and 4/5 position does not hurt. They won’t be asked to do much, but having vets off the bench can have some benefit, especially if the injury or COVID bug hits.
Potential Buyout Candidates
It is not clear whether or not the team will waive Hood or Ojeleye. But if they waive one (or both), the Clippers have a few options to finalize their final roster spot. The move that is the most deserving would be to convert Amir Coffey’s contract into a legitimate NBA contract. This allows him to be eligible for the playoffs and rewards him for his stellar play this season. Not only does he come in every night and play hard, but he also plays the right way whether he is a starter, off the bench, or even DNP.
If the Clippers do not go that route, they can look to solidify the backup point guard position. Without a true point guard in the second unit, head coach Ty Lue noted that the role will be “by committee” with multiple players stepping up to run the unit. Most notably, Terance Mann has shown a different type of assertiveness and aggression since Eric Bledsoe was traded. Look for the team to target Goran Dragic, Dennis Schroder, D.J. Augustin, or Tomáš Satoranský to fill the void left by Bledsoe.
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Powell’s Fit with Kawhi and PG
With Powell clearly the best player on this current iteration of the Clippers, where does he fit when Leonard and George return? There are numerous possibilities. Ty Lue can elect to start him with the two stars. Though this likely slides Leonard over to the four, a position he rarely starts at. In the playoffs, it may be more normal with small-ball lineups. It will be interesting to see if Leonard elects to go that route, as power forwards are a little bigger, but not as mobile as wings he defends.
Lue can go a different route and start Powell at the point guard spot, moving Reggie Jackson to the bench. It would fill the backup point guard spot but leave the starting unit without a true point. It may not matter as the ball will predominantly be in Leonard and George’s hands. Powell starting gives the Clippers an aggressive downhill driver that will open up the floor for the rest of the team. Leonard and George do not have the same burst, so they can benefit from Powell’s paint pursuit.
Lastly, Powell can come off the bench and be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. A true two-way guard with his scoring ability can avoid offensive lulls when going to the second unit. It also allows the staggering of the two stars to work better if Lue chooses to have Powell finish first and third quarters with one star while starting second and fourth quarters with the other. Either way, the Clippers have a good problem with their upgraded talent.
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