Much like the Lakers or Golden State, the Clippers have excellent rookies with high potential but still need to answer several questions in their games. Here are questions that each of the rookies on the Los Angeles Clippers have to answer during the 2024-2025 NBA Season.
One Question For Each Los Angeles Clippers Rookie
Cameron Christie
Question: Can Christie add enough bulk to his frame over the course of the season?
The Clippers selected Cameron Christie with the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As a player, Christie, who is the younger brother of Lakers guard Max Christie, plays his best on the offensive end of the floor. Particularly, Christie is an impressive shooter from deep and he can knock down shots in various ways. He is a good shooter in the mid-range and can attack closeouts. Additionally, Christie is a good on-ball defender who can utilize his size and length on the defensive end. At Summer League, Christie showcased his skills and potential as a player. While he may not have shot as well as he would have liked, Christie still has performances that popped out. Simply put, Christie has the skills to succeed with the Clippers and he looks comfortable on the court.
However, a noticeable weakness that Christie needs to address is his strength or lack of bulk on his frame. As one of the younger players in the draft this year at 19 years old, Christie currently lacks the strength necessary to play to his full potential. Christie needs to answer the question of whether he can add enough bulk to his frame over the course of the season. While it is unlikely that Christie sees playing time in the coming season, improving his strength could realistically help him see playing time in the 2025-2026 season. Furthermore, adding more bulk can help him on both ends of the floor. If he can’t add bulk over the course of the season, then it will most likely push back any playing time he could get. Christie answering this question can determine his potential and playing time.
Trentyn Flowers
Question: Can Flowers improve on the defensive end of the floor?
Trentyn Flowers signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. Flowers, much like Christie, does his best work on the offensive side of the ball. He is a good ball-handler and is very good at getting to the rim. Flowers has also shown upside as a floor spacer. While Flowers didn’t get to play at Summer League, his talent was made apparent during his time in the NBL. Flowers is a talented offensive player, but the real deficiency in his game is on the defensive end.
Flowers has the tools to be a plus defender, but he isn’t currently impactful defensively. He will need time and development to improve his poor defense. The big question that Flowers needs to answer is whether he can improve as a defender. If he can, that may lead him to carve a career for himself in the NBA. With his size and athleticism, alongside his offensive potential, Flowers being a plus defender would make him a valuable player to keep around. There would be no shortage of minutes for a forward that can defend and space the floor. If he can’t however, then Flowers may not have a long career in the NBA. It is up to Flowers if he can improve as a defender and fully realize his potential.
