Los Angeles Clippers: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
By Simon Smith
3. Clippers have a bottom-10 defense
Last season, the Clippers recorded a defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 105.8, which ranked 13th in the league. A key percentage for their solid ranking lay in the hands of their point guard Paul. When Paul was on the floor, the Clippers recorded a rating of 101.3, which exploded out to 110.1 when resting. These numbers represent going from a third-ranked defense to 28th overall.
Granted, the Rockets are replacing Paul with another excellent defensive-minded point guard in Patrick Beverley. However, Beverley’s defensive numbers were not even close to Paul’s over the course of last season (106.0 when on the court, 106.8 when resting) despite being chosen, alongside Paul, to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
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Furthermore, the Clippers lost their starting small forward and defensive specialist in Luc Mbah a Moute. While a liability on offense, Mbah a Moute’s versatility on the defensive end was invaluable, and the numbers back it up. The Clippers recorded a defensive rating of 102.0 when he was playing, and 109.0 when resting.
And this is without mentioning the other players the Clippers have brought in this offseason. Guard Lou Williams is 6’1″, lightly framed and is an overall below-average defender. Gallinari, especially if forced to play long stretches at the 3-spot, is going to struggle to guard on the perimeter due to his lack of lateral quickness. With several separate knee injuries under his belt, this area of his game is very unlikely to improve.
Also, while Austin Rivers is expected to feature more heavily this season, his defense has not been up to the expected level, as illustrated by the Clippers posting a rating of 108.0 when he was on the floor, and 103.4 when off the floor.
So with the absence of the teams defensive and emotional leader in Paul, look for the Clippers to rank in the bottom 10 for defensive rating this season.