Los Angeles Clippers: 5 goals for Patrick Beverley in 2017-18

5. Make another All-Defensive Team

Patrick Beverley has already proven himself as one of the league’s best defenders. He showcased that defensive ability throughout last season, earning a First Team All-Defense spot despite missing 15 games.

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Although Beverley is recognized throughout the league as arguably the toughest defender at the point of attack, he has not been awarded by the NBA every season. Beverley made the Second Team All-Defense in 2013-14, and did not make the team for two straight years before making the team last year.

Given the rest of the guards in the Clippers’ rotation, Beverley will be relied upon heavily on that end next season. Lou Williams is not exactly a noted defensive player, and Milos Teodosic will probably be one of the worst defenders in the league next season. Austin Rivers has steadily improved on the defensive end, but he is nowhere near Beverley’s level. Rivers will probably also spend a large portion of next season guarding small forwards rather than guards.

Despite losing Chris Paul, the Clippers should still be an above-average defensive team next year. Much of their ability to maintain their defense at an above-average level rests on Patrick Beverley, and if the Clippers do stay at that level, Beverley should be on the short list for one of the four All-Defensive Team guard slots.