Los Angeles Clippers: 2017-18 NBA season preview
2017-18 Roster
Patrick Beverley, PG
Sam Dekker, SF
Jawun Evans, PG
Danilo Gallinari, SF
Blake Griffin, PF
Montrezl Harrell, PF
Brice Johnson, PF
Wesley Johnson, SG/SF
DeAndre Jordan, C
Marshall Plumlee, PF/C
Willie Reed, C
Austin Rivers, SG
Milos Teodosic, PG
Sindarius Thornwell, SG
Tyrone Wallace, PG
Lou Williams, SG
Jamil Wilson, SF
Offseason Additions
Danilo Gallinari (sign-and-trade from Denver Nuggets), Patrick Beverley (traded from Houston Rockets), Milos Teodosic (free agent, CSKA Moscow), Lou Williams (traded from Houston Rockets), Sam Dekker (traded from Houston Rockets), Montrezl Harrell (traded from Houston Rockets), Willie Reed (free agent, Miami Heat), Marshall Plumlee (free agent, New York Knicks), Jawun Evans (No. 39 pick, Oklahoma State), Sindarius Thornwell (No. 48 pick, South Carolina), Jamil Wilson (two-way contract), Tyrone Wallace (free agency)
Offseason Subtractions
Chris Paul (traded to Houston Rockets), Luc Mbah a Moute (free agent, Houston Rockets), Jamal Crawford (traded to Atlanta Hawks), Raymond Felton (free agent, Oklahoma City Thunder), Paul Pierce (retired), Marreese Speights (free agent, Orlando Magic), Brandon Bass (free agent, Liaoning Flying Leopards), Alan Anderson (free agent, unsigned) Diamond Stone (traded to Atlanta Hawks)
Quick Thoughts
Outside of the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Clippers might be the team that has changed the most since the end of the 2016-17 season. Three of the five starters from last season are gone. So is every bench player who played more than 10 minutes besides Austin Rivers and Wesley Johnson.
Blake Griffin will be given an expanded role on offense, and he is fully capable of taking advantage of it. Griffin has consistently played well in the absence of Chris Paul. He will be the team’s primary star for the first time since his rookie season.
DeAndre Jordan will once again anchor the team’s defense, and his expectations on that end of the floor should remain the same. He will also be tasked with controlling the boards, especially since Griffin’s increased offensive role will likely lead to less energy spent on rebounding. However, his offensive role without Chris Paul might change drastically, even with another incredible passer in Milos Teodosic on the roster.