Los Angeles Clippers: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline 2: Starting frontcourt fit

After years of trying to fill a gaping hole at starting small forward, the Los Angeles Clippers finally found their man in Danilo Gallinari. While Gallo seems to not have any concerns about how the new trio up front will work together, they will have to adjust to each other quickly for the Clippers to live up to expectations.

On the offensive end, the group should fit like a glove. Jordan will set bone-crushing screens and roll to the rim. Griffin already has excellent big-to-big passing chemistry with DeAndre, and Blake will be able to pick his spots in terms of post-ups and mid-range jump shots.

Gallinari can score effectively from anywhere on the floor and has one of the best jump shots in the league among players 6’10” or taller. Gallo is also elite at getting to the free throw line. He went 10-of-12 from the stripe in the preseason opener.

The defensive fit might be a bit tougher to work around. Gallinari is not a turnstile on defense, but he isn’t exactly a world-beater on that end. He may also be better served as a power forward on defense, but he will be strictly a defensive 3 with Griffin around. Jordan can clean up almost any mess on the defensive end, but the Clippers will probably struggle against teams with elite athletes on the wing.