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Los Angeles Clippers: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

By Aymin Bakr

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Donovan Mitchell shocked the world this year when he came seemingly out of nowhere to contend for Rookie of the Year. At pick No. 11 in a fairly loaded draft class, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t necessarily the frontrunner for best rookie in most peoples’ eyes. While he may not necessarily win the award, Gilgeous-Alexander is on a team that will allow for him to flourish.

With no clear playmaker last season, the rookie will be able to come in and run the offense. Lou Williams will still likely be the sixth man and will handle the ball a good portion of the time, but Gilgeous-Alexander can define himself as the clear leader in the playmaking department, especially since Williams is mostly a scorer and guys like Milos Teodosic and Patrick Beverley could be on their way out.

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Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 5.1 assists per game at Kentucky with a 28.8 assist percentage. While these numbers aren’t anything too spectacular, the young guard will have time to develop and will be in a fast-paced system with two elite scorers in Williams and Harris alongside him. College isn’t always an accurate predictor of next level success either. Both John Wall (6.5) and Chris Paul (6.3) averaged under seven assists in college and are some of the best playmakers in the game today.

The 6’6″ guard also ranked among the elite during NBA Summer League. He averaged an eye-catching 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 27.8 minutes per game on 46 percent shooting from the field. Summer League must always be taken with a grain of salt, but the point still remains: The rookie is a solid all-around talent.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a long, mature and gifted player who is a good ball-handler and solid enough 3-point shooter. The Clippers had an overwhelming amount of injuries to star talent last season and there is no guarantee that something similar won’t happen again this year as the Clippers have one of the quickest paces in the league. He will definitely get an opportunity to put his game on display if he can stay healthy.

Once again, the term “breakout” is limited here because he hasn’t played a season in the league yet. However, he can break out in terms of exceeding expectations. Hoops Habit’s own Justin Rowan also elaborated on why the rookie is set to break out in his rookie year.

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