2. Depth is a concern
After the infamous Chris Paul trade, the depth of the Clippers’ roster improved drastically. This was something the “Lob-City” era never really had aside from guys like Jamal Crawford. However, multiple trades have ensued since then and depth-wise, the team isn’t necessarily loaded.
Usually, a lack of depth can be counteracted by the phenomenal play of a superstar or a high-functioning starting lineup, as proven by last year’s New Orleans Pelicans or the Lob-City era Clippers. However, although both are near All-Star caliber players, Tobias Harris and Lou Williams simply aren’t enough to propel the team into the postseason.
Sure, guys like Montrezl Harrell and a healthy Patrick Beverley or Avery Bradley have proven to be great helping hands, but injuries are definitely a concern. Danilo Gallinari, if healthy, will have to prove he can coexist with Harris in the starting lineup and Marcin Gortat will have to somehow try and match Jordan’s tenacity on the glass and the defensive end.
Even if the starting lineup turns out to be consistently effective, average talents like Mike Scott and Luc Mbah a Moute will fill in the forward slots. Boban Marjanovic is too much of a liability defensively to play consistent minutes and Jerome Robinson will likely need some time to adjust. As it currently stands, there is a solid mix of both established and young talent, but it’s hard to balance the two within different lineups.
Once again, injuries are crucial here, but Beverley or Bradley will likely be starting with Williams retaining his sixth man role. Aside from Lou Will and Montrezl Harrell, that leaves a bench of unproven talents and mediocre players with the remaining three slots.