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Los Angeles Clippers: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tobias Harris #34, head coach Doc Rivers and Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for photos during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 24, 2018 in Playa Vista, 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tobias Harris #34, head coach Doc Rivers and Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for photos during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 24, 2018 in Playa Vista, 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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3. Clippers transform into a top-10 defensive team

The drastic change in Los Angeles’ roster over the past 12 months had a significant impact on the team’s performance last season on the defensive end of the floor. Registering a 107.7 defensive rating, the Clippers ranked 19th in this department, their worst return since Rivers took over at the helm.

Considering they finished sixth in 2015-16 with an elite 100.9 rating, this is clearly some drop in efficiency. However, things could be significantly different this season.

As part of the Chris Paul deal last summer, the Clippers welcomed aboard defensive wizard Patrick Beverley. Named to the NBA All-Defensive Team in his last full season with the Houston Rockets, Beverley unfortunately played in just 11 games in his debut season as a Clipper due to a season-ending knee injury.

Following a successful return to the floor in the preseason, Beverley was understandably excited:

Another key component to the Clippers’ defensive output is guard Avery Bradley. Acquired midseason a part of the Blake Griffin trade, Bradley unfortunately took to the court on just six occasions due to adductor and abdominal injuries that required surgery.

As a member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team during the 2015-16 season, Bradley made a huge impact in his six games, posting an elite 99.7 defensive rating.

Simply put, pairing a couple of All-Defensive First Team guards will be a mouth-watering proposition for coach Rivers. Then there’s the Clippers’ latest addition in forward Luc Mbah a Moute.

A defensive specialist throughout his 10 years in the league, Mbah a Moute returns to the Clippers after a year with the Houston Rockets in which he was a vital component in their sixth overall ranking in defensive efficiency. Furthermore in his last season under Rivers, the Clippers were 7.0 points per 100 possessions better off defensively with Mbah a Moute on the floor.

While there may be a question mark surrounding the defensive exploits of some of the other players on the roster, the presence provided by this trio should go a long way in ensuring the Clippers can push for a top-10 rating in defensive efficiency.

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