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Los Angeles Clippers: The perfect home for under-the-radar players

By Aymin Bakr

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Lou Williams #23 and Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers answer questions on 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: Lou Williams #23 and Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers answer questions on 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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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Lou Williams

Prior to the 2017-18 season,  Lou Williams was never even remotely considered an All-Star level talent. While many appreciated his continued success off the bench throughout his entire career, very few people, if any, could’ve predicted Williams’ rise to stardom.

While he may never actually make an All-Star game, he’s certainly played like a star. After being included in the same trade that sent the aforementioned Harrell to L.A., Williams was finally in position to take the reins of a team — at least after Blake Griffin was traded.

While he still retained the sixth man role, the 6’1″ guard played an average of 32.5 minutes per contest and performed at an all-time high, averaging 22.6 points, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 43.5 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent from behind the 3-point line (6.6 attempts per game).

Williams was, in essence, the first-option scorer while still playing off the bench and consistently closed out games for the underhanded Clippers during 2017-18. While he plays only 26.4 minutes per contest this year, his role remains the same and he’s just as effective.

Time and time again Williams had proven that he’s the go-to scorer for this team and this season has been no different. So far, he’s averaged 19.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds on 41.4 percent shooting from the field and 36.2 percent from beyond the arc on 4.1 attempts a night.

Furthermore, Williams has already hit not one, but two game-winners in just 14 games, closing out tight contests against the Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards.

Williams has always been known as a pure scorer, but he’s proven to be a solid playmaker for this team and has been a great leader. Few saw Williams, Harris or Harrell as high-level contributors on a winning team in the past.

Next. The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated for 2017-18). dark

However, all three of them have come to a team with no current All-Stars and a loyal fanbase with a winning attitude and, as a result, have changed that narrative.

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