LA Clippers: Bold predictions after an even bolder offseason
By Byron Jones
3. The LA Clippers produce multiple All-Defensive players
Defense is the key to success for the LA Clippers leading into a new year full of championship aspirations and historical significance. Adding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to an already tough-minded squad should make for very exciting basketball at both ends of the court.
Pair them with Patrick Beverley and you have three teammates who are no stranger to playing elite level defense.
Respectively, we could see all three make a strong case for receiving All-Defensive honors as I believe they will play well off each other on rotations. Leonard makes the best argument simply due to his early season availability and history for getting the best of most superstar match ups he’s encountered.
George will only be held back by how much playing time he receives before the playoffs begin. Remember, this is a regular season award and the LA Clippers may not need or want MVP level play from George if it negatively impacts his health long-term. We all know George will want to get out there as soon as possible to make his presence felt early and often.
Overlooked and underappreciated, Beverley makes a strong case every year for his defensive prowess. I believe his relentless effort will be rewarded and prove to be very important in the playoffs.