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LA Clippers: Lineups and managing minutes will determine level of success in 2019-20

By Daniel Lubofsky

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: A behind the scenes photo of Kawhi Leonard #2, Patrick Beverley #21, Paul George #13, Lou Williams #23 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers at media day on September 29, 2019 at the Honey Training Center: Home of the LA Clippers 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: A behind the scenes photo of Kawhi Leonard #2, Patrick Beverley #21, Paul George #13, Lou Williams #23 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers at media day on September 29, 2019 at the Honey Training Center: Home of the LA Clippers 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2019-20 roster

Key additions: Kawhi Leonard (free agency), Paul George (trade), Maurice Harkless (trade), Patrick Patterson (free agency), Rodney McGruder (free agency)

Key subtractions: Danilo Gallinari (trade), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (trade), Wilson Chandler (free agency), Garrett Temple (free agency)

Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were crucial to the surprising success of LA last season. Gallo was a versatile shot-maker who averaged a career-high 19.8 points per game and SGA showed All-Star flashes that bode well for his future.

Losing two valuable pieces of a reigning playoff team would sit a certain type of way for most, but Clipper fans didn’t give them much of a second thought considering those who were directly brought in to replace them.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard form the most fearsome wing duo in the NBA, especially at the defensive end. The former is a four-time All-Defensive Team member who finished third in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year last season. The latter has made five All-Defensive Teams with two DPOYs in his trophy case.

They are going to share the responsibilities of locking up the opposition’s best player while providing a steady stream of buckets at the other end. Both are coming off career-best scoring seasons and should only benefit playing alongside a talent who commands an equal level of respect.

Mo Harkless’s name flew under the radar given the magnitude of LA’s other acquisitions, but the former Portland Trail Blazers player has his fair share of postseason chops as a switchable forward who will certainly be part of the rotation.

Patrick Patterson and Rodney McGruder won’t do much besides fill minutes opened up by potential injuries or whenever Kawhi or PG decides to take the night off.

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