LA Clippers: Ranking all five projected starters for 2020-21

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Paul George #13 Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard #2 during overtime against Boston Celtics at Staples Center on November 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. It was the first time this season the pair played together after joining the Clippers. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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4. PG Patrick Beverley

The NBA is full of offensive juggernauts right now. Patrick Beverley will never be mistaken for that. He has averaged less than eight points per game in each of the last two seasons.

But Beverley is one of the best defenders in the league, even at 32 years old. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for with grit and determination, never afraid to go toe-to-toe with any player.

Last year, Beverley made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second time in his career (he has also made the NBA All-Defensive First Team once). The point guard was well deserving of the honor – he sported a defensive box plus/minus of 2.5, the best of his career. Beverley also matched his 2.0 defensive win shares from 2018-19, despite playing in 27 less games.

While Beverley is not a 3-point ace, he’s competent from distance, which can sneak up on opponents. Beverley hit 38.8 percent of his 3-pointers in 2019-20, the fifth straight season he has shot at least 38 percent from three. He also took over 60 percent of his field goal attempts from three, just the second time he hit that mark in his career.

General managers and coaches often talk about building a culture around a team and sometimes, that’s just empty platitudes. But the Clippers have been able to build a culture around Beverley’s trademark intensity, making him invaluable to the franchise.

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