LA Clippers: 3 reasons they will win the 2020-21 NBA title

2. The LA Clippers have better options at center this year

Last season the LA Clippers were absolutely roasted inside during the postseason, in part by Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis but then infamously and painfully by All-NBA center Nikola Jokic. With the undersized Montrezl Harrell going through physical and emotional turmoil just prior to the playoffs, their only reliable option at the 5 was Ivica Zubac, a strong inside presence but without much versatility.

This season their center portfolio is completely different. Harrell is across town playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Clippers went shopping this offseason. They brought in Serge Ibaka, who brings floor spacing and rim protection to the role, both of which Harrell lacked even at his best. Starting Ibaka doesn’t compromise spacing or defense.

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Zubac is still in the fold, developing into one of the league’s best rim protectors and screeners. His role on offense is low-usage and high-impact, unlocking the team’s shooters through screens and rolls to the basket. His offensive rating of 134 points per 100 possessions is by far the best on the team (minimum 100 minutes played). Against opposing centers not named Nikola Jokic he is a strong option.

The Clippers have even gone a step further recently, adding DeMarcus Cousins as a third center option with more offensive versatility. The former All-NBA big man has lost a step after multiple injuries, but he brings a dimension of passing and skill that Ibaka and Zubac don’t. Deployed in the right matchups he can be a precision weapon or insurance in case of injury to the top two options.

Last year, center was an unexpected position of postseason disaster for the Clippers, but this year they are deeper, more versatile and more modern. They can deploy a talented center in any matchup, including going small with Marcus Morris at the 5 at times. That turns last year’s weakness into this year’s strength.