NBA Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers’ First Month Grade

Fresh Videos

By

Russell Isabella - USA TODAY Sports

Russell Isabella – USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers are currently seventh in the deep Western Conference and are riding a four-game winning streak. They have looked good so far this season, although they still have a ways to go to become the championship contender that is expected of them this season. Luckily for them, there is still a lot of basketball left to be played.

The guard play has been strong so far, with Chris Paul still proving to be an elite point guard. He is one of the best at controlling the game and putting everyone in a position to succeed. J.J. Redick has played well on offense, but they do need him to improve his defense, especially later in games. Jamal Crawford has been on fire and is the leading candidate to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. He has even looked better on defense, which will greatly benefit the Clippers if he can keep it up.

Jordan Farmar has done well in limited time, although he should see in increase in minutes to keep Paul fresh as the season continues. Neither Reggie Bullock or Jared Cunningham have been able to make much of an impact so far.

Matt Barnes has struggled offensively, but has looked better the past couple of games. The team needs him to not be a liability on offense so that they can keep him on the floor late in games as he is their best wing defender. Hedo Turkoglu is another player who needs to step up and help the bench produce more meaningful minutes. Chris Douglas-Roberts has struggled with injuries, but figures to give them another body on the wing when healthy.

Blake Griffin has shown a much better jump shot and has become a nightmare to defend due to his versatile game. Players have to close out on him quickly, but he is still explosive enough to blow right by them and create off of the dribble. DeAndre Jordan is still the anchor of the defense, but his poor free-throw shooting and the addition of Spencer Hawes might begin to mean more time on the bench for him in late game situations.

Hawes has yet to have a significant impact, and he must play better and adjust to his backup role. Glen Davis must also provide more off of the bench, while Ekpe Udoh will be unlikely to see much time unless injuries begin to pile up.

The Clippers have shown flashes of being an elite team, but need to show more consistency. The starters are playing well, but the bench needs to do a better job, especially with the amount of talent they have. They made key moves in the offseason to create more depth, but they still need more time to adjust to their new roles. The Clippers should continue to get better as the season goes on, which is an important as they look to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs.

First month grade: B

 

 

 

 

Share Tweet
Trending Now on