Los Angeles Clippers: How Important Is Their Point Guard Position?
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 05: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers celebrates his three pointer during a 120-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on November 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Before the 2019-20 NBA season kicked off, many analysts predicted the Los Angeles Clippers had the makings to bring home their first NBA Championship. With the addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, how could that not become a reality? To have two of the best at their respective positions on the same team easily increased their chances. However, we’re learning that it takes more than two skilled players to do the job.
The PG position today is not what it used to be when teams like the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics were running their dynasties. Nowadays, it’s what PG can score the most points while handing out less than a handful of assists.
Beverley, even with the array of weapons at his disposal is averaging just 3.2 assists per game. For some, that’s not a red flag as Lou Williams, Leonard, and George will do a majority of the ball-handling for the Clippers. That’s a good substitute, but how long can Doc Rivers continue to ask this of his star players?
The downside of Leonard and George taking the ball upcourt or setting up the halfcourt offense is that it often leaves them on an island. If Leonard has the ball at the top of the key, his only true option for offense will be George. Once that entry pass leaves his hands, Leonard has to hope to see the ball again or attack the rim looking for an offensive rebound.
Then we take into account that the starting five for the Clippers have only played less than a handful of games as a unit. They have not had time to gel. This is why having a real PG is so essential to their success. Can Beverley be that guy? Maybe, but Rivers will need to let him be that guy.
Beverley averages 29.9 minutes per game. But once again, those numbers are a bit misleading considering the injuries and load management concerns for the Los Angeles Clippers. Even with my concerns, things could still turn around for the Clippers and their PG situation. Beverley is a veteran and has played on winning teams with some of the league’s best players. It will be easy for him to adapt.
Are there options? Yes, there is but the defense that Patrick Beverley brings to the team is one of the best in the NBA. However, can Doc Rivers trust his PG in crunch time? Even with Beverley on the floor with Lou Williams, George, and Leonard, how much of the offense does he get to dictate?
The Los Angeles Clippers will win games. That’s a fact for sure. But in order to win a championship, Beverley must be more than what he is now.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
