Season Highlight:

The Clippers defied many by making it all the way through to the 4^th seed in the West. The Clippers closed the season with an admirable 52-30, and Giannis led the way for them. He dominated teams and bullied his way through many a game. GM Andrew made an insightful call on his squad early and was able to build an impressive roster that caused headaches around the league, even for the Blazers and Bulls (NSL Finalists).

TEAM ETHOS

The LA Clippers have a balanced line-up and a GM who has been proactive and cunning in his list management. The Clippers were able to string multiple wins and multiple streaks to progress through the ranks and maintain their position towards the top of the Power Ranking. The NSL is a science, an ever-changing dichotomy between squad and setting – and the management of the Clippers at times seemed as though they had been perfected their approach and they knew exactly who they wanted to be in the league. While other teams went through many machinations, the Clippers managed their squad, and made swift moves with a calm process. An approach that many will look to replicate – but with one glaring omission; Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now no team is complete without the players connecting with a star player, which the team seemed to have in spades.

The Clippers will likely shape up with a starting five of:

PG – Collin Sexton

SG – RJ Barrett

SF – Giannis Antetokounmpo

PF – James Wiseman

C – Domantas Sabonis

6^th – Ricky Rubio

 

Season Lowlight:

LA didn’t have many lowlight moments of the 19-20 season, as they were able to finish with a successful inaugural season. The major lowlight was probably their exit from the playoffs. The Clippers were able to give the league a shake but sadly couldn’t take that next step towards an NSL Finals. It seemed to be that they were missing that one extra piece to shut down the talented game-changers from other contenders, an area that the Clippers will be looking to improve on in season 20-21.

 

 

 

THERE’S A STARMAN - STAR PLAYER – Giannis Antetokounmpo

THE GREEK FREAK – The no.1 rated NSL player in the league by data/statistics, Antetokounmpo was lethal on both ends of the court. His scoring was simply ridiculous, as he amassed 39.6 PPG on 62% Giannis Antetokounmpo on Instagram: “Can't skip steps..” | Gianni, Nba funny, Workout routine" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_7" title="Giannis Antetokounmpo on Instagram: “Can't skip steps..” | Gianni, Nba funny, Workout routine">shooting.

Giannis’ averages led the team to the 4^th seed in the West, collecting 14 boards, dishing 7 assists, picking 2 steals and swatting 2 blocks per game. His presence elevates those around him, as the likes of Sabonis and Barrett had their games noticeably improved by the Greek Freak.

SEASON	TEAM	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
2019/20	LAC	74	74	36.6	0.62	0.36	0.65	2.3	11.4	13.7	6.5	2.1	1.9	3.9	2.4	39.6

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the talisman once more for the LA Clippers in season 20-21. Giannis makes this team so versatile – if they wish to. He provides on all ends of the court, and bullies the opponents time and time again. Giannis is the darling of the engines – his athleticism and efficiency make him the perfect archetype for any team. Another big season ahead for him.

 

X FACTOR – Collin Sexton
Sexton is a seriously talented player with a high ceiling. He will be able to run the ball with confidence and I expect him to have a big year in both the NBA and NSL. Collin Sexton already showed some of that in the NSL in 19-20. Sexton had stats that didn’t show his true potential but I expect a meteoric rise – in contention for MIP 20-21.

SEASON	TEAM	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
2019/20	LAC	79	12	18.9	0.40	0.39	0.84	0.2	1.2	1.4	2.5	0.5	0.1	1.2	0.9	8.8
2019/20	CLE	65	65	33.0	0.47	0.38	0.85	0.9	2.2	3.1	3.0	1.0	0.1	2.4	2.2	20.8

 

While I don’t believe in an exact correlation or congruence between NSL and NBA, the disparity between both is immense. I suspect GM Andrew will be utilising him more than the 12 starts he managed last season. If his NBA stats can be reflected in the NSL, GM Andrew will be another step closer to her ideal goal of NSL Glory.

YOU’RE CUT, YOU’RE CUT… OH AND YOU’RE CUT
The Clippers made some serious room for FA Day. Making bold and calculated decisions to create the perfect squad balance. The list includes some vet players unlikely to value add as much as the Clippers would want, the ACL nightmare Harry Giles, and the mystical Moe Harkless; ultimately showing the Clippers belief in their core guys.

They are listed below:

Date	-	Deal
20/11/24	-	The LA Clippers renounce Harry Giles.
20/11/22	-	The LA Clippers renounce Markieff Morris.
20/11/22	-	The LA Clippers renounce Rajon Rondo.
20/11/22	-	The LA Clippers renounce Maurice Harkless.
20/11/22	-	The LA Clippers renounce Etwaun Moore.

 

BABY COME BACK – Free Agency

The Clippers enter the FA period with 10 active players on their roster.

Their current depth at primary position looks like so:

PG – Ricky Rubio, Collin Sexton, Jordan McLaughlin (Unsigned FA)

SG -

SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, RJ Barrett, Stanley Johnson

PF – James Wiseman, Isaiah Roby

C – Domantas Sabonis, Moritz Wagner, Anzejs Pasecniks

As shown above the Clippers are more than happy to cut the fat (so to speak) as they have renounced five players. The Clippers will be looking to bolster their roster and have cap space to do so. With the players on the mar