Ranking Los Angeles Clippers Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

Even with Paul George gone, the Los Angeles Clippers are competing for an NBA championship with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden still on the squad. Losing Paul George won’t stop the Clippers from going all-in for an NBA title and the franchise feels they have enough to sneak up on teams in the Western Conference assuming their two best players can stay healthy and available on the court. As we approach the 2024-25 season, here is every Clippers player named in 14 different categories.

Best All-Around Player: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard remains the most complete player on the Los Angeles Clippers roster heading into the 2024-25 season. Last season, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. His offensive versatility allows him to dominate in isolation, post-up situations, and catch-and-shoot scenarios, making him a constant threat that defenses have to account for.

Defensively, Leonard is still one of the best in the league, capable of guarding multiple positions and locking down the opposition's best perimeter players. His defensive metrics, such as a defensive rating of 113.5 and an average of 1.6 steals per game last season, showcase his ability to impact the game without the ball. With Leonard anchoring both ends of the court, when healthy, the Clippers are well-positioned to compete in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Most Underrated: Norman Powell

Norman Powell is a player who consistently flies under the radar despite his valuable contributions to the Clippers. Last season, Powell averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range. These stats reflect his efficiency as a scorer, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations and his ability to drive to the basket.

Beyond scoring, Powell's defensive effort often goes unnoticed. While not a lockdown defender like Leonard, he is a disciplined perimeter defender who can hold his own against top-tier guards. His ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense while also taking on challenging defensive assignments gives the Clippers much-needed depth.

Most Overrated: Bones Hyland

Bones Hyland has been labeled as one of the most overrated players on the Clippers roster heading into the new season. Though he possesses impressive handles and can create offense off the dribble, his inefficiency and inconsistency can be problematic. Hyland averaged 6.9 points per game last season with the Clippers but shot just 38.6% from the field and 32.6% from three. While these numbers are respectable, they don’t necessarily reflect the expectations placed on him as a spark plug scorer.

Defensively, Hyland struggles to maintain his assignments and often gets caught out of position. Unfortunately, his slight frame makes him an easy target for stronger guards. Despite his potential to become a better player, Hyland has yet to show the maturity or consistency required to be a reliable contributor for a championship-contending team like the Clippers.

Best Shooter: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is not only the Clippers' best all-around player but also their most lethal shooter. With a career three-point percentage of 39.1% and an impressive 41.7% from deep last season, Leonard has developed into one of the league's most reliable perimeter shooters. His shot selection is excellent, and he rarely takes ill-advised shots, making him an efficient scorer from beyond the arc.

Moreover, Leonard's mid-range game is one of the best in the NBA. He shot 56.9% from two-pointers last season, which forces defenses to guard him closely at all levels. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor opens up the offense for his teammates and provides spacing that the Clippers desperately need. Leonard's clutch shooting ability is a testament to his skill and confidence, making him the undisputed best shooter on the team.

Best Post Scorer: Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac has established himself as the Clippers’ best post scorer, utilizing his size and footwork to score effectively around the rim. Zubac averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season, shooting an efficient 64.9% from the field. Zubac is particularly effective against smaller defenders, where his size and strength allow him to overpower opponents and score easily.

Additionally, Zubac's understanding of positioning in the post has improved significantly, allowing him to secure deep post-ups and easy baskets. His ability to execute pick-and-roll plays with the Clippers' guards has made him a more versatile scoring threat.

Best Handles: James Harden

Even in the latter stages of his career, James Harden remains one of the best ball handlers in the NBA, and he brings that skill set to the Clippers. Harden's dribbling ability allows him to create space against almost any defender, enabling him to get to his spots on the floor with ease.

Harden’s handles not only allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself but also for his teammates. His ability to break down defenses off the dribble opens up passing lanes, which is a crucial aspect of the Clippers' offense. Harden's knack for drawing fouls with his crafty dribbling and body control also remains a significant weapon in his arsenal, keeping defenses on their toes.

Best Passer: James Harden

James Harden is not only the best ball handler on the Clippers but also their most talented passer. Last season, he averaged 8.5 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the NBA. Harden’s vision and ability to read defenses make him an elite playmaker, capable of delivering pinpoint passes in traffic or threading the needle in pick-and-roll situations. His chemistry with big men like Ivica Zubac and shooters like Kawhi Leonard makes him a key facilitator for the Clippers' offense.

Harden’s passing ability isn’t limited to conventional assists; he has a flair for delivering alley-oops, no-look passes, and cross-court dimes that keep the defense guessing.  Harden’s playmaking elevates the entire team and will be vital to the Clippers’ championship aspirations because there isn't a natural floor general on the team right now.

Best Perimeter Defender: Kawhi Leonard

When it comes to perimeter defense, Kawhi Leonard remains one of the elite defenders in the league. His combination of size, strength, and instincts allows him to guard multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards. Last season, he averaged 1.6 steals per game, further cementing his reputation as a lockdown defender.

Leonard's ability to contest shots without fouling is a rare skill that makes him invaluable in late-game situations. His lateral quickness and anticipation allow him to stay in front of the fastest guards, while his strength allows him to body up against bigger wings. As the Clippers' defensive anchor on the perimeter, Leonard is tasked with shutting down the opposition’s best scorers, a challenge he consistently rises to.

Best Post Defender: Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac has developed into the Clippers' best interior defender, thanks to his size, timing, and positioning. Last season, Zubac averaged 1.2 blocks per game and held opponents to a lower field goal percentage within six feet of the basket. His 7-foot frame and improved footwork allow him to contest shots effectively without fouling, making him a reliable rim protector.

Beyond his shot-blocking, Zubac is adept at altering shots and grabbing defensive rebounds, averaging 6.3 defensive rebounds per game last season. His ability to box out effectively ensures that the Clippers limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents. As a post defender, Zubac is disciplined and rarely gets caught out of position, making him the team's most reliable option in the paint.

Most Athletic: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard's athleticism is often underrated, but it plays a significant role in his overall impact on the game. At 6’7” with a 7’3” wingspan, Leonard combines size with strength, quickness, and leaping ability, making him a force on both ends of the court. Leonard’s lateral quickness and vertical leap allow him to contest shots at the rim and on the perimeter.

On the offensive end, Leonard uses his athleticism to finish through contact and absorb fouls while still maintaining control of the ball. His explosiveness off the dribble allows him to get to the basket, where he finishes at a high percentage. Leonard’s athleticism, combined with his skill set, makes him a tough cover for any defender and a crucial asset for the Clippers.

Worst Starter: Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. is projected as the weakest link among the Clippers’ starting five even if he will upgrade the lineup. While he is known for his athleticism and high-flying dunks, Jones Jr. lacks a consistent offensive game, particularly in shooting from distance. He shot only 34.4% from three-point range last season, making him a slight liability in a lineup that needs spacing to operate efficiently.

Defensively, Jones Jr. can be solid at times, but he often relies too much on his athleticism and can be prone to fouls or getting caught out of position. However, he has improved in this sense and isn't the liability he used to be. We regard Jones Jr. highly, but we can't put him ahead of the two stars, Norman Powell, or Ivica Zubac so he has to be named in this category.

Best Role Player: Terance Mann

Terance Mann has carved out a significant role with the Clippers due to his versatility and effort on both ends of the floor. Mann averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game last season while shooting 51.5% from the field. His ability to play multiple positions and provide energy, defense, and timely scoring makes him an essential cog in the Clippers' rotation.

Defensively, Mann is one of the Clippers' most versatile defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his length and tenacity, makes him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. Whether coming off the bench or starting in a pinch, Mann’s adaptability and hustle make him the quintessential role player for a team with championship aspirations.

Most Clutch Player: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is undeniably the Clippers' most clutch performer, often rising to the occasion when the game is on the line. Leonard’s calm demeanor and ability to hit big shots have been well-documented throughout his career, including multiple game-winners and critical plays in postseason settings. Last season, Leonard averaged 2.8 clutch points per game which ranked 24th among all players with at least 15 games played.

Leonard's ability to create his shot in isolation or come off screens for a catch-and-shoot opportunity makes him the go-to option in tight games. Defensively, he also takes on the responsibility of guarding the opponent's best player in crunch time, providing crucial stops that can turn the tide of a game. Leonard’s two-way excellence in the clutch is a rare commodity and one that the Clippers will rely on heavily.

Best Leader: Kawhi Leonard

Despite being known as a quiet personality, Kawhi Leonard leads by example on the floor with his work ethic, attention to detail, and performance under pressure. Leonard's leadership style is not about vocal commands but about demonstrating how to play the game at a high level.

Leonard’s championship experience with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors also gives him a level of credibility that few others in the league possess. His ability to guide his teams to the ultimate prize by stepping up in big moments is the kind of leadership the Clippers need as they aim for their first NBA title. However, it must be said that the Clippers lack natural leaders and Leonard is forced into this role as he guides by example.

Related: 2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Roster By Tiers

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