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LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard and the triangle offense

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Would the triangle offense work for the LA Clippers and it is a good fit? 

Ahhh… the Triangle offense. One of basketball’s most famed and effective offensive systems is making its way back onto an NBA basketball court. You know the system that won Phil Jackson all eleven of his championships as a coach. Thought of as almost a relic from the past, the LA Clippers have decided to revive it once more and add it to their offensive game plan for this season.

Ohm Youngmisuk wrote in an article on ESPN that head coach Ty Lue is aiming to run a couple of triangle sets in their offense and intends to use Kawhi Leonard as the Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant piece. Kawhi Leonard will be taking a good amount of mid-range jump shots this season.

Someone somewhere is pulling their hair out as the analytics say that this is one of the worst shots you can take in today’s game. Why settle for a deep two when you can shoot a shot that’s just a little farther back and worth more points?

The goal would be to give teams a different look on offense by utilizing one of today’s best mid-range players in Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard is an absolute problem in the mid-range game, always getting to his spot, and unleashing an arsenal of mid-range moves. Leonard would be a perfect fit inside the triangle system. Leonard is a career 46 percent from 10-16 feet and 44 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point line.

Lue is hoping he can take advantage of those numbers during times a switch up or a bucket is needed.

How often we see these Triangle sets will obviously be determined by their effectiveness. For the Triangle to be successful all five players must be willing to stay within the flow of the system. This could be a potential roadblock in the frequency of these sets being called.

There isn’t any question the Clippers have some chemistry issues on their team. Will they be able to come together, work cohesively, and allow the offense to run its course? That has still yet to be seen.

Now do I think the Triangle offense will make or break the Clippers season? Absolutely not. The Triangle is at the bottom of the list of things that could potentially blow up the season for the Clippers. However, if the sets are successful, that could give the Clippers another dimension to their game. This could potentially help them on their quest for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

All I know for certain is that we are getting the newest installment of the Triangle. Hopefully, for LA Clipper fans,  it works out better than it did in New York.