1. LA Clippers
The lineup: Kawhi Leonard – Paul George – Patrick Beverley – Serge Ibaka – Nicolas Batum
Net Rating – 25.4 points per 100 possessions (120.5 Offensive, 95.1 Defensive)
The offseason moves are paying huge dividends for the LA Clippers, as two of the free-agent signings are in their most explosive lineup. This lineup has the longest wingspan of any in the league, to go along with great perimeter defense, great 1-on-1 play, solid playmakers, and 3-point efficiency. This starting lineup typically plays together the first eight minutes of the game and the last minutes of each half, all to stunning results.
Why is it effective?
The offense runs through PG and Kawhi but having two athletic playmakers in Batum and Ibaka really increases the ball movement. The ability for everyone on the floor to run pick-and-roll allows Ty Lue to find the weak spot on the defense. Offensive rebounding is also a key reason for this lineup’s success -they offensive rebound 10 percent better than opponents when on the floor, and extra possessions for PG and Kawhi will always spell problems for defenses.
This lineup really makes this impact on the defensive side. All five players have a reputable defensive acumen as active on-ball defenders with long wingspans. Patrick Beverley can pester the primary ball-handlers and scorers, while Batum Leonard and George can all hug shooters close and take away offensive actions.
Ibaka can guard out to the three, while still having enough lateral quickness to patrol the middle. This Clippers lineup is holding opponents to under 32 percent from 3 – the length and aggressiveness from this lineup are giving the Clippers an absolute advantage on the floor.
Is it sustainable?
Yes. While the Clippers probably can’t shoot 44 percent from 3 all season, I project this lineup will maintain a similar net rating throughout the season because of their defense. With their quality of on-ball defenders, I don’t see this lineup defensive rating ever getting above 100.
And with Leonard and George on the offensive end, that’s going to spell problems for the rest of the league. Read ’em and weep, NBA – This is the death lineup of the 2020-21 season.