Kawhi Leonard still exists. Paul George still exists. John Wall still exists. Ty Lue still exists. We need to talk about the Clippers as a relevant title threat. Let’s see how they stack up in terms of fantasy assets.
LA Clippers Fantasy Preview
Depth Chart
| Position | Starter | Backup |
| PG | John Wall | Reggie Jackson |
| SG | Paul George | Terrance Mann |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard | Norman Powell |
| PF | Robert Covington | Nic Batum |
| C | Ivica Zubac | Moussa Diabate |
Point Guard:
It’s John Wall season, my friends. He’s been completely forgotten about in the fantasy world, and he’s been an afterthought in the NBA. He’s been parked on the bench for the Houston Rockets the last few years. But the reason he was stuck on the bench is the same reason I expect him to be a super value in fantasy ball this season. The Houston Rockets are a young team that needs to develop their talent, so they couldn’t have an experienced vet that has historically been a high-usage player, taking valuable shots and reps away from their young talent. They rather pay John Wall to sit, than play him and win. I know he’s been in the league forever, but he’s only 32. He’s not washed up by any means, he’s just been in purgatory. He’s going to be hungry to remind everyone why he’s a 5x all-star, 1x all-NBA selection, and 1x all-defensive team selection. He’s a 28% usage rate player for his entire career. That puts him among the league leaders. In what world are you going to be able to draft a ball-dominant scoring guard who can get you steals in the late rounds of the draft? It’s an incredible opportunity and you’ve gotta make sure you have him on your roster.
Shooting Guard:
Paul George gave us 24/7/6 last year. The problem was, it was only over 31 games. He hasn’t played 60 games since 2018. You’ll have to draft Paul George with a high draft pick, so you’d be taking a risk he’d return that value, as he’s had injury problems historically. If he makes it through the season, he’ll obviously be a smash. If he gets hurt, you’ll regret taking him. Heck, even if he makes it through the season healthy, there’s no guarantee he won’t be load managed to ensure that it stays that way. I have him as my SG7 on the year, but he’s admittedly risky.
Small Forward:
Kawhi didn’t play last year as he tore his ACL. And much like Paul George, he last played 60 games in 2018. Actually, I might as well just copy and paste my entire Paul George take from above. It’s the same situation. He’s currently my SF7 on the year, and that might be admittedly high as he’ll be load managed and we typically don’t see players return to form until two years after a major knee injury (see last year’s Klay Thompson). But even Kawhi at 80% can do wonders for your fantasy roster (also see last year’s Klay Thompson).
Power Forward:
Robert Covington has been a three and D player since he left Philly. And while he’s been a bit light on the threes, he’s still solid on the D. He averages over 2 stocks for his career, and I don’t anticipate that changing. He’s not draftable though. He’s the kind of player that you pick up on the waiver wire for a few extra points before your matchup is over.
Center:
Zubac had a career year last year averaging 10 points and 8.5 boards. He added 1.5 stocks to that total, as well. Solid numbers, but he won’t play more than 25 minutes per game, and isn’t more than the fourth or fifth option on an offense. If you’re the type to draft your Center late, Zubac could be on your radar, but he’s going to be an afterthought for me otherwise. If I can grab him off the waiver wire, I’m ecstatic. If I have to use a draft pick on him, I’m likely to pass.
Key Bench Players:
Reggie Jackson, Norman Powell, and Luke Kennard.
Sleepers:
John Wall
Busts:
None, unless Paul George or Kawhi gets injured.
For more great analysis check out our full 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!