Clippers’ 1-6 Start Hides Some Reasons for Patience
The Los Angeles Clippers have lost six straight to open a 1-6 season, with injuries and struggles from key players leaving the team short-handed.
Los Angeles has stumbled through the opening stretch of the season, and its 1-6 record reflects problems across the roster. Injuries have left the Clippers without needed depth, while several players have struggled to make an impact.
Rookie point guard Keaton Wagler has shot just 29% from the field and 30.3% from three-point range. Still, he has kept attacking the rim and drawing contact, averaging 6.6 free-throw attempts per game, the most on the team. His effort on defense has also remained steady, despite his difficulties adjusting to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
Darius Garland has averaged 5.4 turnovers against 6.6 assists and is carrying a career-high 30.2% usage rate. The 26-year-old has been asked to lead an offense without enough other creators, and opponents can focus their defensive attention on him. Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal are expected to provide support when they return.
Rui Hachimura’s shooting has also been poor, at 36.9% from the field. More troubling has been his defense: the Clippers have allowed 15.5 more points per 100 possessions with him on the court than when he is off, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Hachimura’s shooting could improve, but his defensive contribution will be an important measure of his value. For Garland, the return of Ingram and Beal could ease the burden. Wagler, meanwhile, faces a challenging rookie season even as he shows signs of persistence.