Chris Paul’s return to the Los Angeles Clippers raises significant rotation questions for the upcoming season.
LA Clippers told how to get the best out of Chris Paul, one starter will become ‘less important’
The veteran point guard’s exact role remains unclear, with James Harden already established as the team’s primary ball-handler.
Paul likely won’t start because of Harden’s presence at the point, while Bradley Beal’s addition further complicates the backcourt rotation.
The Clippers must balance offensive needs with defensive identity preservation. Paul’s playmaking skills could address one weakness, but his minutes may come at the expense of defensive specialist Kris Dunn.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesRob Mahoney suggests bench orchestrator role for Chris Paul
NBA insider Rob Mahoney outlined potential usage patterns that maximize Chris Paul’s strengths while acknowledging defensive trade-offs.
Mahoney believes Paul’s primary value lies in providing secondary playmaking when Harden rests. The Clippers struggled offensively during crucial playoff moments last season, creating a necessity for Paul’s experience.
“They had a painful need for somebody who could do a little bit more orchestration than Kris Dunn is qualified to do,” Mahoney explained.
“And you really felt it in the stickiest moments of the playoffs that they just need one more person who can actually handle the logistics of this team.”
Paul’s bench role would involve managing the second-unit offense while Harden gets some critical rest, as the latter is also entering the twilight years of his career.
“I think he is mostly useful as that, like the guy who’s coming in off the bench to help run things,” Mahoney added.
“You don‘t necessarily want Bradley Beal doing that on a full-time basis. Bogdan Bogdanovic is just buried further and further in the depth chart.”
Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty ImagesDefensive concerns emerge with veteran additions Chris Paul and Bradley Beal
The Clippers’ veteran-heavy approach threatens their defensive foundation from last season. Mahoney noted how offensive improvements could compromise the defensive identity that drove their 50-win campaign.
“The trade-off for that, the Clippers have brought in a lot of really good players and in doing so they’re also diluting what made them a 50-win team last season, which was their defense,” he observed.
Dunn’s reduced minutes would significantly impact perimeter defense, as his tenacity helped establish the Clippers as the league’s third-best defensive unit last season.
Paul and Beal offer offensive upgrades but lack comparable defensive intensity.
“By bringing Chris Paul, that means Kris Dunn is a little less important. That helps your offense, it trades off on defense,” Mahoney explained, highlighting the strategic dilemma coach Tyronn Lue faces.
Chris Paul’s playmaking credentials support bench role
Paul demonstrated continued effectiveness as a floor general with the San Antonio Spurs last season, averaging 7.4 assists and just 1.6 turnovers. His ball security and decision-making remain elite despite advanced age.
The Clippers’ playoff struggles revealed organizational weaknesses that Paul’s experience could address. Harden shouldered excessive playmaking responsibility, leading to offensive stagnation during crucial possessions.
Paul and Beal’s presence would provide insurance against Harden’s occasional ball-handling struggles while offering veteran leadership during pressure situations.
However, the defensive sacrifice requires careful consideration, as Dunn’s perimeter pressure contributed significantly to last season’s success.
The Clippers must determine whether offensive improvements justify defensive regression in their pursuit of championship contention.