(Photo Credit goes to Bro. Jevone Moore of Full Image 360
The Clippers introduce the innovation Intuit Dome to the NBA when they tip off their new season. They will also have a roster different than many of their fans anticipated. If you’ve been a Los Angeles Clippers fan for over a decade, you’ve seen them develop from a lottery team to championship contenders to a perennial playoff team and back. With the departure of the talented yet hard-to-trust Paul George, the Clippers will rely on their young talent to complement their veteran players.
Though confusing to some, the Clipper’s logic for passing on a long-term deal with George is that they wanted and needed to get younger and more athletic. It will take a collective effort to replace what George brought to the floor. His 17.5 field goal attempts per game, career-high .397% three-point field goal percentage, and .502% shooting average from the field won’t be easily replaced. One of the players they brought on to the team to feel some of that void is Kevin Porter Jr.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 30th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, Porter Jr.’s handles, jumper, and feel for the game is undeniable. However, with all his talent, Porter Jr. is on his third team in five years. Hindered by off-the-court issues, his career 43% shooting average, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game don’t scratch the surface of what he could do for this Clippers team.
Most recently, Porter Jr., the former USC hoop star, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend, fracturing her neck vertebra, and causing a deep gash above her right eye during an incident at the Millennium Hilton in New York City. Porter would plead not guilty to felony assault and strangulation charges at his arraignment.
According to police reports, Porter Jr. allegedly punched a woman in the face and ripped off her weave in downtown Cleveland. After being traded to the Houston Rockets, Porter Jr faced another suspension after a “spirited debate” with then-head coach Stephen Silas in 2022. While playing for the Trojans in 2019, he was “suspended indefinitely” for undisclosed conduct issues.
These incidents detail a history and mindset that needs to be addressed. Coach Lue’s history as a player in the league and a championship head coach could be the leadership needed to assist Porter Jr. in growing into a contributing player on the court and in society. Before the Rain City Showcase in Seattle, I asked coach Lue about his plan for the immensely talented Porter Jr.
“Off the court, just being positive. Just show him that we care about him and we’re going to be there for him in every way,” Clippers head coach Ty Lue said. “He’s been putting in the work, also to be better. He’s been great.”
“On the court, I want him to be him. After these preseason games, we’ll show him where we want him on the floor and where we want him to attack,” said coach Lue. “He’s very gifted offensively. He can score one on one, iso; he can run the pick roll and score, and he’s a really good passer; so, he can definitely create for others.”
“I want to get a look at his full game and see how he plays and put into our system,” Coach Lue added about his plan for the skilled Porter Jr.
Rejoining this Clippers team this season is 17-year veteran and fan favorite Nicolas Batum. Though this team has a different makeup than the championship contenders he played on during his initial stent with the Clippers, he can bring leadership to the locker room while being an example of professionalism to this young squad.
“This is a great group, it’s younger. But they want to learn and want to get to work and play good defense,” NBA veteran Nicolas Batum said about this new look Clippers team. “We got a new coach with Jeff Van Gundy, with some great defenses stuff as well. So, it’s exciting.”
The Clippers bought low on the Seattle native Porter Jr., the son of a slain NBA veteran Kevin Porter. His willingness to improve as a person and player, along with the leadership of the Clippers coach Lue’s coaching staff, will be how they’ll get the best out of him this season. Or not.
