Look, the LA Clippers depth chart right now is a total paradox. On one hand, you have the "Old Guard" and the oldest roster in the history of the NBA, with an average age of 33.2 years. On the other, Tyronn Lue is finally—and I mean finally—letting the kids play because, frankly, he has no choice. After a disastrous 6-21 start to this 2025-26 season, something clicked. They’ve gone 12-2 since late December, and it’s not just because Kawhi Leonard is playing like it’s 2019 again.
It’s the rotation. It's weird. It's aging. But somehow, at the Intuit Dome, it’s working.
The LA Clippers Depth Chart: Who is Actually Starting?
If you haven’t checked the box scores lately, the starting five has a new look. James Harden is still the engine, but the supporting cast around him has shifted due to a brutal injury report and a need for defensive speed.
James Harden is the undisputed floor general. He’s 36, but he’s still putting up 25.8 points and 8.0 assists per game. He basically lives in the paint or at the free-throw line. Next to him, Kris Dunn has locked down the starting shooting guard spot. Why Dunn? Simple: defense. With Bradley Beal out for the season with a fractured hip, the Clippers need a point-of-attack defender, and Dunn is that guy.
Then there’s Kawhi Leonard. Honestly, the man is a machine when he’s on the floor. He’s currently averaging about 28 points, and over the last 13 games, he’s been closer to 32. He’s the starting small forward, but he slides to the "four" in small-ball looks.
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The frontcourt is where things got interesting over the summer. John Collins was acquired from Utah to solve the "lack of athleticism" problem, and he’s been the starting power forward. He’s shooting a career-high 41% from deep this year, which spaces the floor perfectly for Ivica Zubac. Big Zu is still the anchor. He’s averaging a double-double (14.8 PPG, 10.7 RPG) and remains the only traditional center Ty Lue truly trusts for 30+ minutes.
The Bench: Why the Kids are Saving the Season
For years, Ty Lue has been criticized for "veteran favoritism." He loves his experienced guys. But this year, the veterans like Chris Paul (who was actually released in December) and the injured Bogdan Bogdanovic haven’t been able to carry the load.
Jordan Miller has been the biggest surprise. He’s not just a "G League guy" anymore. He’s a legitimate 6'5" wing who can rebound and defend multiple positions. In a recent win over Washington, he put up 11 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. He’s basically taken the minutes that used to go to guys like P.J. Tucker.
Then you have the rookies. Kobe Sanders and Cam Christie.
Sanders, a 6'8" guard/forward, has been a revelation. He’s playing about 20 minutes a night and even got a start recently against Philly where he played 30 minutes. He’s versatile, which is exactly what this aging roster needs. Christie, only 20 years old, provides the floor spacing. He isn't consistent yet, but his presence keeps defenses honest when Harden is hunting for assists.
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And don't forget the "New Big." Yanic Konan Niederhauser, the 30th pick from Penn State, has been the backup center over Brook Lopez in certain matchups. Lopez is 37 and still a great rim protector, but Niederhauser brings a level of verticality and energy that Lue has been leaning on during this hot streak.
Sorting Through the Injury Mess
You can't talk about the LA Clippers depth chart without looking at the training room. It’s a revolving door.
- Bradley Beal: Out for the season (Hip). This was a massive blow to their scoring depth.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic: Dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. He’s expected to be out until at least late January.
- Derrick Jones Jr.: Currently out with a right knee sprain. His absence is why Jordan Miller’s minutes have spiked.
- Kawhi Leonard: He’s "Questionable" nearly every night with ankle management, but he’s been playing through it during this 12-2 run.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
Most fans think the Clippers are just Harden and Kawhi iso-ball. That’s not it anymore. The "secret sauce" of this midseason turnaround has been the defense.
Harden mentioned to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently that "little tweaks" defensively are what saved them. When you look at the rotation, having Kris Dunn and John Collins in the starting lineup gives them more length than they had last year. They’re no longer just a "three-point shooting team." They are grittier. They're actually stopping people.
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Also, people assume Brook Lopez is the permanent backup center. In reality, Ty Lue is matchup-dependent. If they need shot-blocking against a slow team, it's Lopez. If they need to run and switch, it’s Niederhauser or even John Collins at the five.
Actionable Insights for the Second Half
If you’re tracking the Clippers for the rest of the 2026 season, keep an eye on these three things. First, watch the Kobe Sanders minute count. If he stays above 22 minutes, it means Lue has officially pivoted to a "development while winning" strategy. Second, the return of Bogdan Bogdanovic will be huge. He’ll likely take the backup SG minutes from Cam Christie, providing more veteran stability for the second unit.
Finally, watch the "Trade Exception" and potential buyout market. With Beal out, the Clippers are still one scoring wing away from being a real threat in the West.
The depth chart is stable for now, but with an average age this high, one more injury to the "Old Guard" could change everything. For now, enjoy the Harden-to-Zubac lobs and the Kawhi masterclasses—they’re keeping the Intuit Dome alive.