The modern NBA is a meat grinder. You can have the flashiest superstars in the world, but if your rotation falls apart when the second unit checks in, you're basically toast. Looking at the Los Angeles Clippers depth chart right now is an exercise in seeing how a front office tries to balance "win-now" desperation with the brutal reality of aging stars.
It's weird. People talk about this team like it's still 2019, but it's not. Paul George is in Philly. Kawhi Leonard’s knee is a constant question mark that keeps fans up at night. Yet, Ty Lue—arguably the best tactical coach in the league—somehow keeps finding ways to make this roster look like a threat.
Honestly, the way this team is built isn't about having the best starting five anymore. It’s about surviving the 82-game marathon.
The Lead Guard Logjam
Everything starts and ends with James Harden. Since the trade that brought him back to his hometown, the Clippers have leaned into "The Beard" as their primary engine. He’s the floor general. When he’s on, the offense hums with that specific rhythm he dictates. But who's behind him?
The backup point guard spot is where things get interesting. You've got guys who aren't traditional floor generals but can play the role in a pinch. Kris Dunn was a sneaky-good pickup. He brings that "dog" mentality on defense that the Clippers desperately needed after losing some of their perimeter bite. He isn't going to give you 20 points, but he’ll make the opposing point guard miserable for 15 minutes.
Then there’s the Terance Mann factor. Is he a guard? A wing? He’s basically the Swiss Army knife of the Los Angeles Clippers depth chart. Ty Lue uses him everywhere. If the starting unit needs energy, Mann is there. If the second unit needs a secondary playmaker, he slides in. It’s this versatility that prevents the Clippers from collapsing when Harden needs a breather.
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Kawhi Leonard and the Wing Rotation
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: Kawhi Leonard’s health. When he’s on the floor, he’s a top-five player in the world. Period. But "when" is a big word.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding Kawhi, the wing depth has to be elite. Derrick Jones Jr. was a massive addition. Coming off a Finals run with Dallas, he brings verticality and a defensive versatility that fits the Clippers' "switch everything" scheme perfectly. He’s the guy who takes the toughest defensive assignment so Kawhi can save his legs for the fourth quarter.
Behind them, you have Norman Powell. Norm is basically a starter coming off the bench. He’s a microwave. If the offense stagnates, you give him the ball and let him cook. The problem? He’s a bit of a defensive liability compared to the other wings. It’s a trade-off.
- Derrick Jones Jr.: The defensive stopper and lob threat.
- Norman Powell: The scoring punch who can drop 20 on any given night.
- Amir Coffey: The "next man up" who always seems to produce when injuries hit.
- Nicolas Batum: The veteran returnee. He’s the "glue guy" who knows exactly where to be on both ends of the floor. His IQ is off the charts.
Batum's return shouldn't be overlooked. He understands the system. He knows how to play off James Harden. In many ways, Batum is the safety net for the entire forward rotation.
The Big Men: Zubac and the Thin Frontline
Ivica Zubac is the most underrated center in the NBA. I'll die on that hill. He’s a double-double machine who has improved his touch around the rim every single year. He’s the anchor. Without him, the Los Angeles Clippers depth chart at the five-spot looks incredibly shaky.
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The backup center situation is... adventurous.
Mo Bamba was brought in to provide some rim protection and floor spacing. On paper, it works. He can block shots and hit the occasional three. But consistency has always been his Achilles' heel. If Bamba can't give 15 solid minutes, Ty Lue often resorts to "small ball," putting P.J. Tucker or even Kawhi at the five. It’s a risky strategy that works in short bursts but gets exposed against teams with legitimate size like Denver or Minnesota.
Coaching and the "Next Man Up" Philosophy
Ty Lue is the secret sauce. You can look at the names on paper, but the way Lue mixes and matches lineups is what makes this team tick. He isn’t afraid to bench a veteran for an undrafted guy if the energy isn't there.
He treats the depth chart like a living document. It changes based on the opponent. One night, Bones Hyland might get 20 minutes because they need his chaotic scoring. The next night, he might not play at all because they need Kris Dunn's point-of-attack defense. This lack of a rigid structure can be frustrating for players, but it’s why the Clippers stay competitive despite constant injury woes.
The Reality of the New Intuit Dome Era
Moving into a new arena changes the stakes. There’s more pressure to be good. Steve Ballmer didn't build a billion-dollar "basketball mecca" to watch a lottery team. This is why the depth chart is constructed the way it is—it's a high-floor, high-ceiling gamble.
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They kept their draft picks (mostly) and tried to get younger on the margins with guys like Cam Christie. It’s a pivot from the "all-in" trades of the past. They’re trying to build a sustainable rotation while still catering to the remaining years of the Harden/Kawhi window.
How to Track This Season’s Changes
If you're following the team, don't just look at the box scores. Watch the transition periods between the first and second quarters. That’s where the Los Angeles Clippers depth chart is won or lost.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Obviously. But specifically, look at how the minutes are distributed when Kawhi sits. If Jordan Miller or Amir Coffey start seeing 25+ minutes, it tells you a lot about the coaching staff's trust in the deep bench.
- Watch the Defensive Ratings: When Zubac goes to the bench, does the defense crater? If it does, the Clippers will be active in the buyout market for another big man.
- Harden's Minutes: If James is playing 38+ minutes early in the season, it’s a red flag. It means the backup point guard situation isn't working.
The Clippers aren't the favorites they were three years ago. They’re grittier now. They’re older. But they have enough depth to ruin anyone's night if they're taken lightly.
To stay ahead of the curve on this roster, focus on the rotation patterns during back-to-back games. This is where Ty Lue reveals his true hierarchy. Pay close attention to who finishes games alongside Harden and Leonard; often, it’s not the highest-paid player, but the one who provides the specific spacing or defensive utility needed for that matchup. Checking official team updates and reputable beat writers like Law Murray will give you the most accurate day-to-day picture as the season progresses.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Track the "Net Rating" of the Non-Harden Minutes: This is the truest indicator of whether the depth is actually holding up. If the team stays even when James sits, they are a playoff threat.
- Evaluate the "Small-Ball" Efficiency: Watch how often Ty Lue uses a lineup with no traditional center. If the rebounding percentage stays above 48% in those lineups, the Clippers have a tactical advantage most teams can't match.
- Keep an eye on the G-League pipeline: The Clippers have been excellent at developing "hidden gems" like Jordan Miller. These players often become the trade chips or rotation stabilizers by February.