The LA Clippers are scheduled to start the 2021-22 season without Kawhi Leonard. Unfortunately, there’s no timetable for his return following offseason surgery on a partially torn ACL.
The team signed Leonard, Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum, and Justise Winslow while trading for Eric Bledsoe, setting themselves up for an immediate future without their two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Kawhi Leonard’s absence sets the stage for increased opportunities across the roster. His impact on both ends of the floor can’t be replaced, but the Clippers can play a different brand of basketball around Paul George. Different guys will have to step up.
Here are three candidates I believe will have increased opportunities and benefit the most while Kawhi Leonard is recovering from his offseason surgery.
3. Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson was the primary beneficiary of Kawhi Leonard’s injury during the playoffs. In eight games without Leonard, Jackson posted 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals on 48.5 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. Those would’ve been career highs in scoring and field goal percentage.
With Leonard out, a large portion of the ball-handling load is going to be placed on Big Government’s shoulders. It’s why the Clippers made it an absolute priority to retain him in free agency.
Add in the fact that both Patrick Beverley as well as Rajon Rondo were traded last week, and Jackson might just be the second-most important player for the Clippers behind Paul George.
2. Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris was the focal point of the New York Knicks offense during the early parts of the 2019-20 season.
In 43 games with the Knicks, Morris averaged 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on 44.2 percent shooting from the field and 43.9 percent from beyond the arc. He was the team’s leading scorer and the league’s fourth best three-point shooter prior to the trade to the Clippers.
All this to say Marcus Morris has a similar opportunity this year with the Clippers. With Leonard expected to miss much of the season, Tyronn Lue will likely run more of the team’s offense through Morris.
If he's not spotting up for three-pointers or taking that mid-range jumper after one dribble, Morris likes to play out of the post. He's been a good option for the Clippers when he does post up, allowing guards not to have to create every offensive possession. The craziest part of Morris' season was his incredible efficiency from basically anywhere on the court.
Morris likely won't be this efficient in the upcoming 2021-22 season, but he'll certainly have a chance to play in his spots more this season.
1. Terance Mann
Terance Mann saw an increase in playing time and opportunity once Leonard went down in the postseason.
He started six of the eight games, averaging 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 steal per game on 55.7 percent shooting from the field and 44.8 percent from beyond the arc.
For the entirety of his second season, Mann shot 41.8 percent from three. That's one of the top marks in the league for a player many didn't consider a shooter at the start of the season. After putting a lot of work in — and Ty Lue staying on him to shoot the ball — Mann developed into a mini-stud come playoff time. Everyone remembers his 39-point, seven three-pointer game against the Utah Jazz in the conference semifinal clincher, which helped the Clippers overcome a monster, 25-point 3rd quarter deficit.
The next step for Mann will be working on the wing three-point shot as well as his in between mid-range game. His sophomore season was fantastic by all accounts, but he still has areas on the floor he can improve on. Without Leonard in the lineup, Mann will be relied upon more, giving him the stage to take that next big step.
Here's a look at Mann's regular season shot chart, via NBA.com/stats:
Here's Mann's postseason shot chart, also via NBA.com/stats:
Honorable mention: Tyronn Lue
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has thrived when faced with a shorthanded roster. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers in addition to the Clippers, Lue has tinkered with lineups to find ones that work and has shown he's not afraid to bench guys or make mistakes. While that won't always result in immediate wins or losses, Lue's willingness to adjust to any and every situation makes him a valuable member of the team.
Kawhi Leonard's injury will force Lue's hand in playing with all sorts of players and lineups. That will only help him understand who is most capable of being plugged into a lineup with Leonard once he is able to return.
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