Here is the Bottom line; Russ and Harden had their best season together when they ran small-ball with PJ Tucker at center. Our best bet going forward is to embrace small-ball when Russ and Harden are sharing the floor as spacing is going to be our only saving grace in running a consistent offense.

Russ, Harden, PG, Kawhi, (any floor spacing forward)- analysis

Pros: Spacing, makes Russ more playable, more passing and more, switch-ability on defense.

Cons: Poorer rebounding, less post up threats, bad rim protection on defense.

However that is only when Russ and Harden share the court. I believe it is more imperative to bench Russ and have him run the second unit alongside Powell. Same applications here though, we need Russ to always play with a floor spacing 5.

Russ and Powell second unit pros/cons

Pros: more scoring and higher tempo play

Cons: smaller lineup that may get abused on defense

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Where does this leave Zubac? With this current squad he is currently unplayable and will more than likely have to be traded. Assuming this cannot be done we can still maximize use of players such as Moussa and Kobe Brown to play the 4/5 spots. Doing this also helps us become more youthful and energetic on the court.

Assuming trade: Bones, Zu, Coffey, and Brandon Boston will have to go to make salary work and also because they are redundant players on our roster. This will more than likely be a multi team trade though to make everything work.

Trade targets:

Duncan Robinson: 29 years old, a streaky shooter, but if given green light, can go off and really open up the floor for other players alongside some additional off-ball movement. Not very athletic but has decent height and wingspan to compensate as a passable team defender.

Haywood Highsmith: 27 years old, tweener build that gives him positional versatility, extremely active defender both on and off the ball, can shoot decently from three now.

Defensive schemes Ty lue needs to use for maximization:

Utilize player body types and physical tools for positional defense. Harden is a rather strong post defender and fairs better defending down low than on the perimeter. 6’5 tall and 6’11 wingspan at 220 lbs makes him tough to back down. Stop having him guard the perimeter and make him guard down low. Same thing with PJ. 6’5 tall, 7’0 wingspan at 245 lbs. Other players who may fall under this low post defensive scheme could be Kobe Brown, Duncan Robinson and Moussa Diabate.

Kawhi and PG should be the primary POA defenders. when they aren’t guarding on the ball, have them use their active hands to disrupt the passing lanes alongside the perimeter. In the event of screening or PnR actions, blitz or ice the screen to generate turnovers and deter drives to the rim. Other players who can fall under this scheme. Highsmith, Mann, and Powell.

Russ could actually fit both roles as perimeter and low post defender in my opinion.

After last nights game I needed to make this post for my own peace of mind. But please, I implore you all to take some time to really think about my suggestions and how effective they may be in application to our clippers roster.