Luke Kennard 4 Years $64 Ms

[og15]

I have no issue with guys taking good shots. Kennard's shooting rate isn't even "bad", 10.6 FGA/36 and 4.8 3PA/36 is not bad, it's just not good enough or what he was brought in to do.

He clearly doesn't have the type of personality that as the youngest and newest guy with the bench unit, he's going to go out and look for his as he should.

You can see it, he's just trying to not step on any toes, and I get it, but Kennard was brought in for shooting, scoring and playmaking, if he's not attacking and playmaking, then there's no need for Kennard because he's not a defender or hustle guy.

His contract is too small to really trade for anything, and maybe he's one of those guys that needs a season with a team to get his bearings, but if nothing changes, he's first on the block next season when he makes more and there's no hard cap restricting the Clippers moves.

Very good point. Luke's extension for $14M/yr doesn't kick in until next season. At the moment he's only making $5.2M, which probably won't bring back a difference-maker. A difference-maker is a big bargain at $5 million. Why deal one?

Exactly, no one is trading a $5 million contract impact player unless they are getting a similar impact player but at a different position or with more fitting skills for their team. The only other way you get a player like that is from a lottery team trading a good player in order to get draft picks back. I think Kennard starts at $12.7 million next season on his contract, which is a much better amount, especially since the Clippers won't be hard capped and can take back 125% again.

As far as I know, there's no trade involving Kennard that will bring back a better player, or even someone who can shoot as well as he can probably can't be brought back. So unless he's packaged with someone else, he's going to be around. I'd love for him to figure it out, he's got good skills, but fit is just as important as skills. I know for example, Mike Conley, a much better player, but he took a season to adjust to how he fits on Utah with Mitchell and Gobert and everyone else and has been much better this season. Kennard could be one of those guys, but that also means he's going to be relatively disappointing this season and a question mark for next. A lot of season still left though, so we'll see, as always let's hope he figures it out, it makes the team better.

[madmaxmedia]

Just maybe (HOPEFULLY) this recent stretch without 1 or 2 of our stars will give Luke a little kick in the tail to play more assertively.

[Roscoe Sheed]

I think the fact that Kennard isn't working out so far is either an indictment of the front office or the coaching staff. I get that it is difficult to put Kennard on the court with other weak defenders, but perhaps a trade is in order to balance the roster a bit. His shooting is worth having on the court- I feel like he could thrive offensively if given a consistent role, but his defense is such a liability. Did they not know that about him before giving him this huge contract? Kind of a head scratcher.

[esqtvd]

I think the fact that Kennard isn't working out so far is either an indictment of the front office or the coaching staff. I get that it is difficult to put Kennard on the court with other weak defenders, but perhaps a trade is in order to balance the roster a bit. His shooting is worth having on the court- I feel like he could thrive offensively if given a consistent role, but his defense is such a liability. Did they not know that about him before giving him this huge contract? Kind of a head scratcher.

Not very happy with Senior either, our 3rd-highest paid player and far from our 3rd best. I'm always wary of good numbers on crap teams.

[Roscoe Sheed]

I think the fact that Kennard isn't working out so far is either an indictment of the front office or the coaching staff. I get that it is difficult to put Kennard on the court with other weak defenders, but perhaps a trade is in order to balance the roster a bit. His shooting is worth having on the court- I feel like he could thrive offensively if given a consistent role, but his defense is such a liability. Did they not know that about him before giving him this huge contract? Kind of a head scratcher.

Not very happy with Senior either, our 3rd-highest paid player and far from our 3rd best. I'm always wary of good numbers on crap teams.

on some nights, he is the 3rd best player. He has his moments. He is shooting the 3 at a high % too. However, he does need to be more consistent.

[esqtvd]

I think the fact that Kennard isn't working out so far is either an indictment of the front office or the coaching staff. I get that it is difficult to put Kennard on the court with other weak defenders, but perhaps a trade is in order to balance the roster a bit. His shooting is worth having on the court- I feel like he could thrive offensively if given a consistent role, but his defense is such a liability. Did they not know that about him before giving him this huge contract? Kind of a head scratcher.

Not very happy with Senior either, our 3rd-highest paid player and far from our 3rd best. I'm always wary of good numbers on crap teams.

on some nights, he is the 3rd best player. He has his moments. He is shooting the 3 at a high % too. However, he does need to be more consistent.

I see JaMychal Green at twice the price.


https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/morrima03.html

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenja01.html

[Captain Ballmer]

Morris did good on perimeter D against physical ball handlers(vs Luka last year, vs peak LBJ in Boston). When switch happened Mooris hold his ground quite well, make the games harder for them. This is something J.Green couldn't do as he would be mismatched and lost in perimeter D. He's not cheap bu definitely someone we need more than Green in the Playoffs.

[esqtvd]

Morris did good on perimeter D against physical ball handlers(vs Luka last year, vs peak LBJ in Boston). When switch happened Mooris hold his ground quite well, make the games harder for them. This is something J.Green couldn't do as he would be mismatched and lost in perimeter D. He's not cheap bu definitely someone we need more than Green in the Playoffs.

I agree but not at twice the price. I have posted the numbers link and link and link so pls read them first?


At the moment Senior is a Clipper and we are going into the playoffs with him. Just like Lou has re-established himself as our 6th man. I back my team until further notice. I don't scapegoat, I hope for the best.

Except for Kennard lol. He took the money and ran. Good for him Forget contracts. Going into the playoffs, I'd rather have Sindarius or Austin. At least they play hard and are REAL Clippers. Luke is a man without a country. Nobody would take his contract off our hands for anything less than a first-rounder. Dudley redux.

[Captain Ballmer]

Morris did good on perimeter D against physical ball handlers(vs Luka last year, vs peak LBJ in Boston). When switch happened Mooris hold his ground quite well, make the games harder for them. This is something J.Green couldn't do as he would be mismatched and lost in perimeter D. He's not cheap bu definitely someone we need more than Green in the Playoffs.

I agree but not at twice the price. I have posted the numbers link and link and link so pls read them first?

That links means nothing. You are simply overrating J.Green whom I liked here for 20 minutes.

When Morris was on Luka, he called for switches or even deferred to ball to Burke,Curry or THjr. It was Lou, Shamet, Reggie and even PG's mistakes(lack of competition) that let Burke's Curry's or THJr's of the world make the series looked competitive. Morris' ratings and numbers would look much more positive If those guys had defend the perimeter better.

We gonna need Morris to do that for 30 minutes per night against LBJ if we match, or even Harden if we advance to the finals. What he brings probably doubles what value J.Green brings anyway. When you know you are the frontliner of Ibaka, It's reasonable to seal the deal with Morris. Only the forth year seems much but it's early to judge that part.

Just try to watch some tapes on Luka-Mook 2020 or LBJ-Mook in 2018 would ya?

[esqtvd]

Morris did good on perimeter D against physical ball handlers(vs Luka last year, vs peak LBJ in Boston). When switch happened Mooris hold his ground quite well, make the games harder for them. This is something J.Green couldn't do as he would be mismatched and lost in perimeter D. He's not cheap bu definitely someone we need more than Green in the Playoffs.

I agree but not at twice the price. I have posted the numbers link and link and link so pls read them first?

That links means nothing. You are simply overrating J.Green whom I liked here for 20 minutes.

When Morris was on Luka, he called for switches or even deferred to ball to Burke,Curry or THjr. It was Lou, Shamet, Reggie and even PG's mistakes(lack of competition) that let Burke's Curry's or THJr's of the world make the series looked competitive. Morris' ratings and numbers would look much more positive If those guys had defend the perimeter better.

We gonna need Morris to do that for 30 minutes per night against LBJ if we match, or even Harden if we advance to the finals. What he brings probably doubles what value J.Green brings anyway. When you know you are the frontliner of Ibaka, It's reasonable to seal the deal with Morris. Only the forth year seems much but it's early to judge that part.

Just try to watch some tapes on Luka-Mook 2020 or LBJ-Mook in 2018 would ya?

You read me unfairly--I never rated J-Myke in the first place. He has empty numbers. That's my point. Glad he's gone. I like Senior better of course but at twice the price for twice as long...ouch.

We gonna need Morris to do that for 30 minutes per night against LBJ if we match, or even Harden if we advance to the finals.

OK, but I wouldn't even put him on the floor against Bron or Harden let alone head-to-head let alone 30 minutes? The front office traded 2 first-round picks for him and then gave him a $64 million contract but he can't even start for this team?

That's all I'm saying. But hey I hope he gets his ass in gear. But it's not.

[NickP]

I agree but not at twice the price. I have posted the numbers link and link and link so pls read them first?

That links means nothing. You are simply overrating J.Green whom I liked here for 20 minutes.

When Morris was on Luka, he called for switches or even deferred to ball to Burke,Curry or THjr. It was Lou, Shamet, Reggie and even PG's mistakes(lack of competition) that let Burke's Curry's or THJr's of the world make the series looked competitive. Morris' ratings and numbers would look much more positive If those guys had defend the perimeter better.

We gonna need Morris to do that for 30 minutes per night against LBJ if we match, or even Harden if we advance to the finals. What he brings probably doubles what value J.Green brings anyway. When you know you are the frontliner of Ibaka, It's reasonable to seal the deal with Morris. Only the forth year seems much but it's early to judge that part.

Just try to watch some tapes on Luka-Mook 2020 or LBJ-Mook in 2018 would ya?

You read me unfairly--I never rated J-Myke in the first place. He has empty numbers. That's my point. Glad he's gone. I like Senior better of course but at twice the price for twice as long...ouch.

We gonna need Morris to do that for 30 minutes per night against LBJ if we match, or even Harden if we advance to the finals.

OK, but I wouldn't even put him on the floor against Bron or Harden let alone head-to-head let alone 30 minutes? The front office traded 2 first-round picks for him and then gave him a $64 million contract but he can't even start for this team?

That's all I'm saying. But hey I hope he gets his ass in gear. But it's not.

Morris can't even start on this team? Morris voluntarily gave up his starting spot to Batum.

[TheNewEra]

Think we brought Kennard into a situation that wasn’t ideal.

[Clemenza]

Think we brought Kennard into a situation that wasn’t ideal.

True, I just don't know what would be an ideal situation for him on any team in the league. If he could just run point, facilitate, and shoot when he's open instead of him being sort of a wing player who needs to score and defend at a high level for the 2nd unit - it seems to be putting too much pressure on him. Meanwhile he's in no man's land playing next to Lou who has the ball in his hands for almost the entire possession.I guess he's out of the rotation until Lue can find a good spot for him or unless he breaks out of his shyness and gets aggressive on the offensive end somehow. I don't know.

[esqtvd]

Think we brought Kennard into a situation that wasn’t ideal.

On top of everything, Kennard's a low-energy guy. At least JJ ran around like a maniac to getting himself open and tired people out chasing him. Mann's plus/minus is still a bit disappointing but his energy gives this team a lift. Luke's is worse and he's an energy drag to boot.

He does seem to play OK with the starters though. If Ty wants to wring some minutes out of him it'll have to be there. Where we don't need him.

[og15]

Think we brought Kennard into a situation that wasn’t ideal.

On top of everything, Kennard's a low-energy guy. At least JJ ran around like a maniac to getting himself open and tired people out chasing him. Mann's plus/minus is still a bit disappointing but his energy gives this team a lift. Luke's is worse and he's an energy drag to boot.

He does seem to play OK with the starters though. If Ty wants to wring some minutes out of him it'll have to be there. Where we don't need him.

Kennard's skills are shooting, ball handling, scoring and passing/playmaking as a guard/wing. His weaknesses are lateral quickness, defense and strength. He's also not a long player. To make him most useful, he has to be used heavily with his strengths. The Clippers have gotten the shooting part, but if you can't maximize his scoring and playmaking in his role, then his weaknesses are too great to keep him on the court consistently on a team at this level with this specific make up.

Kennard is not Redick, he can move without the ball, and does so very well without specific off ball actions being run. The team doesn't run those types of actions like Doc did with Redick, that was more of something Doc liked a lot.

Kennard's problem isn't effort, he's trying, but trying can only get you so far. The main actual issue with Kennard is not anything specific to Kennard, it's the pre-mature contract that he was given. If not for that contract, you go through half the season, you say it's not working fit wise and trade him, he only cost Shamet. If you don't trade him, you can let him go to free agency and try to re-sign for cheap as a possible trade asset or do a sign and trade to get something back, or just move on.

The real problem with Kennard was the FO problem, and it will remain the issue until and unless he / the FO and coaching staff find a way for him to be effective or he is moved.

[esqtvd]

Think we brought Kennard into a situation that wasn’t ideal.

On top of everything, Kennard's a low-energy guy. At least JJ ran around like a maniac to getting himself open and tired people out chasing him. Mann's plus/minus is still a bit disappointing but his energy gives this team a lift. Luke's is worse and he's an energy drag to boot.

He does seem to play OK with the starters though. If Ty wants to wring some minutes out of him it'll have to be there. Where we don't need him.

Kennard's skills are shooting, ball handling, scoring and passing/playmaking as a guard/wing. His weaknesses are lateral quickness, defense and strength. He's also not a long player. To make him most useful, he has to be used heavily with his strengths. The Clippers have gotten the shooting part, but if you can't maximize his scoring and playmaking in his role, then his weaknesses are too great to keep him on the court consistently on a team at this level with this specific make up.

Kennard is not Redick, he can move without the ball, and does so very well without specific off ball actions being run. The team doesn't run those types of actions like Doc did with Redick, that was more of something Doc liked a lot.

Kennard's problem isn't effort, he's trying, but trying can only get you so far. The main actual issue with Kennard is not anything specific to Kennard, it's the pre-mature contract that he was given. If not for that contract, you go through half the season, you say it's not working fit wise and trade him, he only cost Shamet. If you don't trade him, you can let him go to free agency and try to re-sign for cheap as a possible trade asset or do a sign and trade to get something back, or just move on.

The real problem with Kennard was the FO problem, and it will remain the issue until and unless he / the FO and coaching staff find a way for him to be effective or he is moved.

IOW Kennard's not a problem if you bench him. Done.

FTR, since it was a 3-way, we traded Shamet for the 19th pick, which turned into Saddiq Bey, so we could have had either player. Now I'm not a big one for draft shoulda-wouldas but I do have an objection to trading for RFAs or soon-to-be RFAs. You gotta PAY. The whole point of cheap labor via the draft evaporates. I think there were about 3 years out of DeAndre's 10 here that we got our money's worth.

As for Kennard's skills, we're already #1 in catch-and-shoot, so the one thing he does well is the one thing we don't need. Maybe next year. But I think he needs to do more to get open like JJ did. You can't get volume production just plucking the low-hanging fruit.

[og15]

On top of everything, Kennard's a low-energy guy. At least JJ ran around like a maniac to getting himself open and tired people out chasing him. Mann's plus/minus is still a bit disappointing but his energy gives this team a lift. Luke's is worse and he's an energy drag to boot.

He does seem to play OK with the starters though. If Ty wants to wring some minutes out of him it'll have to be there. Where we don't need him.

Kennard's skills are shooting, ball handling, scoring and passing/playmaking as a guard/wing. His weaknesses are lateral quickness, defense and strength. He's also not a long player. To make him most useful, he has to be used heavily with his strengths. The Clippers have gotten the shooting part, but if you can't maximize his scoring and playmaking in his role, then his weaknesses are too great to keep him on the court consistently on a team at this level with this specific make up.

Kennard is not Redick, he can move without the ball, and does so very well without specific off ball actions being run. The team doesn't run those types of actions like Doc did with Redick, that was more of something Doc liked a lot.

Kennard's problem isn't effort, he's trying, but trying can only get you so far. The main actual issue with Kennard is not anything specific to Kennard, it's the pre-mature contract that he was given. If not for that contract, you go through half the season, you say it's not working fit wise and trade him, he only cost Shamet. If you don't trade him, you can let him go to free agency and try to re-sign for cheap as a possible trade asset or do a sign and trade to get something back, or just move on.

The real problem with Kennard was the FO problem, and it will remain the issue until and unless he / the FO and coaching staff find a way for him to be effective or he is moved.

IOW Kennard's not a problem if you bench him. Done.

FTR, since it was a 3-way, we traded Shamet for the 19th pick, which turned into Saddiq Bey, so we could have had either player. Now I'm not a big one for draft shoulda-wouldas but I do have an objection to trading for RFAs or soon-to-be RFAs. You gotta PAY. The whole point of cheap labor via the draft evaporates. I think there were about 3 years out of DeAndre's 10 here that we got our money's worth.

As for Kennard's skills, we're already #1 in catch-and-shoot, so the one thing he does well is the one thing we don't need. Maybe next year. But I think he needs to do more to get open like JJ did. You can't get volume production just plucking the low-hanging fruit.

Clemanza informed me on the GB previously that we might actually not had any chance at Bey.

I then looked into it, and he was right, the Clippers never had an opportunity to get Bey, the way the trade was worked out, it wasn’t the Clippers trading for the 19th pick. It was the Pistons who traded Kennard for the 19th pick, and the Clippers got involved and got Kennard and moved Shamet and then all the additional pieces were added around. I had previously thought it was the Clippers who traded Shamet for 19th and then moved it for Kennard, but it was actually the opposite way around.

[esqtvd]

Clemanza informed me on the GB previously that we might actually not had any chance at Bey.

I then looked into it, and he was right, the Clippers never had an opportunity to get Bey, the way the trade was worked out, it wasn’t the Clippers trading for the 19th pick. It was the Pistons who traded Kennard for the 19th pick, and the Clippers got involved and got Kennard and moved Shamet and then all the additional pieces were added around. I had previously thought it was the Clippers who traded Shamet for 19th and then moved it for Kennard, but it was actually the opposite way around.

Even if accurate, still on the FO's head. You call up the Nets and offer Shamet for the 19th pick. Done. But it's academic now anyway. We are all still wondering what they saw in Luke. It's his low energy and apparent lack of basketball IQ that bothers me most, and why Mann cracked the rotation ahead of him.

______________

ADD--I know everybody loves Mann and so do I, but the fact is that his plus/minus is in the negative despite being on one of the top plus/minus teams in the league. I agree with giving him the minutes but facts are facts and why I get kinda irked when good soldier Lou gets blamed for the problems on the second unit. Fortunately Ty does not agree. Lou is a team player.

Top 5 then

6 Lou plus+3.2
Reggie plus+1.8
Zu plus+0.8
Senior plus+0.4
Kennard minus-0.7
Mann minus-1.4


https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional/?sort=PLUS_MINUS&dir=-1&Season=2020-21&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=1610612746

[Indomitable]

Kennard's skills are shooting, ball handling, scoring and passing/playmaking as a guard/wing. His weaknesses are lateral quickness, defense and strength. He's also not a long player. To make him most useful, he has to be used heavily with his strengths. The Clippers have gotten the shooting part, but if you can't maximize his scoring and playmaking in his role, then his weaknesses are too great to keep him on the court consistently on a team at this level with this specific make up.

Kennard is not Redick, he can move without the ball, and does so very well without specific off ball actions being run. The team doesn't run those types of actions like Doc did with Redick, that was more of something Doc liked a lot.

Kennard's problem isn't effort, he's trying, but trying can only get you so far. The main actual issue with Kennard is not anything specific to Kennard, it's the pre-mature contract that he was given. If not for that contract, you go through half the season, you say it's not working fit wise and trade him, he only cost Shamet. If you don't trade him, you can let him go to free agency and try to re-sign for cheap as a possible trade asset or do a sign and trade to get something back, or just move on.

The real problem with Kennard was the FO problem, and it will remain the issue until and unless he / the FO and coaching staff find a way for him to be effective or he is moved.

IOW Kennard's not a problem if you bench him. Done.

FTR, since it was a 3-way, we traded Shamet for the 19th pick, which turned into Saddiq Bey, so we could have had either player. Now I'm not a big one for draft shoulda-wouldas but I do have an objection to trading for RFAs or soon-to-be RFAs. You gotta PAY. The whole point of cheap labor via the draft evaporates. I think there were about 3 years out of DeAndre's 10 here that we got our money's worth.

As for Kennard's skills, we're already #1 in catch-and-shoot, so the one thing he does well is the one thing we don't need. Maybe next year. But I think he needs to do more to get open like JJ did. You can't get volume production just plucking the low-hanging fruit.

Clemanza informed me on the GB previously that we might actually not had any chance at Bey.

I then looked into it, and he was right, the Clippers never had an opportunity to get Bey, the way the trade was worked out, it wasn’t the Clippers trading for the 19th pick. It was the Pistons who traded Kennard for the 19th pick, and the Clippers got involved and got Kennard and moved Shamet and then all the additional pieces were added around. I had previously thought it was the Clippers who traded Shamet for 19th and then moved it for Kennard, but it was actually the opposite way around.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/11/19/nba-draft-2020-detroit-pistons-select-villanova-forward-saddiq-bey-with-19th-pick/


It was the Clips who had the pick according to this.

[esqtvd]

Clemanza informed me on the GB previously that we might actually not had any chance at Bey.

I then looked into it, and he was right, the Clippers never had an opportunity to get Bey, the way the trade was worked out, it wasn’t the Clippers trading for the 19th pick. It was the Pistons who traded Kennard for the 19th pick, and the Clippers got involved and got Kennard and moved Shamet and then all the additional pieces were added around. I had previously thought it was the Clippers who traded Shamet for 19th and then moved it for Kennard, but it was actually the opposite way around.

Even if accurate, still on the FO's head. You call up the Nets and offer Shamet for the 19th pick. Done. But it's academic now anyway. We are all still wondering what they saw in Luke. It's his low energy and apparent lack of basketball IQ that bothers me most, and why Mann cracked the rotation ahead of him.

______________

ADD--I know everybody loves Mann and so do I, but the fact is that his plus/minus is in the negative despite being on one of the top plus/minus teams in the league. I agree with giving him the minutes but facts are facts and why I get kinda irked when good soldier Lou gets blamed for the problems on the second unit. Fortunately Ty does not agree. Lou is a team player.

Top 5 then

6 Lou plus+3.2
Reggie plus+1.8
Zu plus+0.8
Senior plus+0.4
Kennard minus-0.7
Mann minus-1.4


https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional/?sort=PLUS_MINUS&dir=-1&Season=2020-21&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=1610612746

______________________

ADD2: Lou is the most effective Clipper over the last 10 games--a team-high plus+12 again today vs the Bucks

You'd be surprised who sank to #12. VERY surprised.

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional/?sort=PLUS_MINUS&dir=-1&Season=2020-21&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=1610612746&LastNGames=10