Luke Kennard got a DNP-CD today: Worst move in the summer?

[TheNewEra]

I don’t get the point of playing both Reggie Jackson & Lou Williams.

For that reason we have seen even Reggie slowly pushed out of the rotation. It’s become Lou and Mann with George or Kawhi adding Morris and Zu. Don’t think the team should give Lou the freedom he does when he can’t create anything unless his shot is flowing.

[HMFFL]

Clippers are paying Kennard & Morris $16 million/year each to come off the bench. What a job they’re doing over there.....

Bad contracts for sure.
The Clippers didn't do themselves any favors. Imagine Lou Williams signing for 8m per season to five the team and a discount and years later they give Kennard what he's making.


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[CIN-C-STAR]

He's played fine when I've watched the Clips this season. Not great, and certainly not a bargain on the contract they gave him, but fine.
Looking at the numbers you'd like to see the defense and playmaking improve a bit, but that's also to be expected with a guy coming into a new system with all new teammates. Those things have a tendency to get better with familiarity.
I know he missed some time with an injury recently, has he been worse since coming back? I can't really imagine that he won't have some kind of role on the team again at some point, maybe they just gave him a night off to get his head and/or body right?

[Antinomy]

Clippers are paying Kennard & Morris $16 million/year each to come off the bench. What a job they’re doing over there.....

Bad contracts for sure.
The Clippers didn't do themselves ant favors. Imagine Lou Williams signing for 8m per season to five the team and a discount and years later they give Kennard what he's making.


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Every time I’ve watched them this year, Lou looks really disinterested. Doesn’t even attempt to drive to the basket or attack offensively.

Kennard literally makes double what he makes annually.

[heezyo2o]

Kawhi might actually dip outta there. I'm surprised this isnt being discussed more. That team looks like they are going to struggle to improve the roster or sign that Pg we all know they need.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/LAC.html
Their cap situation isnt ideal, they have no draft picks, and they seem like they dont have players who fit. All they have is that its close to San Diego, where kawhi is from.

Where is he going to go. He wanted to play in southern california and he isn't going to the Lakers. The Lebron extension shut the door on that.

[MrBigShot]

Why isn't he playing much?

[uberhikari]

The Clippers have already benched Kennard in the regular season. Unlikely he gets any playoff minutes. How can they be pretenders because of a guy that won't even play?

Williams and Jackson will see less minutes in the playoffs as the rotation tightens.

How can any team be a pretender solely because of their bench knowing bench minutes go way down in the playoffs?

Because the Clippers defense is suspect. When you have Beverley, Kawhi, PG, Serge, and Zubac and you can't overcome Lou Will and Kennard's defense, that raises questions. Even with Kennard being benched the Clippers' defense is still suspect.

Just look at their last 5 games or so with Kennard benched:

vs. Jazz: 115.8 Drtg
vs Nets (with no KD) 118.9 Drtg
vs Wizards 114.5 Drtg
vs Grizzlies 127 Drtg
vs Bucks 111.4 Drtg

These are all games where their starting lineup played. Kennard got 17 total minutes across these five games (he didn't play in 3 and got 6 minutes in another game) but their defense got torched.

This suggests to me that there is something seriously wrong with their defense.

Holding the Bucks to 111 is good. You skipped holding Mem to 98. And you're talking about a period where 4 of their last 7 games were against top 3 offenses.

Anyway, they have their flaws on defense, but they still have the 3rd best record in the league. Every team has had players miss games, so the records and off/def ratings are scrambled a bit, but they still have two stars (if George pulls it together in the playoffs).

Just saying, I'd rather have a weak bench than a lack of star power in the starting lineup, which is an issue the Bucks, Sixers and Jazz have to prove they don't have when it comes to fielding a 1-2 punch on offense to match AD/LeBron, Irving/Durant/Harden, and George/Leonard.

Last year Paul George missed 24 games and Kawhi missed 15 games; the Clippers still had a top 5 defense. So players missing games isn't an excuse.

They also played Utah twice in a row but in one of those games they didn't have PG and Kawhi. And their defense was worse when PG and Kawhi played.

The Clippers are vastly underperforming given the defensive talent they have assembled. Over their last 7 games, they've given up 114.5 points per 100 possessions, which would be good for bottom 7 in defense. Playing against elite offenses isn't an excuse when you're getting torched by the Wizards and Grizzlies.

[uberhikari]

Because the Clippers defense is suspect. When you have Beverley, Kawhi, PG, Serge, and Zubac and you can't overcome Lou Will and Kennard's defense, that raises questions. Even with Kennard being benched the Clippers' defense is still suspect.

Just look at their last 5 games or so with Kennard benched:

vs. Jazz: 115.8 Drtg
vs Nets (with no KD) 118.9 Drtg
vs Wizards 114.5 Drtg
vs Grizzlies 127 Drtg
vs Bucks 111.4 Drtg

These are all games where their starting lineup played. Kennard got 17 total minutes across these five games (he didn't play in 3 and got 6 minutes in another game) but their defense got torched.

This suggests to me that there is something seriously wrong with their defense.

Holding the Bucks to 111 is good. You skipped holding Mem to 98. And you're talking about a period where 4 of their last 7 games were against top 3 offenses.

Anyway, they have their flaws on defense, but they still have the 3rd best record in the league. Every team has had players miss games, so the records and off/def ratings are scrambled a bit, but they still have two stars (if George pulls it together in the playoffs).

Just saying, I'd rather have a weak bench than a lack of star power in the starting lineup, which is an issue the Bucks, Sixers and Jazz have to prove they don't have when it comes to fielding a 1-2 punch on offense to match AD/LeBron, Irving/Durant/Harden, and George/Leonard.

Last year Paul George missed 24 games and Kawhi missed 15 games; the Clippers still had a top 5 defense. AD has missed 1/3rd of the season and the Lakers still have the #1 defense. So players missing games isn't an excuse.

They also played Utah twice in a row but in one of those games they didn't have PG and Kawhi. And their defense was worse when PG and Kawhi played.

The Clippers are vastly underperforming given the defensive talent they have assembled. Over their last 7 games, they've given up 114.5 points per 100 possessions, which would be good for bottom 7 in defense. Playing against elite offenses isn't an excuse when you're getting torched by the Wizards and Grizzlies.

[Lockdown504090]

Kawhi might actually dip outta there. I'm surprised this isnt being discussed more. That team looks like they are going to struggle to improve the roster or sign that Pg we all know they need.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/LAC.html
Their cap situation isnt ideal, they have no draft picks, and they seem like they dont have players who fit. All they have is that its close to San Diego, where kawhi is from.

Where is he going to go. He wanted to play in southern california and he isn't going to the Lakers. The Lebron extension shut the door on that.

he actually won a chip, but bron left Cleveland after he wanted to go home too. just saying, kawhi knows his career will likely be over by the time he’s lebron age and he certainly won’t be a superstar in 4 years

[clippertown]

I feel bad for Kennard. It’s not that he is bad, he is just not as good as Lou and Reggie. He was brought in as a facilitator but with other guys stepping up, there is just no room for him in the rotation. Plus Mann is eating whatever minutes are leftover.

Kennard was always going to be a trade piece. Clips had nobody to throw into a trade for a guy like Rubio or a re-signed Lonzo. Kennard plus Fi plus a couple of second rounders may be able to net a player capable of cracking the rotation. Otherwise, add Beverly or Lou into the mix and you can go for Wall. Clips thinking the long play with the Kennard signing.

I'll be honest, I have no idea why Mann is playing over Kennard. I know Mann is a better defender, but he's just a zero offensively. The Clippers offense gets bogged down and struggles at times as it is, they could really use another wing who can space the floor and play make for others.

Mann has actually been making some perimeter shots here and there and aggressively takes the ball to the basket- which happens far too infrequently for the Clippers.

However, I do agree that the staff should find some way to get Kennard at least 10 minutes a game or so

Mann is another potential trade piece the Clips are developing. The guy is given the toughest defensive assignments and is handling them well. His offense is also improving rapidly as is his maturity and patience. Next year, Mann and Kennard will land the Clippers a third all-star (disgruntled) to help with their Championship aspirations. PG and KL is just not enough in this version of the NBA.

[Clemenza]

I'll be honest, I have no idea why Mann is playing over Kennard. I know Mann is a better defender, but he's just a zero offensively. The Clippers offense gets bogged down and struggles at times as it is, they could really use another wing who can space the floor and play make for others.

Mann has actually been making some perimeter shots here and there and aggressively takes the ball to the basket- which happens far too infrequently for the Clippers.

However, I do agree that the staff should find some way to get Kennard at least 10 minutes a game or so

Mann is another potential trade piece the Clips are developing. The guy is given the toughest defensive assignments and is handling them well. His offense is also improving rapidly as is his maturity and patience. Next year, Mann and Kennard will land the Clippers a third all-star (disgruntled) to help with their Championship aspirations. PG and KL is just not enough in this version of the NBA.

I don't want to trade Mann. He's starting to emerge and I don't know his ceiling yet as of right now. Plus he's on an extremely cheap deal, which he's outperforming by a mile, until 2023. We also actually have our first round pick in this upcoming draft and I'd rather use that instead of trading Mann away IF we are in fact aiming for another star. We already traded SGA so I'm not sure if the basketball gods will bless a team that continuously trades away players that were meant for us and keep chasing the next 'sexy' thing.

[SK21209]

Mann has actually been making some perimeter shots here and there and aggressively takes the ball to the basket- which happens far too infrequently for the Clippers.

However, I do agree that the staff should find some way to get Kennard at least 10 minutes a game or so

Mann is another potential trade piece the Clips are developing. The guy is given the toughest defensive assignments and is handling them well. His offense is also improving rapidly as is his maturity and patience. Next year, Mann and Kennard will land the Clippers a third all-star (disgruntled) to help with their Championship aspirations. PG and KL is just not enough in this version of the NBA.

I don't want to trade Mann. He's starting to emerge and I don't know his ceiling yet as of right now. Plus he's on an extremely cheap deal, which he's outperforming by a mile, until 2023. We also actually have our first round pick in this upcoming draft and I'd rather use that instead of trading Mann away IF we are in fact aiming for another star. We already traded SGA so I'm not sure if the basketball gods will bless a team that continuously trades away players that were meant for us and keep chasing the next 'sexy' thing.

Unfortunately Mann is already 24 so I'm not sure how much untapped potential there really is there.

The problem with Kennard isn't that he's incapable of knocking down shots or handling the ball, he's flashed plenty of ability in both regards. The problem was that he relegated himself to being a low-volume spot-up shooter when there were a couple of other ballhandlers on the floor. He'd pass up a semi-open three, drive past the closeout defender and immediately look to pass. I've said this a million times on the Clippers board but trading Lou for someone like George Hill not only gives the starters a better offensive initiator, but it simultaneously pushes Bev to the bench unit and forces Kennard into a more prominent role. He seems like the type of player who wants to fit in and needs to be forced to be more aggressive.

[BostonCouchGM]

he went to play for a terrible coach and he's likely gun shy due to the makeup of that team. He's a good player in a bad situation.

[Duke4life831]

You figure out a way to get him minutes. The guy is shooting 45% from 3 and he is a capable facilitator as well. Other teams are able to find ways to play sharpshooting 2 guards who arent good on defense. Lue should find a way as well.

[SK21209]

You figure out a way to get him minutes. The guy is shooting 45% from 3 and he is a capable facilitator as well. Other teams are able to find ways to play sharpshooting 2 guards who arent good on defense. Lue should find a way as well.

He's a great shooter, the problem is he won't shoot when he's out there. He had a good showing last night despite the horrible loss, hopefully it's a sign he's turning it around.

[Clemenza]

Mann is another potential trade piece the Clips are developing. The guy is given the toughest defensive assignments and is handling them well. His offense is also improving rapidly as is his maturity and patience. Next year, Mann and Kennard will land the Clippers a third all-star (disgruntled) to help with their Championship aspirations. PG and KL is just not enough in this version of the NBA.

I don't want to trade Mann. He's starting to emerge and I don't know his ceiling yet as of right now. Plus he's on an extremely cheap deal, which he's outperforming by a mile, until 2023. We also actually have our first round pick in this upcoming draft and I'd rather use that instead of trading Mann away IF we are in fact aiming for another star. We already traded SGA so I'm not sure if the basketball gods will bless a team that continuously trades away players that were meant for us and keep chasing the next 'sexy' thing.

Unfortunately Mann is already 24 so I'm not sure how much untapped potential there really is there.

The problem with Kennard isn't that he's incapable of knocking down shots or handling the ball, he's flashed plenty of ability in both regards. The problem was that he relegated himself to being a low-volume spot-up shooter when there were a couple of other ballhandlers on the floor. He'd pass up a semi-open three, drive past the closeout defender and immediately look to pass. I've said this a million times on the Clippers board but trading Lou for someone like George Hill not only gives the starters a better offensive initiator, but it simultaneously pushes Bev to the bench unit and forces Kennard into a more prominent role. He seems like the type of player who wants to fit in and needs to be forced to be more aggressive.

Not saying he's going to be a star but Mann is getting more confident by the game. Despite the popular notion, players can still become something in the league even though they're not one-and-done lotto players. The foundation of the league was built upon player that played 3-4 years of college ball. And Kennard had a really good game last night. Its obvious he can't play along side Lou Will when Lou is running point, dominating the ball, and only looking for his shot.. but last night Ty Lue had Kennard running some point and he was involved and played aggressive. Lets see if he can build from that game in the 2nd half of the season.

[GSP]

4 straight Dnps now.... Not on the injury report

Seems like the Clips are desperately trying to trade him but that contract.....

gotta be one of the worst and most random decisions in Nba history lmaoooo

[iamworthy]

4 straight Dnps now.... Not on the injury report

Seems like the Clips are desperately trying to trade him but that contract.....

gotta be one of the worst and most random decisions in Nba history lmaoooo

Or they're showcasing the guys they want to trade, bev, Lou, and benching the guy they have plans for in the future.

[og15]

4 straight Dnps now.... Not on the injury report

Seems like the Clips are desperately trying to trade him but that contract.....

gotta be one of the worst and most random decisions in Nba history lmaoooo

Kennard played tonight, though late, he was out the two games vs Dallas and also played vs New Orleans (where he had a good game). Must have doubled the two DNP's to four, lol

Extension was a very poor decision

4 straight Dnps now.... Not on the injury report

Seems like the Clips are desperately trying to trade him but that contract.....

gotta be one of the worst and most random decisions in Nba history lmaoooo

Or they're showcasing the guys they want to trade, bev, Lou, and benching the guy they have plans for in the future.

No, he's just fallen out of the rotation. Lou Williams is better than him and they aren't playable together defensively, so someone had to go out.

[Tor_Raps]

4 straight Dnps now.... Not on the injury report

Seems like the Clips are desperately trying to trade him but that contract.....

gotta be one of the worst and most random decisions in Nba history lmaoooo

Or they're showcasing the guys they want to trade, bev, Lou, and benching the guy they have plans for in the future.

Lol teams don't bench players for those reasons if it means they're weaker on the court. Clippers have championship aspirations and are playing the players that will help them win games. Batum has unexpectedly taken Kennard's spot because he's better right now. It's really that simple.