Los Angeles Clippers' Perimeter Hole Filled, But Center Position Remains Unanswered
The Los Angeles Clippers have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster this offseason, but one crucial position remains unfilled: the center position. Despite adding playmaker Darius Garland and forward Rui Hachimura, the team's frontcourt still lacks a reliable anchor.
Darius Garland Brings Playmaking Ability to the Los Angeles Clippers
Darius Garland's midseason arrival from Cleveland gave the Los Angeles Clippers a playmaker they had been missing for years. In 19 games, Garland posted 19.9 points and 6.4 assists per game, shooting 47.1 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from three. His early returns in 19 games showed exactly what a full season with him running the offense might look like.
Rui Hachimura Fills Gap at Forward
Adding Rui Hachimura on a two-year deal in free agency filled the gap at forward that opened when John Collins left. Hachimura shot a career-best 44.3 percent from deep with the Lakers last season, giving the Clippers the perimeter spacing they needed after a 42-40 campaign that ended without a playoff berth.
The Center Position Needs an Answer
The agreed-upon trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto remains pending while the NBA completes its investigation of the Aspiration ownership sale, but the roster has already been rebuilt with the expectation that his 27.9 points per game will not be coming back. Leonard also averaged 6.4 rebounds and shot 50.5 percent from the floor over 65 games last season, production the franchise simply cannot replicate through free agency alone.
Recent Form: 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2
The Los Angeles Clippers have struggled in their recent games, with a 2-3 record in their last five matches, including two consecutive losses. Their last result was a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets on May 3, 2025.
The Trade Market May Be the Only Path
Six roster spots remain open, and how the front office fills them will determine whether this offseason can truly be considered a success. Finding a rim protector who can rebound and switch on the perimeter might require moving one of those future draft picks, but the alternative is heading into training camp with Lopez as the starting five and hoping his body holds together through 82 games.
The Job is Not Finished Until They Solve the Middle of the Floor
The Clippers have spent July building from the backcourt forward, and the early returns look promising enough to suggest the rebuild is on track. The job is not finished until they solve the middle of the floor, and with the Garland era taking shape, the front office cannot afford to wait much longer.
