Original team: Pistons
New Team: Clippers 2019-20
Statistics: 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 44.2% field goal percentage, 39.9% three-point field goal percentage, 89.3% free throw percentage
- Bonus points: perimeter/ball-handling organization
- Deductions: Defense/Health
From the struggling Pistons to the Clippers, one of the strongest contenders for the championship, Luke Kennard finally felt the competitive intentions of the strong teams.
Kennard joins the NBA and is considered to have a chance to grow into JJ Reddick orKyle Korver, in the 2019-20 season, he delivered career peaks of 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, all setting new highs, as well as a three-point shooting percentage of 39.9%. However, he has been plagued by injuries for three seasons in the NBA.
The Pistons did not play in the bubble this season, which allowed Kennard to get enough rest opportunities. "Now is the first time since I entered the league that I feel that my body is healthy. I can perform every move smoothly."
Kennard joining the Clippers will be a slightly upgraded version of Landry Shamet. Without the need to hold the ball, next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Kennard will get a lot of outside shots and have a 42.9% three-point catch & shot. The rate will be an important scoring point when the opponent double-teams heavily.
Further reading: From silent leader to disabled leader? Kawhi Leonard’s Outsourced Discourse Leadership from Clippers Crash
In addition to shooting, Kennard's high IQ allows him to cooperate with teammates in pick-and-rolls and cut and distribute the ball. Coupled with his left-handed advantage and the organizational skills that Dwane Casey focused on cultivating during his time with the Pistons, he has the opportunity to become the second and third player on the court. Three ball-holding points can help reduce the burden on the main ball-holding point, and can even lead the second team's attack on its own.
However, Kennard's main problem is that switching defenses will become a defensive weakness when the Clippers are full of forwards. His defensive efficiency ranks in the bottom 100 in the league. His average physical fitness and physical fitness, although there are occasional masterpieces, are not even close to the NBA average. , this part can be fully covered in the Clippers' defensive system.
Kennard's instruction manual is very simple. He serves as a running shooter when paired with the main force, and becomes the starting point of the offensive when leading the second lineup. He is expected to start from the bench. His outside perimeter, distribution and left-hand advantages will help the Clippers fall behind or get caught in a tug of war. A disruptive player who can change the tempo and influence the situation during the game. If he can stay healthy, Kennard will be a key player that the Clippers can rely on in the playoffs.
