The Los Angeles Clippers have engineered a remarkable turnaround, climbing from a dismal start to contention for a playoff spot. With Kawhi Leonard playing at an elite level and the recent addition of Darius Garland providing a spark, the team appears to be hitting its stride. Still, a looming question mark hangs over the franchise: what to do with Bennedict Mathurin? Acquired in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin’s performance has been a mixed bag, creating a significant dilemma for the Clippers as they approach a crucial offseason.
Mathurin’s scoring potential is undeniable, but his overall impact hasn’t consistently translated to wins. The Clippers, currently ninth in the Western Conference with a 32-32 record, face a critical decision regarding the 23-year-aged’s future, particularly as a contract extension looms. The team must weigh his offensive upside against glaring deficiencies in other areas of the game.
Since joining the Clippers, Mathurin has flashed moments of brilliance, including tying his career-high of 38 points in just his third game with the team. He’s scored 20 or more points in four games, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities. However, these bursts haven’t been enough to mask underlying concerns about his efficiency and all-around contribution.
Mathurin’s Struggles Beyond Scoring
While Mathurin excels at getting to the rim and drawing fouls, his shooting, playmaking, and defense remain significant weaknesses. Through 11 games with the Clippers, he’s shooting a dismal 15.8% from three-point range (6 of 38 attempts). His assist-to-turnover ratio is nearly even (27 assists to 23 turnovers), a concerning statistic for a player with a high 28% usage rate. So he handles the ball frequently, but isn’t effectively distributing it to teammates.
His True Shooting percentage of 53.1 is notably lower than the league average, indicating inefficient shot selection. According to data from Cleaning the Glass, the Clippers’ offensive rating is 4.3 points per 100 possessions worse when Mathurin is on the floor compared to when he’s off, suggesting a negative impact on the team’s overall offense. While a small sample size allows for potential improvement, the current numbers are troubling.
The Clippers’ Tight Timeline
The Clippers have just 19 regular-season games remaining to evaluate Mathurin’s progress, followed by an uncertain number of playoff games. After the season concludes, the team will need to decide whether to offer him a contract extension. Retaining Mathurin makes sense given his scoring potential, but his shortcomings raise questions about his long-term fit alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland.
The core issue is whether the Clippers aim for to invest significant resources in a player who, at best, projects as a third option but struggles with fundamental aspects of the game like shooting, and passing. The team needs to determine if Mathurin can address these weaknesses and become a more well-rounded contributor.
Garland and Leonard’s Focus on Winning
The Clippers’ recent success is fueled by a renewed commitment to winning, as evidenced by the sentiments of Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland. Following a 126-118 win over the New York Knicks, Leonard emphasized that reaching a .500 record was “cool, but the job ain’t done.” He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and continuing to improve, stating, “The season’s not over.” ClutchPoints reported on this post-game attitude.
Garland echoed Leonard’s sentiments, stating, “I came to just win games,” and emphasizing the need for continued operate. This unwavering focus underscores the high expectations within the Clippers organization and the pressure on players like Mathurin to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
The Clippers’ turnaround, from a 6-21 start to a 32-32 record, is a testament to their resilience and determination. However, the Mathurin question remains a significant hurdle. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can elevate his game and justify a long-term investment.
As the Clippers navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for a potential playoff run, the development of Bennedict Mathurin will be a key storyline to watch. His ability to improve his shooting, playmaking, and defense will ultimately determine his value to the team and shape the Clippers’ offseason plans.
What do you think? Can Bennedict Mathurin turn things around for the Clippers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
