[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  APHoops [@APH00PS](/creator/twitter/APH00PS) on x 5654 followers Created: 2025-07-17 06:25:44 UTC (8/10) 🆘🔒 Harden and Beal in the same backcourt… a recipe for disaster? I fully expect Beal and Harden to start together. And I’m not worried. The Clippers finished 3rd in defensive rating last season (110.3 DRTG), behind only OKC and Orlando — despite Kawhi playing just ~30 games. They ranked that high DESPITE having Norman Powell starting at SF for XX games last season. This Clippers roster is built to support the pairing of Harden and Beal with one of the deepest defensive rotations in the league. Here are those defenders for those unaware: — Ivica Zubac (2025): • +2.4 Defensive EPM (98th percentile) • XXX Block % • XXXX Defensive Rebound % (98th percentile) Zubac had an elite defensive season. He’s great in drop coverage, doesn’t foul, and just overall controls the defense. His presence in the paint makes life easier for perimeter defenders. — Kris Dunn (2025): • +3.5 Defensive EPM (99th percentile) • XXX Steal % (98th percentile) One of the best point-of-attack defenders in basketball. Dunn pressures ball-handlers, creates chaos, and gives the Clippers an elite option to pair with Beal and/or Harden in defensive-minded lineups. — Kawhi Leonard (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (91st percentile) • XXX Steal % (88th percentile) Kawhi is still a defensive monster. In the starting lineup, at least for the first ~5 minutes of the game (until one of Beal or Harden is subbed out), I would expect him to be the primary point-of-attack defender. Something he should be able to handle with Collins on the help-side and Zubac dropped back and the lighter offensive load he’ll be asked to carry with Beal and Collins helping out there. — John Collins (2025): • XXX Block % (80th percentile) • XXX Offensive Rebound % (80th percentile) • XXXX Defensive Rebound % (81st percentile) Collins has the potential to be a good help-defender with his blocking ability and he’ll end possessions by securing the rebound. — Brook Lopez (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (91st percentile) • XXX Block % (94th percentile) Lopez adds elite rim protection and can slide in perfectly when Zubac rests. His timing and length still grade amongst the best in the NBA. — Derrick Jones Jr. (2025): • +1.2 Defensive EPM • XXX Steal % (77th percentile) • XXX Offensive Rebound % (65th percentile) Jones Jr. is another point of attack defender that brings switchability and athleticism. He defends wings, guards, even SOME bigs. And crashes the glass hard. — Nicolas Batum (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (90th percentile) • XXX Block % (72nd percentile) Despite being a certified unc, Batum still provides high-IQ help defense and spacing. He rotates smartly, contests without fouling, and can cover up breakdowns with length.  XXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [powell](/topic/powell) [playing](/topic/playing) [okc](/topic/okc) [Post Link](https://x.com/APH00PS/status/1945731625444106656)
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APHoops @APH00PS on x 5654 followers
Created: 2025-07-17 06:25:44 UTC
(8/10) 🆘🔒 Harden and Beal in the same backcourt… a recipe for disaster?
I fully expect Beal and Harden to start together. And I’m not worried. The Clippers finished 3rd in defensive rating last season (110.3 DRTG), behind only OKC and Orlando — despite Kawhi playing just ~30 games.
They ranked that high DESPITE having Norman Powell starting at SF for XX games last season. This Clippers roster is built to support the pairing of Harden and Beal with one of the deepest defensive rotations in the league.
Here are those defenders for those unaware:
— Ivica Zubac (2025): • +2.4 Defensive EPM (98th percentile) • XXX Block % • XXXX Defensive Rebound % (98th percentile)
Zubac had an elite defensive season. He’s great in drop coverage, doesn’t foul, and just overall controls the defense. His presence in the paint makes life easier for perimeter defenders.
— Kris Dunn (2025): • +3.5 Defensive EPM (99th percentile) • XXX Steal % (98th percentile)
One of the best point-of-attack defenders in basketball. Dunn pressures ball-handlers, creates chaos, and gives the Clippers an elite option to pair with Beal and/or Harden in defensive-minded lineups.
— Kawhi Leonard (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (91st percentile) • XXX Steal % (88th percentile)
Kawhi is still a defensive monster. In the starting lineup, at least for the first ~5 minutes of the game (until one of Beal or Harden is subbed out), I would expect him to be the primary point-of-attack defender. Something he should be able to handle with Collins on the help-side and Zubac dropped back and the lighter offensive load he’ll be asked to carry with Beal and Collins helping out there.
— John Collins (2025): • XXX Block % (80th percentile) • XXX Offensive Rebound % (80th percentile) • XXXX Defensive Rebound % (81st percentile)
Collins has the potential to be a good help-defender with his blocking ability and he’ll end possessions by securing the rebound.
— Brook Lopez (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (91st percentile) • XXX Block % (94th percentile)
Lopez adds elite rim protection and can slide in perfectly when Zubac rests. His timing and length still grade amongst the best in the NBA.
— Derrick Jones Jr. (2025): • +1.2 Defensive EPM • XXX Steal % (77th percentile) • XXX Offensive Rebound % (65th percentile)
Jones Jr. is another point of attack defender that brings switchability and athleticism. He defends wings, guards, even SOME bigs. And crashes the glass hard.
— Nicolas Batum (2025): • +1.4 Defensive EPM (90th percentile) • XXX Block % (72nd percentile)
Despite being a certified unc, Batum still provides high-IQ help defense and spacing. He rotates smartly, contests without fouling, and can cover up breakdowns with length.
XXXXX engagements
