Bennedict Mathurin: A Critical Evaluation of His Clippers Tenure
Things are looking promising for the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the adjustments made at the trade deadline, the team is well-positioned to make a playoff push and secure a competitive spot in the postseason. The return of a healthy Darius Garland has bolstered the lineup, the team remains competitive in every contest, and Kawhi Leonard continues to perform at an MVP-caliber level. However, one lingering question mark for the Clippers, and a topic of ongoing debate, centers around the performance of Bennedict Mathurin.
Initial Impact and Scoring Bursts
Since arriving from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade, Mathurin has flashed moments of brilliance, particularly with his scoring ability. He’s had several games with 20+ points, including a career-tying 38-point performance in his third game as a Clipper. These scoring outbursts have naturally garnered attention, but his overall impact hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Bennedict Mathurin has always been a gifted scorer. He excels at driving to the basket, finishing through contact, and drawing fouls. When he has the ball in his hands, he demonstrates the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself. However, his game is incomplete. He struggles with shooting consistency, playmaking, and, crucially, defense.
Statistical Concerns in LA
Through his first 11 games in LA, Mathurin hasn’t alleviated these concerns. His three-point shooting has been particularly troubling, connecting on only 6 of 38 attempts (15.8%). His assist-to-turnover ratio (27 assists to 23 turnovers) is also a red flag. Considering his high usage rate of 28%, these numbers are simply unacceptable.
His True Shooting percentage of 53.1% is significantly below the league average, indicating inefficient shot selection. When a high-volume offensive player isn’t creating opportunities for others and is struggling with efficiency, it limits the team’s offensive ceiling. Data from Cleaning the Glass reveals that the Clippers’ offensive rating is 4.3 points per 100 possessions worse with Mathurin on the floor compared to when he’s off it.
A Small Sample Size, But Time is Running Out
It’s important to acknowledge that this is still a relatively small sample size, and things can change quickly. If Mathurin’s three-point shooting improves, both his individual and the Clippers’ offensive numbers will undoubtedly benefit. However, the Clippers don’t have an abundance of time to wait and see.
With only 19 regular-season games remaining, followed by an uncertain number of playoff games, the Clippers face a looming decision regarding Mathurin’s future. They will need to decide whether to offer him a contract extension after the season.
The Extension Question
Mathurin has demonstrated enough scoring potential to warrant consideration for a multi-year deal. However, his lack of development in other areas of his game raises legitimate questions about his fit alongside Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard. Do the Clippers want to invest significant resources in a third option who struggles with shooting and playmaking?
Looking Ahead
For the sake of both the Clippers and Bennedict Mathurin, it’s crucial that he shows significant improvement during the final stretch of the season. He needs to demonstrate a commitment to all facets of the game, not just scoring. The Clippers need to see evidence that he can become a more well-rounded and efficient player. His future in Los Angeles may very well depend on it.
