John Collins Turned the Clippers’ Preseason Into a Statement

Just a few weeks ago, we wondered if the Clippers — the oldest team in NBA history — would take the preseason seriously. Now, we have our answer.

In four preseason games, Ty Lue’s squad looked fresh, connected, and motivated. Beyond the record, the main takeaway is that this version of the Clippers feels different: faster, deeper, and more cohesive.

John Collins Is the Missing Piece, Finally Found

If there’s one standout from the Clippers’ preseason, it’s John Collins. After a few years of inconsistency in Atlanta and Utah, the forward seems to have found his best fit, playing alongside elite facilitators who can maximize his off-ball movement.

Collins averaged 16.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in the preseason, but numbers aside, what stood out was how easily he meshed with both Chris Paul and James Harden.

He’s cutting harder, finishing cleaner, and spacing the floor better than ever. It’s not unrealistic to think that, if he stays healthy, Collins could be in the All-Star conversation this season — not as a main star, but as the X-factor that gives this Clippers team balance and athleticism.

Collins is clearly not a superstar, but if the Clippers are the second-winningest team in the West in February, there is a real possibility that it’s because Collins popped. Kawhi Leonard and Harden would obviously be guaranteed All-Star selections, but if there were a battle for the third spot, it would surely be between Collins and Ivica Zubac.

Finding Rhythm Before the Real Thing

From the first preseason matchup, there was a clear intention from the Clippers to build chemistry rather than coast and save their energy.

Leonard, who hadn’t played a preseason game in years, averaged 16.7 points while showing glimpses of his two-way dominance. Zubac kept anchoring the paint efficiently (10 points and nearly eight rebounds per game), and even though Harden didn’t push the scoring pedal, his 7.7 assists per game showed exactly what Ty Lue wants from him: orchestration and control.

Meanwhile, Paul’s return to the Clippers felt like a throwback — but a smart one. His leadership and timing with the second unit turned every possession into a mini masterclass. With Paul and Harden alternating as playmakers, the team finally looks like it knows how to pace itself through an 82-game grind.