LA Clippers trying to replicate an Aaron Gordon type role with new player, Kawhi Leonard makes it difficult

Mo Dakhil cites Kawhi Leonard’s absence as exposing John Collins’ limitations

The Los Angeles Clippers tried replicating Gordon’s impact by acquiring John Collins this summer, sending Norman Powell to Miami in exchange.

However, former Clippers video coordinator Mo Dakhil believes Kawhi Leonard’s situation prevents Collins from succeeding.

“This team has so many problems across the board. John Collins can’t plug all the holes that they have,” Dakhil explained.

“The issue that they have everything, and Kawhi coming out and being healthy, makes a big difference for them obviously. There are too many things for Collins.”

John Collins lacks Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility and offensive utility

Collins averages 12.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 33.3% three-point shooting—all below last season’s production.

The Clippers’ overall dysfunction, combined with Leonard’s injury and off-field issues, creates problems that no one can solve alone, not even James Harden or Collins.

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“He’s not a guy that fixes these things. He’s not a guy that plugs a ton of holes for you. Whereas I feel like Gordon is a utility guy. Collins isn’t,” Dakhil stated.

“He’s not going to guard smaller guys. He’s going to have a hard time with athletic wings in that sense. I just feel like the fit with Zubac, it’s just not much there.”

Collins joins Bradley Beal and Chris Paul as disappointing Clippers additions. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine Collins replicating Gordon’s impact.