Newsletter: Clippers! A look at the players on the opening day roster

Hi, my name is Broderick Turner, and welcome to the first edition of the Los Angeles Times’ new Clippers newsletter.

The pundits will proclaim that the 2017-18 version of the Clippers has more talent and depth throughout the lineup than they can recall from at least the past four seasons.

The season will be the true judge.

“I think we have a lot of guys that can contribute and put up some big numbers and be key roles in winning games,” Blake Griffin said. “It’s not like we have two or three guys you can key in on. We have a lot.”

Throughout the campaign, this Clippers newsletter will attempt to provide some insight into how this team functions.

Let’s start by looking at the 14-man roster — and the two two-way contracts — to see who these Clippers are.

Blake Griffin: This is his show now. Here’s an understatement: BG has to remain healthy all season for the Clippers to reach the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. He didn’t have any restrictions during training camp coming off surgery on his right big toe for a plantar plate injury. That’s a positive. But if you’re the Clippers and Griffin, you keep your hands crossed when it comes to the Big Fella’s health.

DeAndre Jordan: He can’t let this season be all about a contract extension, about showing the Clippers why he deserves a five-year, $200-plus-million deal. DJ is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA and one of the top defenders and rebounders in the league. He’ll still get his lob passes and throw down those vicious dunks. But he’ll also have to be a better leader now.

Danilo Gallinari: This dude can shoot the ball, having made 37% of his three-pointers over his nine-year career. He very well could be the best small forward this team has had in at least six seasons. But he also has to stay healthy. He played in just 63 games last season, 53 in 2015-16, 59 in 2014-15 and none in 2013-14 because of a left knee injury.

Austin Rivers: He’ll be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. He can be brash and very confident. But now is his time to shine.

Patrick Beverley: Defense is how he makes his living. And annoying people. And annoying people. And annoying people. You get the idea. But Beverley can also knock down the three-pointer, making 38.2% of them in Houston last season.

Lou Williams: He fills the void of sixth man. Lou can score the basketball off the bench. He’ll get buckets in bunches.

Wesley Johnson: Johnson has driven all of his coaches crazy with his inconsistent play. He’s athletic and long; he can leap, run the floor and make shots. But he just doesn’t do it enough.

Milos Teodosic: Don’t take your eyes off him when he has the basketball. He can pass the rock, and from all angles. He threw length-of the-court underhanded passes during exhibition games and lobs all over the court.

Willie Reed: He’s just a two-year NBA veteran, but Reed has size at 6-11 and is a solid backup center.

Sam Dekker: Last season in Houston, Dekker displayed his athleticism and the ability to knock down the three-ball at the forward spot.

Montrezl Harrell: Not the most skilled center/forward, but Harrell plays hard and will grind.

Brice Johnson: Coming off a back injury during his rookie season with the Clippers, Johnson has to work harder and play with some enthusiasm.

Jawun Evans: May not get much playing time in his rookie season, but has shown improvement game to game.

Sindarius Thornwell: Another rookie the Clippers like because of how hard he plays.

C.J. Williams and Jamil Wilson: Both signed two-way contracts, meaning they will spend most of their time playing for the Clippers’ NBA Development League team.

Up next for the Clippers

Thursday: at Lakers, 7:30 p.m. PT, TNT

Saturday: vs. Phoenix, 7:30 p.m. PT, NBA TV

Tuesday: vs. Utah, 7:30 p.m. PT

In case you missed it

Clippers are healthy, but Doc Rivers is still curious about his team. Read it here.

New look Clippers are at a crossroads to see if they are still a top team in the West. Read it here.

Previewing the NBA’s Western Conference from top to bottom. Read it here.

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Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Clippers newsletter? Email me and follow me on Twitter: @BA_Turner.