The Los Angeles Clippers have a couple of new faces this season as the team enters a new era without Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers received Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick as part of the Kawhi trade, and drafted Keaton Wagler with the number five overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

The other new faces are Rui Hachimura and Max Strus, veterans who are looking for fresh starts with the Clippers.

Hachimura joined the team as a free agent from the Los Angeles Lakers, signing a two-year, $28 million deal. Strus was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal that also involved the Denver Nuggets, with the Cavaliers acquiring Peyton Watson.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue has liked what he’s seen from Strus and Hachimura thus far.

Speaking during training camp, Lue said that Hachimura and Strus have been the quickest learners out of all the new players.

This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given their veteran status and the fact that they are healthy and able to practice with the team, unlike Ingram.

It also likely helps that both men will be part of the starting lineup and will need to figure things out as quickly as possible to make sure they are able to contribute immediately on opening night.

Their spot in the starting lineup isn’t guaranteed, but with Ingram being injured and Strus providing versatility and chemistry next to Darius Garland, they will likely be two of the five starters.

Both players are going to be a big part of the offense, especially with Ingram sidelined to start the season.

Derrick Jones Jr. will likely be the other starter at the forward spot, and he’s much more known for his defense. Brook Lopez or Isaiah Jackson will start at center. Lopez can stretch the floor and work from the post, while Jackson is limited offensively and is largely used as a lob threat.

Hachimura is a three-level scorer who can create his own shot, while Strus is largely a spacer, but can be used in all situations and lineups and is an efficient shooter from all areas. Both players should fit well next to Garland and his ability to create for himself and others.

If the Clippers are going to have any success this season, especially early in the year, Hachimura, Garland, and Strus will need to play together.