Can Christmas Come Early For Doc Rivers’ Clippers?
- Updated: July 1, 2015
(Photo via Twitter User @LAClippers)
With free agency underway, can the Clippers land what they need so they can celebrate a little Christmas in July?
While everyone was emotionally charged in the moments following the Clippers loss in game 7 to the Houston Rockets, it’s time to move on. It’s time to realize (again) not one or two men alone can win a championship.
Now Doc Rivers, the General Manager and Doc Rivers, the coach have a lot of work to do this off-season.
First off, Rivers has made it clear that he intends on resigning DeAndre Jordan.
“Our first priority is D.J. After that, we’ll see what happens…We don’t need to go and get a max player, except for the one we have”
Not many people will argue that the Clippers can afford to lose DeAndre Jordan next year and expect to contend for a title. Jordan’s improvements under Rivers have been tremendous and with the league consulting the idea of putting an end to the Hack-A-Shaq strategy, it reduces the downside of Jordan.
Secondly, there’s no secrets here. The Clippers need an even half reliable bench to take some of the workload off of the shoulders of Paul and Griffin. The Clippers starting 5 played over 300 minutes more than any other line up in the league. Why? They’re damn good, but more so because Coach Rivers knew the bench line up couldn’t sustain good stretches on both ends of the court.
Thirdly, and more importantly with Matt Barnes out of the picture, the Clippers must address their small forward issues.
So let’s begin.
DeAndre Jordan
Number one priority.
Seemingly, it has come down to Dallas or Los Angeles for DeAndre. Should he choose the latter, all will be well in Clipperland, however if he were to return to his home state, it would pose more than one question for the Clippers. Tyson Chandler is a name that’s been thrown around and one that Chris Paul knows well from their days in New Orleans.
Paul Pierce
After the Clippers traded Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes for Lance Stephenson, fans had plenty of mixed reactions towards the trade. Doc Rivers stated he intends to use Stephenson off the bench, which is where Paul Pierce comes in.
Despite currently being 37 (38 at the start of next season), Pierce showed he still has value, coming up with big shots for Washington in the playoffs whilst averaging 14.6 points per game. His relationship with Doc Rivers could prove to be a key decider as Pierce decides on his next NBA destination. I don’t think Chris Paul would have any hesitation in dropping dimes in the way of the future Hall of Famer.
Brandan Wright
Entering what would be his 13th NBA season, Wright would be a welcome addition to the Clippers depleted bench unit. While his career stats aren’t anything to jump out at you, the high flying big man can provide stability and experience in the second unit. Financially, a deal with Wright could work in the Clippers favour as well, however stiff competition is expected with other Western Conference rivals courting the veteran.
Gerald Green
Having previously kept a close eye on one of the most exciting players in the game, the Clippers have again signalled interest in the small forward. Despite not having as big an impact this past season as his first in Phoenix, Green’s ability to score and defend at a capable level for his size is what is attractive about him. Could LA become this NBA journeyman’s ninth home?
Brandon Bass
Another guy who has played under Rivers in Boston, Bass could provide a much-needed scoring boost off the bench after hitting 51% of all two-point field goal attempts in the past season. However, as well be the issue with multiple guys the Clippers look at, money could again be a problem.
While the Clippers will meet with several players, they can’t act upon anything until Jordan has decided one way or another.
Who do you want the Clippers to go after? Drop a comment below.
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