NBA Draft 2015: Clippers work out C Stefan Nastic of Stanford
By Tom West
Mar 31, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Stanford Cardinal center Stefan Nastic (4) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the semifinals of the 2015 NIT college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Stanford Cardinal won 67-60. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers’ season came to a devastating end after losing a 3-1 series lead to the Houston Rockets in the second round. Now, they can look forward to this year’s NBA draft and the offseason, as they need to focus on adding any amount of depth in order to increase their chances of making the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
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So far, Doc Rivers has said that their main priority is to essentially avoid panicking. He knows how talented their core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan is, and if they reward Jordan with a $108.7 million five year contract (which seems likely as of this moment) they’ll still have the pieces in place to work from.
However, it’s going to take more than just a trio of All-NBA players to take the Clippers to new levels in the playoffs.
They need to improve their second unit, and right now that appears to be taking shape with the potential signing of Paul Pierce (read more on that here) and the attempt to acquire a pick in this year’s NBA draft.
Most recently, they’ve reportedly worked out Stanford center, Stefan Nastic (per Eric Pincus).
Stefan Nastic - a 6'11" senior from Stanford - said he worked out for the Clippers - in addition to the Lakers today
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) May 28, 2015
Considering the fact that the Clippers’ primary back up bigs are Glen Davis and Spencer Hawes — both of whom were more of a detriment than a benefit to L.A. this year — they need to look to add some depth to their frontcourt. And when you take into account the fact that they may sign Jordan to a max contract as well as bringing Pierce in on a possible $3.7 million deal, the Clippers are very limited in terms of cap.
Which is why acquiring a more low-budget player through the draft on a rookie contract may be their best option for bolstering their frontcourt.
22 year old Stefan Nastic certainly offers a strong physical presence with his 6’11” 244 lbs frame, and after spending five years playing with Stanford he’s certainly gained a good amount of experience.
He played just 11 minutes per game in his first year, but has since developed to the point where he finished last season averaging 29.7 minutes a game.
Nastic averaged 13.4 points on 47.2 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1 block per game last year, as well as ranking 6th for total field goals made in the Pacific 12 conference. And since emerging as a top offensive option after recording the second most two point field goals by any player in the Pac-12 conference, Nastic is used to being looked to as a go-to threat. Which is more than can be said for the likes of Big Baby and Spencer Hawes.
He’s probably just one of many prospects that the Clippers will work out before the NBA draft this year, but the interest L.A. are showing in addressing the weakness of their frontcourt is an encouraging sign.
Next: Paul Pierce to the Clippers? It all comes down to The Truth