Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers’ offseason is off to an exciting start to say the least. In the first day of free agency, they’ve already signed Paul Pierce — the player and leader who Clippers’ fans everywhere should want to see in L.A. this year. And with the acquisition of Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets (by trading Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes) and landing Michigan State defensive specialist Branden Dawson in the 2015 NBA draft, the Clippers are making changes for the better.
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They’re far from finished, though. Because due to meetings with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers for DeAndre Jordan this week, the Clippers’ All-Defensive first team center is by no means guaranteed to appear in the future of Lob City. With Paul Pierce now in L.A., there is more reason for Jordan to re-sign, as the Clippers have only improved with the mental toughness and fourth quarter ability that he brings to the table. However, with three other teams desperately trying to entice Jordan away, we’ll just have to wait and see what he decides.
In less exciting news, Doc Rivers has reached out to power forward Glen Davis (presumably in order to express the Clippers’ interest in keeping him onboard). And with their lack of frontcourt depth, it’s hardly surprising.
Clippers coach-president Doc Rivers has reached out to a rep for Clippers free agent forward Glen Davis since free agency began, source said
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 1, 2015
Davis is certainly a player you can count on for effort, as he constantly throws around his 6’9″, 289 lbs body to set hard screens and bang against opposing big men. Yet despite his efforts, he’s consistently had a negative effect to the Clippers’ second unit.
In 12.2 minutes per game this year, Davis averaged 4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.6 steals and o.3 blocks per game, whilst shooting 45.9 percent from the floor. Convert that low production to his stats per 36 minutes, and he still only averaged 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks.
To summarize his impact on the Clippers, though, just two statistics are needed. With Davis on the bench, L.A.’s offensive rating is 117.1. With him in the game, that number plummets to 98.6. And when you convert that to the Clippers’ point differential with Davis on the floor, they trail by an average of -14.8 points per 100 possessions. So considering the fact that they led by an average of +10.7 points without Big Baby this year, he’s not exactly been the best player on the roster.
Apr 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davis (0) celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Clippers 111-107 to take a 3-2 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
He lacks rebounding, athleticism, rim protection, a consistent jumper to space the floor, and he simply slows down the offense far too much. But with the Clippers’ lacking core of big men since Hawes’ departure, it makes sense that Doc Rivers has still made sure to keep in contact with Davis (now that he’s officially a free agent).
Two potential targets that L.A. are reportedly interested in are Darrell Arthur and Lavoy Allen, although we’re yet to see if anything materializes with them. Also whether the Clippers intend on keeping Davis in addition to anyone else they sign to bolster their frontcourt is uncertain.
At this stage, though, the far more important matter at hand is obviously the need to re-sign DeAndre Jordan. Once that is dealt with, the Clippers can see if they need to add another big man to fit into the bottom of their rotation. Alternatively, if Jordan does leave, they’ll have a nightmare trying to find a replacement with nearly as much defensive talent for the little money they have to offer.
Next: Paul Pierce and the Clippers agree to 3-year $10 million deal