Power Ranking Every Clippers Player: Who’s Their MVP?
By Tom West
12th: Pablo Prigioni
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Pablo Prigioni (9) dribbles again Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
As the Clippers’ third option at point guard, Pablo Prigioni was an excellent signing. He’ll be following Austin Rivers in the rotation, though, so Prigioni’s attributes will only be utilized in moderate bursts by the Clippers.
After entering the NBA at 35 years of age with the New York Knicks, Prigioni hasn’t exactly spent long in the league. Yet that doesn’t undermine his basketball IQ. He has a clear understanding of the game, which is shown by his patience on offense when setting up his teammates and his pesky defense at the other end of the floor.
Along with the signing of Paul Pierce, the Clippers needed some veteran know-how. Prigioni may not have the “swagger” and clutch shooting of The Truth, but that’s not what he needs.
The following extra is from a column written by Jeff Nisius (one of our writers here at Clipperholics) who analyzed Prigioni’s ability to run an offense:
"Due to his willingness to make the extra pass and lay the table for his teammates, Prigioni averaged 19.5 points created by an assist per 48 minutes last season with the Rockets, according to NBA.com. That is the exact same mark as Damian Lillard and more than players such as Goran Dragic, Derrick Rose and Mike Conley."
His passing is clearly impressive. When adding his defense to the equation, his 2.4 steals per 36 minutes can also help the Clippers create even more fast-break opportunities.
With his combination of smart playmaking and quick reactions in passing lanes on defense, Prigioni may even be able to teach Austin Rivers a thing or two as well.
Next: Wesley Johnson