Clippers Rumors: Doc Rivers may want to sign a new player
By Tom West
The NBA buyout market could lead to just as many changes as the trade deadline, and Doc Rivers may be interested in adding someone to the Los Angeles Clippers.
This year’s NBA trade deadline was a colossal disappointment if you were hoping to see a host of changes or blockbuster deals commence. As the hours of the big day wound down, we realized that there would be nothing more than Markieff Morris finally escaping Phoenix and a bunch of fairly minor deals involving bench players. Until the Los Angeles Clippers beat the trade buzzer with a deal for Jeff Green, it was a fairly uneventful day.
The buyout situation that’s come afterwards, though, has done the opposite and somewhat exceeded the expectations when it comes to active teams. Multiple players have been waived and signed by new teams, headlined most recently by Joe Johnson as the Brooklyn Nets finally rid themselves of his $24.89 million contract (the second biggest salary in the NBA this season). Now, he’s become a key piece for the Miami Heat after starting his first game for them with 30 minutes playing time.
Perhaps there’s now a chance, even if it’s a small one, for the Clippers to join in with a signing of their own.
According to Robert Morales of the Los Angeles Daily News, Doc may be interested in adding a new player if he finds the right one:
"“We’re always interested, if it’s the right guy,” he [Rivers] said…Asked what type of player he’d like to sign – a big, a guard – Rivers was non-committal.“I don’t even know right now, honestly,” he said. “I like our team. If we went into the playoffs with what we have, I’m very happy.”"
As Doc said, he likes the Clippers team as it is right now. There’s no way to deny that their 21-7 record without Blake Griffin has been impressive, yet there’s also no way deny that their bench is by no means without fault. I discussed in this article that after J.J. Redick and Chris Paul, the Clippers’ next four most used three-point shooters all shoot below 34 percent from deep.
Someone who can help add more consistency in this regard would be a welcome addition, while a proven big man could also be another signing Doc may be interested in, providing of course the “right guy” in either instance is available and wouldn’t rather sign elsewhere.
As long as the Clippers clear a roster spot, that will most likely be D-League addition Alex Stepheson who remains in L.A. on a 10-day contract, the Clippers may consider a player who can improve their moderate shooting or bolster their shallow frontcourt. Yes, Stepheson can come it at power forward with tough rebounding and athleticism, but Doc (probably like any other coach in this situation) won’t be turning to such a young, inexperienced player when the playoffs roll around.
So, what potential candidates on the buyout market could draw the interest of the Clippers?
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Marcus Thornton is one of the names that springs to mind after being waived by the Houston Rockets. He’s a streaky shooter but has the ability to heat up in a hurry, and is at least more consistent from range than someone like Austin Rivers at the two. The problem for L.A. is that Thornton has already been in discussions with the Heat and may be harder to sign (per Shams Charania of The Vertical).
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Ray McCallum is a younger player worth some interest. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the San Antonio Spurs will waive him in order to sign veteran point guard Andre Miller instead, but McCallum could be worthwhile addition at point for the Clippers long-term. He’s a capable defender and while he isn’t a particularly good shooter, he at least has a solid mid-range game to build on.
Kevin Martin is in a similar position to Thornton from the Clippers’ perspective. Martin isn’t having his best season and he’s completely fallen out the Minnesota Timberwolves’ rotation due to their favored young talent, but he can still contribute as a spot-up shooter from three. Even though he’s expected to be bought out which would help the Clippers’ chances, the Spurs are the favorites to sign him (per Marc Stein of ESPN).
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For the Clippers, if they’re able to sign any of these players or someone else on a minimum contract, they have the attraction of being a top contender loaded with stars rather than money to draw the interest of free agents. If that’s enough, these names are at least worth Doc’s consideration.