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Clippers: 5 point guards to pursue in 2016 NBA free agency

By Tom West

Jan 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 95-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) moves toward the net as Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) moves toward the net as Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Ish Smith

After leaving the injury-ridden and thoroughly disappointing New Orleans Pelicans for the Philadelphia 76ers, one of the only possible backward steps available, Ish Smith was good enough to make the NBA’s worst team actually win a few games. They were still dire, but Smith’s buzzing speed, energy, and playmaking made a serious impact whenever he was on the floor.

He raised the 76ers’ offensive rating by 3.4 points per 100 possessions when he was in the game. And while that may not sound like too much, it’s an awful lot for a team that’s so devoid of talent. Even with such limited support and shooters to pass to, Smith was able to average 7.7 assists per 36 minutes; just think what fun he could have whenever he gets playing time alongside the Clippers’ superior shooters and the likes of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

To go along with his playmaking, Smith racked up 16.3 points per 36 minutes of his own, using his speed to attack the rim and a combination of mid-range jumpers to find success. Even as a fairly low efficiency player, coming off 41.1 percent shooting last season, Smith should be able to add some much-needed penetration to the Clippers’ bench and create some opportunities for others.

Unfortunately, as the Clippers will find with many players they talk to in free agency, Smith isn’t necessarily going to leap towards Doc at the first chance he gets.

After an impressive showing as a starter this season, he may want a similar role, minute load, and pay rise somewhere else. Without that kind of position to offer, though, the Clippers will be left proposing a small increase from his current $1.1 million salary and the opportunity to play for a top contender — something that couldn’t have seemed much further from Smith’s reach after playing in New Orleans and Philly.

Perhaps, if they clear a few million in cap space and play the contender card well enough, the Clippers can make an offer. Otherwise, Smith may be looking for more money than Doc has to give.

Next: A little Linsanity?

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