Clippers Free Agency: 5 big men L.A. need to pursue

5. Thomas Robinson

This is a suggestion based on rebounding, athleticism and simply low value, a final option if other players are unattainable. Thomas Robinson, essentially a disappointment given his small roles on five different teams after being drafted 5th overall in 2012, is the kind of guy the Clippers can pursue without worrying too much about money. The mid-level exception won’t be needed, he won’t force current players into free agency with a big contract, and he can fill a need.

Robinson, in every sense of the word, is a role player. He can’t do many things on the court but that’s ok, because he does those few things seriously well for someone who has only played 13.7 minutes per game over the course of his career.

In L.A., should Doc Rivers sign him, Robinson won’t even receive that many minutes and he’ll only be another frontcourt option in the rotation behind Aldrich (if he stays). With whatever minutes he’s in the game, though, Robinson can crash the boards at both ends of the floor better than pretty much everyone the Clippers have at their disposal.

And after ranking 29th in rebounding rate last season, it’s safe to say that’s a department the Clippers could use a lot of help in. From hustling for put-backs to being an athletic presence on defense, he can come in and do the little things when necessary, unlike members of the team’s many small-ball lineups from this season.

He’s limited and Robinson is the kind of player that should be a last resort if the Clippers go out in pursuit of a new big man. Nevertheless, for a player who will come cheap and still averaged 12.1 points and an excellent 14.1 rebounds per 36 minutes this season, he may be an option.

Next: A young, athletic talent