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

By Tom West

Nov 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) shoots past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) shoots past New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dwight Powell

Next, another name that certainly shouldn’t be a top target for the Clippers, but another insurance policy if the guys coming up are too expensive.

Dwight Powell, a 24-year-old power forward who only found a real role in the NBA in 2015-16, is a valuable piece but isn’t a guarantee to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. And after the Clippers stole DeAndre Jordan away from the Mavs last summer, taking a promising young big man this summer would only spur on the narrative of stealing their talent.

Annoying Mark Cuban is irrelevant, though; even for spiteful Clippers fans. Because if Powell can be added on a small contract, given his limited offensive game and fairly small role of 14.4 minutes per game this season, Doc Rivers may want to reach out to him.

The first thing you notice about Powell is his stellar athleticism, as his 6’11” frame can always be seen bounding over the floor as he runs the court well and attacks the boards. He can’t post up yet and he only shot 33.3 percent between 10 feet and the three-point line (there’s potential with his jumper, though), but he finished 71.4 percent of his attempts within three feet and averaged 14.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per 36 minutes.

With his explosiveness and ability to guard more athletic stretch big men, Powell could prove to be a sound energizer for the Clippers in limited minutes as he gradually expands his game.

Without tremendous upside and limited range, Powell clearly has room to grow but not so much so that he should be an absolute must-keep for the Mavs. He hasn’t put together a big enough sample size to earn a massive pay rise even with the cap increase, and that could help the Clippers — a team with more intrigue due to their standing above the Mavs in the West — pick him up on a fairly cheap deal if he’s available.

Next: A defensive combo big man

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