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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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Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) dribbles past Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 142-119. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) dribbles past Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 142-119. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jon Leuer

Coming off the best season of his career, fully showcasing his ability at both ends of the floor, Jon Leuer may stay put with the Phoenix Suns. They should want him after how he performed, but with Mirza Teletovic hitting free agency (who could be the priority with his superior shooting) and plenty of mock drafts projecting them to take a young, talented power forward (they have two lottery picks), Leuer may be up for the taking.

At 6’10”, coming off a 27-start, 18.7 minute per game season, Leuer proved how valuable he can be in today’s NBA as a backup stretch four. For a team like the Clippers, searching for spacing and a complimentary piece to the star duo of Griffin and Jordan, he looks ideal as a mid-level exception candidate. Plus, with the versatility to cover both frontcourt positions (58 percent at power forward and 42 percent at center, per Basketball Reference), he isn’t someone who will only make an impact by camping in the corner for the occasional three.

For those who watched the Clippers this year, that’s essentially Paul Pierce. Except he tried to do more at times, failed (at both ends), and hardly ever hit threes consistently anyway.

Leuer is also fairly quick on his feet for a man his size who doesn’t possess a ton of vertical explosion, providing the ability to roll well to the basket, attack slower defenders off the dribble to drive inside, and finish strong once he gets there.

More clippers: J.J. Redick says Clippers need a versatile forward

Along with his 38.2 percent three-point shot to help average 16.3 points per 36 minutes, Leuer also made an impressive 72.5 percent of his shots within three feet. Whether he’s taking the ball inside or rebounding, he offers a far stronger presence in the paint than any undersized four the Clippers currently have, and being able to shift to center is another key bonus.

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He isn’t the rim protector that Aldrich is, but Leuer can get by protecting the paint, he averaged 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes, and he can switch onto the perimeter far better than Aldrich as well.

After a drop in playing time under new Suns head coach Earl Watson, Leuer didn’t finish the season quite as strong as he started.

However, with solid defense, versatility, and a sound three-point shot, he addresses pretty much every need the Clippers could hope for from a relatively cheap big man.

Next: Clippers' chance of acquiring Durant is now over

If there’s a new player worthy of the mid-level exception, Jon Leuer may be the man to go after.

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