Jordan Hill
This is the most ambitious target on the list. With Roy Hibbert getting $5 million on a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, it’s clear teams will still pay a solid amount for weaker centers, given the lack of talented ones available and the increased salary cap.
After a solid 20.7-minute per game role with the Indiana Pacers last season, averaging 15.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes, Jordan Hill could easily pick up a reasonable amount of money.
As Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported, a few teams have expressed interest.
Source told SN that 3 teams have expressed interest in Pacers free agent Jordan Hill: the @spurs, @BrooklynNets and @chicagobulls
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) July 2, 2016
Yes, that’s better than nothing, but the interest for Hill hasn’t been sky-high as that’s pretty much the extent of rumors surrounding him so far. The Clippers will be hoping that if after time goes by and interest rates don’t increase too much, Hill may be interested in an elite team, even if it’s on a short-term deal.
He defends the post well even though he’s not a great shot blocker and he offers much-needed physicality and rebounding after the loss of Aldrich. A 50.6 percent shot from 10-16 feet is fairly impressive, too, and for a player who can take those short mid-range jumpers and finish strong near the basket, he can do all the Clippers need from a backup center in a limited offensive role.
And when DeAndre Jordan‘s on the bench, Hill can actually get by at the free throw line (71.2 percent last season).
Unlike the Warriors, with their new Big 4 and dynasty potential, the Clippers aren’t so enticing that players will flock to them on minimum deals. With that in mind, Hill is likely the kind of player they may pursue to no avail if he’s lured away by a few extra million on another team.
Next: Bringing back a former Clippers All-Star