Clippers Free Agency: 5 potential backup centers to sign
By Tom West
Jason Thompson
Setting the sights a little lower, looking a little younger than the Kamans and Nenes of the world, Jason Thompson (29) could be another possible backup center option.
Thompson has spent most of his career with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 26.5 minutes per game during his seven seasons there before moving on. He was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, deal again to the Warriors, and finally waived before joining the Toronto Raptors.
In fact, back near the end of the 2014-15 season while he was still with the Kings, Thompson put forward a resounding 23-point, 22-rebound performance against none other than the L.A. Clippers.
Obviously, that doesn’t indicate what Thompson has been like as NBA player. It merely shows that he can space the floor somewhat, rebound well (10.2 per 36 minutes last season and 9.4 for his career), and has good mobility and athleticism at 6’11”.
Instead of that showing above, a far more mediocre role player performance would be appropriate to represent Thompson’s career. Nevertheless, with the ability to do a bit of everything, Thompson is still worth some interest even though he was never able to make a role for himself with the Warriors earlier this season (not many players in his position could on that roster).
With his jump shot (40 percent from 16-22 feet for his career), rebounding, athleticism, and reasonable interior defense, Thompson is one of many average insurance signings the Clippers could consider. Unfortunately, that’s what they’ll probably need to settle for if Nene and Jordan Hill are too costly, leaving Thompson as one of the least intriguing options.
Next: A potential power forward signing