Clipperholics
Fansided

Clippers Free Agency: 5 potential backup centers to sign

By Tom West

Mar 13, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jordan Hill (27) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jordan Hill (27) is guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Bass (2) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Bass (2) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Bass

This is only an option for extra frontcourt depth if the Clippers have secured a backup center and create an extra roster spot (if they either part with a rookie or Paul Pierce retires, for example).

When you play for the Lakers — in fact, when you come off the bench for the Lakers — it’s hard to be a well-regarded player. Last season was all about Kobe Bryant‘s farewell tour and the air balls and elated cheers his last game in each city created. Behind those air balls and his $25 million contract, though, not to mention some bizarre coaching decisions by Byron Scott, the Lakers were (supposedly) about youth.

That will especially be the case next season after bringing in Luke Walton as head coach, drafting Brandon Ingram with the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, and having more emphasis and opportunity for the young guys overall with Kobe gone.

More from Clipperholics

Brandon Bass doesn’t fit into that equation. And when the Lakers sign the superstar center of their next era, Timofey Mozgov (on a four-year, $64 million), and have Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr., Bass’ strength and mid-range shooting won’t be something they’re eager to keep in free agency.

Bass has hardly drawn any interest so far either, which only helps drive down his value (despite the new market) and gives the Clippers a better chance of signing him on a minimum deal.

Even as an undersized power forward at 6’8″, Bass is a reliable veteran for what he offers at both ends. He isn’t an elite athlete and he won’t bring the same rim protection that Aldrich — the Clippers’ third big last season — did, but he’s a smart player, brings energy, can help more on the boards than any small-ball four the Clippers could use, and he’s a sound mid-range shooter.

Next: Clippers could become the 2nd best team in the West

In limited minutes, Bass could be a reliable option if he’s interested in a minimum contract on a top team.

Home/Clippers News