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Clippers: Reactions from the first wave of free agency

By Gareth Bailey

January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32), guard Jamal Crawford (11) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) watch game action against Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32), guard Jamal Crawford (11) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) watch game action against Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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More than a week after NBA free agency opened, Gareth Bailey gives his take on the Los Angeles Clippers’ free agency moves.

Obviously missing out on Kevin Durant is a massive blow.  It hurts when you consider the big-3 the Los Angeles Clippers could have had, and the big-4 the Golden State Warriors get.

Either way, the first wave of free agency was not a complete loss for the Clippers. The team officially announced some of their signings last week.

Here are a few reactions now that the dust has settled on the Clippers’ free agency signings.

Marresse Speights – Speights is a terrific pick up with the veterans minimum, particularly given how many unproven youngsters are getting huge multi-year deals on the open market.

One of the biggest problems for the Clips last year was the need for another big man to play off the bench behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

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With respect to Cole Aldrich, the small ball 4’s didn’t work last year. Pierce and Jeff Green tried and ultimately failed. However, the Clippers now have a big man in Speights, who can at least shoot 18 feet from the hoop.

Jamal Crawford – I don’t necessarily think last season warranted a third Sixth man award, but his impact is unquestionable Crawford’s importance to the second unit is huge, particularly if JJ Reddick isn’t firing in the starting line-up. Crawford doesn’t seem to age but maybe this will be the year we see a down turn in his play.

Cole Aldrich – Aldrich had some bright spells and took the opportunity for greater minutes last year when Blake was injured. Shame to see him go but I think Speights is a better player to fill that 7th/8th man void.

Jeff Green – Again, looks good on the surface, because $15 million for his production is not justified. However, we let him walk after a 4 month rental and trading for him with a first round draft pick and Lance Stephenson.

Luc Mbah a Moute – Mbah a Moute likely took a lesser deal because of the Clippers financial constraints in terms of cap room. Los Angeles is very lucky to keep him on such a cheap deal. His defense is invaluable and is a great asset to the team.

Wesley Johnson – Johnson is still an uncertainty in this league. How much of a scorer will he become?

Still, he is not the worst pickup.

With all the cap room taken up right now, the Clippers needed a few cheap deals to keep the core together. It just feels like they might plateau by locking up these multiyear deals.

Austin Rivers – I’m not sure yet on how to feel about Rivers. His increased price tag demands that he gets more consistent. Rivers also needs to prove that he isn’t just there because of his last name.

Next: Reasons to love the addition of Mo Speights

The Clippers’ biggest free agency disappointment – Why is it that big-threes like Cleveland and Golden State can get veterans to buy in for the minimum? Yet, the Clippers aren’t able to pull off the same kind of coups.

Guys literally play for nothing because they believe they have the best chance at a ring with those organizations. Why can’t the trio of Jordan, Griffin and Chris Paul be viewed that way?

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