4. Brandon Bass
Brandon Bass starting things off at No. 4 should be fairly expected. It can be argued that there’s little difference in terms of value and upcoming impact between he and Raymond Felton, especially with Austin Rivers still holding firm control of the second point guard spot behind Chris Paul.
Felton can still be a valuable contributor to the Clippers, though (for reasons we’ll get onto next), and the potential to develop a larger role in different lineups places Bass here. Who, as a traditional four, will have some of his minutes eaten into when Doc Rivers opts for small-ball lineups.
In terms of ability, role, playing time and general value, Bass seems most suited for fourth place. As one of the most veteran’s minimum likely candidates of the Clippers’ new signings, there’s still no denying that he’s bringing more experience, toughness and depth to a team that seriously lacked such traits in its frontcourt last season.
The drawback is that minutes will be limited, and a non-rim-protecting, mid-range-shooting big offers no new strengths than Speights.
Outside of Stone Cole Aldrich’s grittiness, a combination of small-ball fours after the woeful failure with Josh Smith ended filled out the Clippers’ rotation and operated as well as possible in the absence of Blake Griffin. To say they did things “well,” though, is another matter altogether, especially in regard to Paul Pierce after he started 38 games in the regular season.
This is primarily where Bass’ importance comes into play, whether Pierce retires or not.
To avoid wings holding down the power forward spot, surrendering size inside and damaging the Clippers’ rebounding even more (29th in rebounding rate last season), Bass helps immediately. As a capable enough defender at the four spot, a physical, energetic player, a better rebounder than any of the team’s wings (7.6 rebounds per 36 minutes last season), and a reliable mid-range/pick-and-pop shooter (45.5 percent from 16 feet to the arc for his career), Bass at the four provides more than respectable depth at a low price.
Next: 3. The new small forward