Forward Omri Casspi is almost healed and ready to play. Should the Clippers look to add this shooter before the playoffs?
Omri Casspi broke his thumb during his debut with the New Orleans Pelicans after being traded by the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers may take a look at adding him before they make a final push into the playoffs.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Casspi is recovering faster than expected and is already drawing interest from several playoff teams.
Free Agency news: League sources say swingman Omri Casspi is about a week or so away from clearance and drawing interest from playoff teams.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 10, 2017
The 6’9 forward could be a welcome late addition to the Clippers’ locker room and might give them a legitimate two way small forward. Luc Mbah a Moute has played well this season, especially offensively by his standards, but the small forward spot is still weak.
Casspi is shooting 39.4% from three point range and 46% from the field this season. His ability to space the floor alongside J.J. Redick could really open the court up. Even if he were to come off the bench, his ability to play the 4 could make for some very interesting lineups.
His size could also benefit the team’s rebounding effort, which is at times, more than undesirable. Casspi averages 4 rebounds per game this season.
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For the Clippers to make space for Casspi however, they would have to cut a player. The likely candidate would be Alan Anderson. Anderson, although a great locker room presences, has not seen many minutes outside of garbage time this season. The Clips already have a veteran presence in the locker room with Paul Pierce on the roster, so there’s no real need to keep Anderson on the roster should the team go this route.
The Clippers are currently fighting for the 4th seed in the playoffs, with very little time left in the regular season. Perhaps Doc Rivers will stand pat with this group and hope that they are all fully healthy for once when they make their push. However, adding Casspi to the rotation could be a significant offensive upgrade.
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