On The Bubble
The Clippers have two promising second-year players at shooting guard. Unfortunately, they have a deep roster and a crowded backcourt.
Tyrone Wallace was selected with the last pick of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Wallace, however, never played for the team. Instead, he spent time with their G-League affiliate the Salt Lake City Stars.
His rights were renounced in July of 2017, and he spent the following preseason with the Clippers. Although, he did not make the team Wallace was signed to the Agua Caliente Clippers. In 26 games with the G-League squad, Wallace averaged 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while shooting 51% from the field.
He was signed to a two-way deal in January and never looked back. In only his third NBA game, Wallace scored 22 points off the bench against the Golden State Warriors. Later that month, Wallace scored 19 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 9.7 points across 30 appearances with the team.
While he needs to improve as a shooter, Wallace has proven to be a good defender, passer, and slasher. He is still only 24 years old and possesses a good deal of potential.
However, only $300,000 of his $1.3 million salary has been guaranteed. So, the Clippers could cut him to trim down the roster without losing too much money. I believe that Wallace is too good to let go and that he will make the final roster.
The Clippers traded into the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft to select shooting guard Sindarius Thornwell. Even though he was a second round pick, Thornwell appeared in 73 games last season.
He was impressive defensively and could develop into an elite NBA defender over time. Thornwell is a hard-working player who perfectly fits the new identity that the Clippers are establishing.
Although he shot 37.7% from three last season, Thornwell’s shot is still a work in progress. He has the opportunity to supplant Wesley Johnson in the rotation and earn some consistent minutes at small forward.
While he is on the bubble, he has clearly outplayed fellow sophomore Jawun Evans and should make the team.