Los Angeles Clippers Summer Round-Up: What you may have missed
With the NBA season starting today, we present a round-up of everything you may have missed this summer regarding the Los Angeles Clippers.
Today is the day! As the NBA season tips off tonight, we have to wait until tomorrow to watch the Los Angeles Clippers play. In the meantime, let us help make sure you didn’t miss anything during the offseason.
With each tidbit, there will be a ton of links referencing our past coverage. If you want more detail, feel free to click the link and read.
Jimmy Butler Saga
Arguably the craziest part of the offseason was Jimmy Butler’s demand to be traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler listed the Clippers, among others, as a preferred destination. However, this was only the start.
Butler was nearly traded to the Miami Heat before trade talks fell apart. He then showed up at the Timberwolves practice last week, reportedly yelling and arguing with teammates. It seems like this will go on throughout the season, so the Clippers, who are sitting in a good position, will have to just focus on the roster they have.
The Draft
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Clippers, who had two lottery picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, actually moved up one position to take their point guard of the future, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA was touted as the best point guard in the draft and has shown flashes of why he was so highly regarded.
More. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Player Profile. light
Jerome Robinson
With their second lottery pick, the Clippers selected shooting guard Jerome Robinson out of Boston College. Although some saw this pick as a reach, Robinson looks to have a bright NBA future ahead of him.
In fact, he was voted as the second most likely to have the best career out of this season’s rookie class. It has become easy to see why Jerry West fell in love with Robinson. His shooting ability will be invaluable and he, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, looks to have a great future ahead of him.
More. Jerome Robinson Player Profile. light
Free Agency
The Clippers were somewhat active during the free agency and even though they were unable to land a star player this summer, they added necessary pieces who can help them now and next summer when they will try and be big players.
Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell was re-signed on a team-friendly deal, giving him $6 million per season over the next two seasons. His spark off the bench was great for the Clippers last season and with his personal goal of becoming the Most Improved Player in the league, the team was wise to lock him up.
Tyrone Wallace
Ty Wallace was also brought back into the fold after he impressed on a two-way contract with LA last season. He received an offer from the New Orleans Pelicans, which the Clippers matched. The young guard may not see a ton of playing time, but he has potential and was worth hanging on to.
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Mike Scott
The Clippers added Mike Scott from the Washington Wizards in order to have another option to play small-ball center and to help stretch the floor. Scott brings a veteran presence on only a part of the mid-level exception.
Luc Mbah a Moute
Prince Luc returns! After a season with the Houston Rockets, Mbah a Moute came back to Doc Rivers and the Clips. His defensive presence alongside Avery Bradley and Patrick Beverley could cause havoc for other teams and he, along with Scott, will help shore up the corner three.
Two-Way Players
The Clippers brought in two two-way players, Johnathan Motley and Angel Delgado. Motley has already spent some time in the league and has a lot of potential. Delgado is a rookie, but will look to grow in his time with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario.
Trimming The Roster
Sam Dekker was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to clear some cap space. Similarly, Wesley Johnson was moved to the New Orleans Pelicans for Alexis Ajinca, who was then cut.
Jawun Evans was also waived, despite the team having a hard time doing so.
dark. Next. Breaking down the Clippers final roster
The Clippers, now with a final roster, look to do big things this season as they push for a playoff birth. Let’s get excited Clipper Nation.