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Young alternative free agents the LA Clippers should consider

By Adam Taylor

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors argues for a foul in front of Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors argues for a foul in front of Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

With free agency looming and a heap of cap space to play with – what options are available if the LA Clippers strike out on superstars?

As an LA Clippers fan, this year’s free agency is one of the most exciting times in recent memory. With considerable cap space they have the ability to add two legitimate stars to the roster with the most notable names being that of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. However, as much as myself and every other fan out there does not wish to believe it, there is a distinct possibility neither of these two superstars arrive in Los Angeles this summer.

There is still a solid group of player available beyond the two main stars in the free agency class. Here, I will take a look at four possible options who are under/are the age of 28, should Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant become unavailable, while keeping flexibility for the free agency class of 2020.

Kevon Looney

If there is one thing the series versus Golden State has taught us, it’s that the Clippers are a little thin at the center position. Kevon Looney has feasted against Montrezl Harrell and company during the four games played so far – so much so, that he has surly caught the eye of teams with cap space moving into the summer.

In the four games played so far this series, Kevon Looney has had the following stat lines – 18 minutes, 9.3 points per game on 78.9% shooting from the field whilst pulling down 4.5 rebounds and dishing 1 assist per game.  These numbers are not far from his regular season numbers of 18.5 minutes, 6.3 points on 62.5% shooting with 1 assist and 4.5 rebounds per game over 80 games played.

Granted, he is not a star and there is no telling where his ceiling is, but, he would inject further grit and energy into a roster built around such traits and skill sets. Adding him to this roster would not cost the earth and would provide solid bench contribution in a position of weakness for the Clippers allowing Ivica Zubac to develop at his own pace and providing competition for Montrezl Harrell throughout the season, while at 23 years old he fits into the Clippers timeline moving forwards.

This would be a low-key pick-up but could end up being a fantastic piece of business should it come to fruition.

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