Roundtable: Farewell, 2018-2019 LA Clippers, and the Hunt for Kawhi’s Tahoe
By Logan Rapp
Logan Rapp: Here’s a question, considering recent rumor mongering: If Klay Thompson decides to leave Golden State, is he worth a max contract with this Clippers team? (Let’s assume Kawhi and KD are out of the mix at this point.)
Matt Chong: Hmm, that’s a tough one. He’s another one of those guys that I’d be hesitant to commit that amount of money to, given the fact that we’ve not seen him play on a team that didn’t have at least two other all-star players. I don’t think I’d be upset if they did throw him a max contract either, though. I mean, if you add Klay Thompson to this team with Montrezl, Lou, Gallo, Pat, etc. you have a markedly better team than you did last year. And then you’d still be able to pursue another big name free agent in the future.
On one condition, though. Klay has to stop it with all of the lame commercials.
Logan Rapp: Lame commercials is part of Klay’s brand, Matt.
Matt Chong: This is true. If they’re a package deal with NBA and China Klay, I can allow it.
Nate Jacobo: I would take Klay Thompson on a max and here’s why. Yeah he’s been a solid number 2-3 guy in the Bay for some time now, but should he be the first option, I can really see his game thrive in Los Angeles. He has mastered his shot-creating ability and Doc could run him off screens or post him up for mid-range jumpers. His defensive instincts are solid as well, he can guard the opposing teams best player with his 6’7 frame. The reason I think he has struggled in the regular season and playoffs was solely off the fact he wouldn’t get a rhythm going as Steph and KD needed their shots too. I’m real interested in seeing Klay being the primary option on a team.
Matt Chong: Yeah, ultimately I think I’d be okay with them giving Klay a max. Although I would consider it a miracle if he actually left the Warriors.
Nate Jacobo: No doubt about it, the Warriors won’t hesitate on July 1st and they’ll throw out that 5-yr/$190 mil max.
Matt Chong: If Kevin Durant decides he’s leaving, they’d be foolish not to.
Logan Rapp: I don’t buy that he’s unhappy with his role in the Warriors. Though the whole debacle did get quite a few eye-opening moments on Mychal Thompson‘s Twitter feed, so that was at least fun.
Nate Jacobo: That’s another thing I look forward to this off-season, with all the talent out there, seeing how reports get leaked and how players share whether or not they are staying or leaving.
Matt Chong: Mychal Thompson saying ridiculous things on Twitter is so much more fun when they’re complimentary of the Clippers!
Logan Rapp: People are just going to know Kawhi’s going to the Clippers when they see his crappy ’97 Tahoe driving around Playa Vista. No tweets, no press release, his beat up SUV is just going to be there and that’s how it gets announced. Because Kawhi, for better or worse, will never not Kawhi.
Nate Jacobo: LeBron announced through Klutch Sports, through Lee Jenkins :eyes: and on ESPN with “The Decision”. KD last time he was a free agent did that Player Tribune article. I can’t wait to see what shakes out this year, especially with Kawhi, like how you mentioned Logan.
Matt Chong: It’d be the oldest vehicle on the lot, parked directly in front of the Clippers’ offices haha.
Logan Rapp: I’m pretty sure Kawhi’s Tahoe is older than some of you. It’s older than Shai!
Nate Jacobo: Fun Fact: Kawhi’s Tahoe is 2 years older than me.
Matt Chong: It’s close enough haha. I was at least out of diapers by the time it rolled off the line.