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LA Clippers: 3 Positional Needs If They Land Kawhi Leonard

By Ryan Snellings

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Patrick Beverley #21 and Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, hug after Game Five of Round One against the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Patrick Beverley #21 and Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, hug after Game Five of Round One against the Golden State Warriors during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 17: Los Angeles Clippers Forward JaMychal Green (4) looks on before a NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 17: Los Angeles Clippers Forward JaMychal Green (4) looks on before a NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Stretch Forward

In the modern NBA, this is a necessity for any team. For the Clippers, this rings especially true. Montrezl Harrell is reportedly working on his three ball this summer and may fill the role, but having more big men that can shoot is never a bad thing.

Once again, bringing back a player from last year’s roster is arguably the best move the team could make. JaMychal Green, who was nabbed at the trade deadline, quickly became one of the team’s most valuable role players. He hit open threes when necessary, took the ball to the hoop and was an above average defender.

He has already expressed interest in returning to the team, so hopefully this positional need is quickly taken care of. If not, there are some other options.

Julius Randle would be an amazing piece for the team to land, but more-so than the aforementioned Payton, his price may be an issue. With the Pelicans landing the first pick in the NBA Draft and likely taking Zion Williamson, Randle seems redundant and likely won’t re-sign. The big man has improved each season. This past year, he hit 34.4% of his 2.7 attempts from deep per game. If added, he may even take over the starting power forward role, effectively moving Gallo to the bench.

Nikola Mirotic might also be worth taking a look at. He under performed in the playoffs, especially against the Toronto Raptors, but as a possible 3rd or 4th option for the bench unit, he would be a fine fit. Mirotic still managed to put up 15.2 points per game this year and at 27 years old, is at the right age for a championship contender, should he actually be convinced to leave the Bucks.

Is another stint of Mike Scott possible? Doc Rivers loved having him on the team and Scott would serve as a cheaper option if the team decides to spend money elsewhere. He isn’t someone that will dazzle fans, but he does just enough to be on the court.