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Identifying the LA Clippers’ top targets ahead of free agency

By Garrett Chorpenning

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 11: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on March 11, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 11: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on March 11, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 4: Al Horford

2018-2019 statistics: 13.6 PTS, 6.7 REB, 4.2 AST

Al Horford may be aging, but with the ability to stretch the floor and serve as a defensive anchor, his style of play sure isn’t.

The ideal modern big man, Horford plays efficient, team basketball and won’t infringe at all on the game of a second star. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, either, though the 6-10 big is skilled enough to run the floor if he needs to.

This past season with the Boston Celtics, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists in just 29 minutes per game. His 1.3 blocks per contest also highlight his ability as a rim protector, something the Clippers have been lacking ever since DeAndre Jordan left in 2018.

But more importantly, Horford has all of the qualities that the Clippers seem to be prioritizing in their free agent targets: Two-way potential, modern abilities and high basketball IQ. Alongside a player like Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers could boast one of the smartest one-two punches in the league.

However, there are a few problems with Horford that may keep the Clippers from committing to him. Having just turned 33, Horford would be nearing the end of his career by the time a four-year deal would expire. That could leave the Clippers in a tough spot for the final year or two of his contract as the quality of his game begins to diminish.

But on the other side of that, it would be hard to be upset with paying Horford what he’s earned in those final two seasons if he and another star deliver the Clippers a championship in any of the first two years. And even still, he should continue to be an effective player once he’s past his prime.

With the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, a better-than-average outside shot for a big and a willingness to take on a secondary role, Horford is one of the most ideal stars to pair with Leonard or Durant and could end up in Los Angeles if the price is right.

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