Clipperholics
Fansided

One free agent at each position that the LA Clippers should consider

By Cannon Wonderlich

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors talks to the media during a press conference with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the NBA Finals 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors talks to the media during a press conference with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the NBA Finals 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

Small Forward

There are three superstar small forwards that the Clippers have been tied to this season. While they should definitely sign two of these players (if they can), there is one they should put their focus on. Jimmy Butler would be an amazing addition, but signing him could put the teams chemistry at risk, as Butler is known for his difficult personality. Kevin Durant would normally be the clear priority, but after a scary achilles injury in the finals, he is unlikely to play next year. That leaves one (board) man on the table.

Kawhi Leonard (TOR)

Board Man will get paid. After missing the majority of the 2017-18 season and being neck-deep in drama with the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard put himself back on the radar by leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship. This alone has made Leonard the hottest commodity on the free agent market.

Not only does Leonard bring his signature defense that has won him back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards, but he also provides a well-rounded offensive game. He doesn’t average as many assists as a superstar should, at only 3.3 per game, but his scoring makes up from it. Analysts often say players can score from anywhere on the floor. Leonard actually can. He can take an opponent off the dribble to get to the rim just as easily as he can let the ball flow through Toronto’s offense to find himself in an open spot.

Leonard’s numbers in the regular season don’t do how he played this year justice. In the playoffs however, he proved he was one of the elite scorers in the game, while averaging 30.5 points per game on these percentages from various distances:

  • 0-3 feet: 73.7 percent
  • 3-10 feet: 42.1 percent
  • 10-16 feet: 39.4 percent
  • 16 feet-3pt range: 50.8 percent
  • 3pt range: 37.9 percent

Leonard can score at the rim, pull-up from midrange, or drain three’s. His play style would fit in perfectly with the twin Clippers. LA was comprised of all role players last season. Them showing they could bang with the top teams in the playoffs proved to the stars of the league that the LA Clippers are the team to join.

Considering their recent success, the Raptors won’t let Leonard go easily. They will be able to offer more money than anyone else and it shouldn’t be too difficult to get him to run it back with the same squad.

However if the Clippers manage to pull in another star player, then getting Kawhi should be easy. Leonard paired with Butler or another star would make the LA Clippers favorites for the 2020 NBA title.