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LA Clippers could benefit by adding a true center to their roster

By Adrian Rivera

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Jerry West and Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES Center on November 15, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Jerry West and Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers talk before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at STAPLES Center on November 15, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers can make more moves to benefit their team roster. By adding a true center in their rotation, which lacks size, they will match up better.

As good as the LA Clippers current roster is, there are still a lot of moves that can be made. LA can benefit by adding a true big in their rotation. Someone like Joakim Noah is worth an investment, especially at a good price.

Last year with the Memphis Grizzlies, Noah played 42 games, while on his way to a comeback season. He stayed healthy, contributed at a solid level and still looked impressive defensively. That is exactly what he has an opportunity to do with the Clippers each game.

He is still working on getting back to his potential, however, he posted his second-highest field goal percentage in his career, at 51.9 percent. Keep in mind that Noah only played half a season, yet he is taking smarter shots.

According to Basketball Reference, Noah last year had an average of 7.1 points, 2.1 assists and just under 5.7 rebounds per game. The actual statistics are not too impressive, but Noah had a good season last year. Only logging in 16.7 minutes per contest, still showing his efficiency when on the floor. Noah is slowly but surely approaching his potential as a deep role player.

Noah does the right things, which fits the Clippers’ gritty, hard-working defensive personality. It is no secret that Noah is a great rim protector, as well as crashing the boards and playing hard defense. Acquiring Noah at the veteran minimum is the right move for the Clips.

Obviously, size is an issue for the team. Montrezl Harrell is great and will keep improving, however he is essential with the second unit. As much as Ivica Zubac‘s potential shows along with how young he is, LA still needs reliable size — especially if any of their current bigs have to miss time in the future.

Small ball is the name of the game this era, yet it is still essential to match up and not get eaten alive in the paint.

Noah would definitely fit with this Clippers roster and demeanor much more than, for example,  Dwight Howard. Our own Ryan Snellings analyzed Howard’s value, and why Clippers should consider others before him. Howard still puts up decent numbers, however, he is recovering from a concerning back injury. On top of that, everywhere he has been ever since his prime days with the Orlando Magic, has marked him as a locker room risk.

Next. The LA Clippers should consider Jamal Crawford. dark

It would make much more sense to avoid Howard and go after a different big as in Noah, or any other big that will be available in the buyout market, since there are always good bigs being bought out. Noah would be a great pickup especially early on with little-to-no risk.

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