The LA Clippers’ Biggest Need Isn’t Adding a Playmaker

With extremely limited flexibility to add more pieces, the biggest issue the LA Clippers should address is another wing, not a point guard.

We’re just a few weeks away from seeing the LA Clippers play meaningful NBA basketball again! With free agency nearly wrapped up, the Clips have made two big additions in Serge Ibaka and Luke Kennard.

With all the signings made official, the Clippers are in an incredibly tight spot with the hard cap – which they have to stay under, since they used the full Mid-Level Exception on Serge Ibaka. Barring a trade to create cap space, the easiest way forward is to waive Joakim Noah and sign somebody for the veteran minimum.

With that lack of flexibility, there’s likely only one move left to make at the moment. And while there’s been a lot of noise making the rounds about the Clippers’ need for a playmaker, I don’t see that as the number one priority for the team.

Look at the wing depth on this team. You’ve got Kawhi, George and Morris. Outside of that, it’s a big question mark. Luke Kennard can play as a wing on offense, but do you want him guarding any big forward? Do you trust Terance Mann enough to have him be your fourth wing?

At the point guard spot, at the very least we have two players who can play the role – Beverley and Lou. Are they the perfect playmakers? No, but they can do it. We might legitimately not have the capability to sit PG and Kawhi and feel okay about the wings we put out in their place.

There are still players on the free agency market who could step into that role. Somebody like Glenn Robinson III could fit there nicely, or Nicolas Batum if he gets waived by the Hornets. Those guys could step in and play 10-15 minutes as a fourth forward.

I would suspect that, with the last available free agency acquisition, the LA Clippers will target a backup wing over a point guard. If they feel like they need a playmaker, my money would be on a trade or a midseason acquisition, especially in the buyout market.

What do you think is our biggest need? Let us know on social media, and follow along at Clipperholics!