The LA Clippers hope to bring everybody that they can back to Los Angeles, but it may be easier said than done.
There are still solid options out there in free agency in case things don’t go well, however, and some of them happen to be former teammates of Paul George.
These guys haven’t necessarily been rumored to the Clippers just yet, but they are options the Clippers should at least look into.
No. 1 former Paul George teammate for the LA Clippers to consider signing: Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel played with Paul George in the 2018-2019 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and plays a position the LA Clippers may need next year.
DeMarcus Cousins will likely not be back next year, and even if Serge Ibaka picks up his player option, the Clippers still will not have a ton of depth at center.
There aren’t a ton of good centers on the free agent market this offseason, but Noel is a quality guy at the position.
The sixth overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft started 41 games this year for New York, and in his career has averaged 6.2 rebounds per contest despite only playing 22.4 minutes per game.
That production would be great for a Clipper team that was in the bottom half of the league in rebounds per game this year.
Also, Noel provides an impact on defense, and even blocked 2.2 shots per game this season in just 24.2 minutes per game. He averages a block and a half per contest in his seven seasons in this league. He’d be of use for a Clipper team that needs depth at center.