From top to bottom, the LA Clippers have everything that a championship-level roster needs. Outside shooting, scoring in the paint, and otherworldly star power, are all at LA’s disposal. But, regardless of many believing that the Clippers are bonafide title threats next season, LA has a few minuscule holes on their roster that they should look to shore up.
Just a few days ago, the Clippers decided against moving up in the draft. Instead, the title-less franchise drafted Moussa Diabate. Although raw and full of potential, it’s unlikely that he provides LA with much on either side of the ball.
As the NBA offseason approaches, there are several former All-Star caliber players who will attempt to protract their time in the league. In some cases, those previously mentioned All-Stars are hoping to collect one final paycheck. In other instances, they’re out to prove that they still have something left in the tank.
With an NBA title pegged as the ultimate goal, let’s take a look at some former All-Stars that will be available in the offseason that will mitigate some of the Clippers’ flaws.
Carmelo Anthony
Nightly 25-point binges are likely in the rearview mirror for Carmelo Anthony. At the age of 37, the former 10-time All-Star plays listlessly at times on the court. His graceful first step has been replaced with lumbering movements. Also, his bulldozing tenacity in the restricted area that resulted in easy buckets around the rim, have now become fadeaway jump shots that miss their mark.
Still, even with his deteriorating game, Anthony has plenty left to offer an NBA team, especially one with championship aspirations.
The LA Lakers utilized Anthony well last season. They placated his thirst for post-up plays and found him for wide-open transition 3-pointers. The results were terrific, not exactly prime Anthony but terrific nonetheless. Anthony averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from behind the arc.
Scoring off the bench isn’t exactly a necessity for the Clippers. Having racked up the second most points per game last season, the Clippers have plenty of firepower they can rely upon whenever their super-subs step onto the court. Be that as it may, you can never have enough shooting or scoring, and that’s something Anthony can do at a high clip.