The NBA is the highest level of basketball in the entire world. Athletes have to face many challenges and encounter numerous obstacles when competing with the best. The players who do not hear their names called on draft night have a long journey ahead of them. Still, a small percentage of these players end up making it to a second NBA contract.
Amir Coffey, undrafted in 2019 from the University of Minnesota, worked his way up to an NBA contract. Coffey proved himself time and time again. From constantly being moved from the G League to the NBA, Coffey has been through numerous challenges throughout his career. Coffey recently signed a three-year, $11 million contract with the LA Clippers.
But what exactly makes Coffey such a vital piece for the LA Clippers? Coffey is one of the best 3-point shooters on the team and is also a great rebounder and defender. Opposing teams usually have their focus centered on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, which gives players like Coffey more opportunities to make plays.
Through a career that may seem like a rollercoaster, Amir Coffey has solidified himself to be a contributing piece on a championship-contending roster. With COVID protocols and an injury-riddled season, Coffey received many opportunities to showcase what he is capable of.
Amir Coffey’s journey is one to remember
Amir Coffey was a hidden gem for the LA Clippers. Since going undrafted, Coffey stuck to his craft and worked his way up. Coffey’s success shows how great the Clippers’ front office is. Players like Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, and Nicolas Batum were all near rock bottom as the Clippers were patient in giving them opportunities to succeed.
Since Amir Coffey’s freshman season at the University of Minnesota, he was seen as an NBA talent. Coffey averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from the field throughout his three-year college career. During these three years, Coffey was one of the team’s leading scorers, which led him to be named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team as well as the All-Big Ten Third Team in his final season. Coffey then declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.
As the 2019 draft class was loaded with talent, Coffey’s name did not get called on draft night. Coffey proceeded to sign a two-way contract with the LA Clippers. This deal kept Coffey in the G League for quite some time.
Through his time with the Agua Caliente Clippers, Coffey averaged 15.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 35.2% from the 3-point line. Coffey also scored 20+ points nine different times with the AC Clippers. Coffey’s outstanding performances allowed him to receive more playing time in the NBA.
Although Coffey would be brought up to play for the LA Clippers, he only played 62 games through his first two seasons. Coffey would usually enter the game when it was almost over. Occasionally, Coffey would get to play some quality minutes, which led to many impressive performances.
Coffey’s skillset has always stood out, but his opportunity window was extremely small. The LA Clippers are stacked at the wing position, which limits the number of opportunities Coffey would receive.
Throughout the season, the LA Clippers were without key players. As many players missed games due to COVID protocols, Coffey received countless opportunities to prove himself. Coffey did just that as he averaged 9.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.8% from the three-point line. Coffey constantly showed flashes of star potential as his two-way contract was converted to a standard contract in March of last season.
After officially signing his second NBA contract, Amir Coffey is expected to have a very important role next season, and his contributions will be extremely important in a deep playoff run for the LA Clippers.
From going undrafted to becoming an important piece on a title-contending team, Amir Coffey is proof that hard work and consistency will eventually pay off. The best is yet to come for Amir Coffey, as he will become an All-Star in the near future.