As the LA Clippers only have one established center, it may be time to trade for a backup. Shot-blocking big man Ivica Zubac has been dominating this year, but he will need help if the Clippers aim for a run at the NBA Finals. This leaves the front office with no choice but to see what’s available on the market.
Furthermore, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently reported that the Clippers have shown interest in trading for the Indiana Pacers starting center, Myles Turner. This move would make sense for many reasons. Head coach Tyronn Lue would be given a big who can stretch the floor, and the LA Clippers would also have another player who can substantially impact both ends of the court.
The Clippers have discussed the possibility of trading for Myles Turner, per B/R’s @EricPincus pic.twitter.com/Ol11Yc60Un
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 15, 2022
However, the Pacers may ask for draft picks and a young star that can help elevate their rebuild. This trade works out for both sides, although there are multiple pros and cons the LA Clippers should dive into before adding a player like Turner.
3. Pro: One of the NBA’s best rim protectors
Assuming the LA Clippers make the trade for Myles Turner, they would be receiving arguably the best shot-blocking big man in the NBA. This would be an unfair advantage for Lue as he already has Zubac, who is currently second in the league in blocks.
Not only is Turner a two-time block champion, but he averages 2.3 blocks in 438 games played. This includes a season (2020-21) where he had a career-best 3.4 blocks per game. Inserting him next to defensive specialists Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George would give opponents a tough time scoring the ball.
So far this season, Turner is contesting an average of 11.0 contested shots on 3.1 blocks. These numbers are ridiculous, considering he doesn’t even play 30 minutes per game. Additionally, with his size and defensive abilities, Lue may have him play power forward next to Zubac.
After evaluating his advanced statistics, it is clear that Turner is one of, if not the best shot-blocking center in the NBA. His role on the Clippers would expand as much more would be expected of him. Depending on what the Pacers may ask, this would be an excellent trade for the Clippers’ front office.