Over the years, the LA Clippers have had their share of superstars and high-end role players, but they have never had a complete roster. Whether through a true point guard or a reliable center, there has always been a void within the active rotations.
Furthermore, the free agent market has helped the Clippers tremendously, while also setting them back from their ultimate goal of winning a championship. This was the case for the ‘Lob City’ era and has carried forward through the tenure of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
That said, certain players around the league are built to play for the Clippers, and others are not. Each player that has moved on likely lacked the mentality, toughness, or skill set to thrive in one of the biggest markets in the NBA.
10. Miloš Teodosić
After a savvy career overseas, the facilitating point guard, Miloš Teodosić, was expected to take the league by storm after signing with the LA Clippers. Prior to the acquisition, the rotations were missing a player who could score the ball at his own pace while also creating shots for his teammates.
Moreover, Teodosić’s career only lasted 60 games with the Clippers. However, his first season in LA was very intriguing despite missing the expectations of an NBA All-Star. During 2017-18, Teodosić averaged 9.5 points per game, 4.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, with a true shooting percentage of 56.4.
While these numbers may stand out, the former European floor general could not hold his ground on the defensive end. This was the main reason his second season with the Clippers took a significant turn. Not only did he play 15 games, but his minutes and individual statistics dropped significantly. This was a clear indication by the front office that it was time to move on.
9. DeMarcus Cousins
Through the hunt for a backup big man, the LA Clippers signed the talents of the four-time All-Star, DeMarcus Cousins. At the time of the acquisition, it appeared the front office found a gem in the market. Though he could not move as well as he did in his prime, Cousins still could dominate the paint.
Additionally, Cousins possessed the veteran experience needed to guide the Clippers through adversity in the postseason. This was one of the biggest reasons LA could reach the Western Conference Finals, despite losing Leonard in the second round due to injury.
However, his weakness damaged the Clippers’ rotations defensively, forcing him out of the active lineup. He would find himself on the court occasionally, but his skill set was not fit for what head coach Tyronn Lue was aiming to build. Not to mention Cousins was 30 years of age while also facing notable injuries to his lower body.
Furthermore, during the 2020-21 NBA season, Cousins averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 53.7% from the field and 42.1% from three. Although these numbers occurred in 16 games, the eye test proves why Cousins was nearly unplayable for the LA Clippers.
By moving on from the former superstar, the front office found themselves in a position, once again, to acquire the perfect big man behind Ivica Zubac. Though this may not be ideal for the Clippers, Cousins was a significant liability each time he stepped on the floor. This explains why he was signed to a minimum contract.
8. Glen Davis
Following a solid tenure with the Orlando Magic, Glen Davis, a 6’9″ interior force, signed with the LA Clippers on a veteran minimum contract. This was a great bargain, as the roster was trending in the wrong direction without a backup center. At first glance, many fans assumed that Davis’ size would elevate the Clippers to their championship aspirations.
Furthermore, Davis was set to play behind the glass-cleaning of DeAndre Jordan. This was a perfect opportunity for him to thrive, as the LA Clippers were hunting for a deep run in the playoffs. He was also playing under one of the NBA’s best head coaches, Doc Rivers.
However, just a few games into the season, it became evident that Davis was not the center for the future. Despite being just 28 years old, Davis’ play did not mesh well with the face of the franchise, Chris Paul.
Davis possessed the size and skill set to dominate the paint but lacked the athleticism to shine at the highest level. This was an immediate red flag for the front office, forcing him out of LA in just one season.
Through 74 games played in 2014-15 for the Clippers, Davis averaged 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 45.9% from the field. These numbers prove why Davis was not the answer for the Clippers.
In addition, this was Davis’ last season playing in the NBA. This shows where he was in his career and that he understood his style of play did not match the direction of where the NBA was going.
7. Luc Mbah A Moute
Through a specific period of time when the LA Clippers were missing a defensive wing, the front office signed an All-Defensive caliber player in Luc Mbah A Moute. He spent two seasons with the Clippers, then rejoined for a third toward the end of his career.
While his defense may have boosted the Clippers’ potential, his age and offensive capacities prevented the team from achieving their goal. Despite having a promising veteran, this coerced the front office to move on to another candidate.
That said, Mbah A Moute’s best season with the Clippers occurred in 2016-17. He averaged 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds through 80 games played. Additionally, the main reason why he played 22.3 minutes per night was that he could take on the challenge of the opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis. This was a luxury to have, as most teams struggled against the best wings in the NBA.
Moreover, these numbers being his best season, statistically back up why the Clippers did not pursue a long-term future. In 2018-19, his final stint with LA, Mbah A Moute posted 5.0 points in 15.3 minutes but only played four games before being ruled out for the rest of the season due to left-knee surgery.
Though he had his moments, Mbah A Moute’s skill set was not seen as a match with the Clippers. The defense may be prominent, but being unable to score the ball at a league average will hold a player out of a contract for quite some time.
6. Yogi Ferrell
As the LA Clippers were on the verge of completing their championship roster, the former All-Rookie guard, Yogi Ferrell, was signed on a minimum contract. He was considered a possible solution to the Clippers’ issues at the point guard position. The main focus was to assist the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and Ferrell had the potential to fulfill that role.
The six-foot point guard could not contribute much outside of scoring and minimal playmaking. Though he had a phenomenal career with the Kings and Mavericks, his ability to score at the NBA level did not last long.
That said, Ferrell has always been inefficient, as his career field-goal percentage stands at 42. This statistic is not a good look, especially for a point guard searching for an opportunity in a high-volume league.
Once he arrived at the LA Clippers for the 202-21 season, he showed up off the bench for eight games. Ferrell averaged 4.6 points and 2.1 assists in approximately 12.0 minutes per contest during this time frame. What’s more, he shot 33.3% from the field on 4.5 attempts while also posting a three-point percentage of 31.6.
These shooting splits add to why the front office showed no signs of hesitation in moving on. As Ferrell is an undersized guard, he could not even the gap in passing and defense for the Clippers to survive with him on the floor. Additionally, Ferrell has not seen the NBA after his time with the LA Clippers.
5. Joakim Noah
As the LA Clippers progressed through a new era of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the front office signed a former All-Star, Joakim Noah. This acquisition appeared interesting with Noah’s age and limited mobility on both ends of the court. He was not the player he once was, but having a veteran presence in the paint could help the Clippers in certain areas.
However, Noah was previously selected to three All-Defensive teams and one All-NBA team. He had also won the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year award. He also brought a ridiculous amount of experience that any team could use when competing for a title.
That said, Noah failed to meet the expectations of what the coaching staff was looking for. He was constantly targeted at the rim and provided minimal offensive contributions. However, much of this was inevitable, considering the Clippers signed him at the age of 34.
In addition to playing an average of 10.0 minutes in five games for the Clippers, Noah posted 2.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. This shows he was physically incapable of thriving for a championship-contending roster. Not to mention Noah hovered around nearly three personal fouls per contest.
Today’s basketball is played at a breakneck pace. After his first few games in a Clipper uniform, it was clear he wasn’t the answer for the backup center position. This left the front office with no choice but to shift their focus to other big men available on the market.
4. C.J. Williams
Following a solid stretch of games on a two-way contract, the LA Clippers signed the former undrafted guard, C.J. Williams, to a three-year deal. This was not surprising at all, as Williams provided durability during the minutes he was on the court. This type of availability is hard to come by, especially for a team like the Clippers as they have always struggled with injuries.
In fact, Williams had some of the best games of his career in a Clipper uniform. January 2nd, 2018, was a prime example of his dominance as LA faced off against the Grizzlies at home. Williams finished the game with a season-high 18 points, shooting 7-of-10 from the field, including three made three-pointers.
Conversely, this was one of the only games Williams popped off for LA. After the 2017-18 season, he was waived due to not meeting the expectations the Clippers were hoping for.
Moreover, in his only season for the LA Clippers, Williams averaged 5.5 points, shooting 44.2% from the field and 28.2% from a distance. These types of efficiencies are not ideal for a 6’5″ wing that was expected to have an impact in various ways.
Additionally, Williams was not seen as a great defender during his 18.6 minutes on the court. This adds to why the Clippers chose to part ways, as Williams was a liability on both ends of the court. What’s more, he only had a little experience to offer, as his first season in the NBA was with the LA Clippers.
3. John Wall
Through a remarkable off-season, John Wall was expected to shine for the LA Clippers. Regardless of his notable injury history, Wall still possessed a great touch around the rim and some of the best playmaking skills in the NBA.
On several nights, especially early in the season, Wall took a substantial step forward in the absences of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But, after his abdominal injury against the Denver Nuggets, it was clear as day that a change was coming.
Furthermore, inserting an injury-prone star into an unhealthy roster was a questionable decision from the jump. This was the primary concern, and it panned out in the same manner as Wall didn’t last but 34 games for the LA Clippers.
During these games, Wall averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. Although these numbers may seem fantastic, it is worth noting that he turned the ball over 2.4 times per contest, along with a field goal percentage of 40.8.
In addition, the biggest reason why Wall didn’t work out is because of his inability to play from a distance. As the LA Clippers compete for a championship, point guards who cannot shoot the three ball should not be seen on the court. This forced Wall into countless challenging situations as he shot 30.3% from three on 3.2 attempts per game.
Moreover, they would likely have bought him out if the front office could not find a trade partner at the deadline. This proves how his time with the LA Clippers was underwhelming.
2. Willie Green
Throughout the last decade, Willie Green has been one of the most exciting role players for the LA Clippers. His first season in LA was encouraging as he proved that he could find a way to contribute to an immensely talented roster. This gave Clipper fans hope that his game would elevate to another level as the seasons went by.
Once the next season rolled around, it seemed as if he had lost his footing on the court. He could not shoot the ball as efficiently as he once could while also being exposed to opposing offenses. His game had ultimately taken a turn despite a minor decrease in minutes played.
Furthermore, Green’s final season with the LA Clippers proved to the front office that his time had come. Over the 55 games played in 2013-14, Green averaged 5.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 37.6% from the field and 33.9% from three. What should be noted is that his efficiencies the season before were phenomenal.
At the time, the LA Clippers needed scoring at the wing position, and Green’s style of play was trending in the wrong direction. He could not make plays for others or crash the glass at a high level.
Given these statistics and his mobility at the age of 32, the front office knew that he would not have a spot in the rotation for the next season. As a result, he was waived in 2014.
1. Wesley Johnson
One of the most controversial players in the history of the LA Clippers is the former fourth-overall pick, Wesley Johnson. Upon his arrival in 2015-16, it seemed as if the Clippers had added a durable role player with a solid three-point jumper.
Though Johnson did not exceed the expectations of a top-five selection, he had the best season of his career with the Lakers before joining the Clippers. Furthermore, he averaged 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 35.1% from three on 3.1 attempts. These numbers and his lengthy build made it clear that the front office added one of the best players available.
However, his first season with the Clippers went differently than planned. Not only did his minutes drop significantly, but his points and three-point percentage saw damage as well. At this point, the coaching staff understood what type of player Johnson would be in the active rotation.
Moreover, Johnson’s career with the Clippers became a slippery slope as he under-performed significantly in 2016-17. On top of posting a career-low of 2.7 points per game, he shot 35.6% from the field and 24.6% from the three-point line. There should be no reason why a forward standing as tall as 6’7″ should be shooting under 40% from the field.
Despite his remarkable availability, Johnson’s offensive contributions were nonexistent. On the defensive side of the ball, he was not the best, ultimately forcing the coaching staff to limit his minutes as much as possible.