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8 Players the LA Clippers gave up on too soon

By Zachary Bachar

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Guard Brent Barry of the Seattle Sonics shoots a jump shot over forward Jim Jackson during the NBA game at the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, on December 7, 2001. The Heat defeated the Sonics in overtime 98-94. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Guard Brent Barry of the Seattle Sonics shoots a jump shot over forward Jim Jackson during the NBA game at the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, on December 7, 2001. The Heat defeated the Sonics in overtime 98-94. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

7: Brent Barry

Son of NBA legend Rick Barry, Brent Barry was never an All-Star talent but completed a 14-year career in the league. He was originally selected 15th in the 1995 draft by the Denver Nuggets before instantly being traded to the Clippers.

Barry looked like a steal right away as he averaged 10.1 points in his inaugural season while hitting 123 three-pointers, a rookie record at the time. He also ended up winning the 1996 dunk contest as a member of the Clippers.

He only lasted two and a half seasons with Los Angeles before he was dealt midseason for a package of Isaac Austin, Charles Smith, and a future first-round pick that became Brian Skinner. Austin and Smith were both off the team before the turn of the century, while Skinner averaged just 4.7 points per game for his career.

Brent Barry found a stable role after leaving the Clippers

Barry would go on to have a solid career as a role player, leading the league with a 47.6% three-point percentage in 2001 as well as starting eight playoff games during the San Antonio Spurs’ 2005 championship run.

By the end of his career, he finished with two rings, 88 postseason games played, and still owns the 30th-best playoff three-point percentage of all time (41.6%).

The only bright side is that Brian Skinner was eventually part of the trade package for Elton Brand, who made two All-Star appearances for the Clippers in the 2000s.