Give up on: Jason Preston
As a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Clippers, Jason Preston missed the entire 2021–22 season after undergoing surgery on an injured foot. The injury in his rookie season has done him no favors and has certainly put his future with the team, though it’s not completely out of the question, in serious doubt. Especially considering the conscious effort that the Clippers have made recently to address the point guard position.
In 14 games played this past season (essentially his rookie campaign) with the Clippers, Preston averaged three points per game on 44 percent shooting from the field. He averaged less than 10 minutes per appearance for LA. Heading into the final year of his contract with the Clippers, LA kind of has to make a decision on his future now.
But without a clear backup point guard option combined with the uncertainty that revolves around Terance Mann and his future with the team (due to a possible James Harden trade), it’s not that outlandish to see Preston actually receive some minutes this season.
However, if Preston isn’t able to see an improved role with the Clippers this season and navigate his way into the rotation, it’s difficult to see him signing a second contract with the team next summer.