Despite there being a number of free agents that should be signed, the LA Clippers’ front office could take a different route to elevate their roster. Several players overseas have the talent and build to thrive in the NBA.
In fact, the LA Clippers had taken this route before by signing Miloš Teodosić, who turned out to be a solid contributor when his team needed him. Given the proper circumstances, this proves that an overseas star can find a home in the NBA.
Furthermore, overseas basketball is very similar to the NBA and G-League in terms of competition and preparation. This makes the transition for players much easier as they have played in a similar environment with the world’s best professional talent.
That said, here are three overseas hoopers the LA Clippers should call up immediately.
3. Mike James
Mike James would be a phenomenal addition to the LA Clippers’ bench. His certified scoring would help Tyronn Lue when he needs it, and the development of guys like Bones Hyland, Brandon Boston Jr., and Jason Preston.
Moreover, these three players are essential to what the Clippers have planned for the future. It would be a wonderful learning experience to receive tips from a basketball genius like James, who has played all over the world.
If James were to sign with the Clippers, it would be on a deal worth no more than the minimum. He would have to prove himself off the bench in order to receive a more extended contract.
2. Dwight Howard
The LA Clippers would be the perfect destination for Dwight Howard, a former NBA superstar. He has plenty of experience and can still impact both ends of the floor.
Furthermore, Howard has dominated overseas basketball after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. He is crashing the glass, blocking shots into the third row, and shooting three-pointers with a supreme level of confidence. There is no doubt that he would make the most of his opportunities in the NBA.
Moreover, in 20 games for the Taoyuan Leopards, Howard averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in just under 35 minutes per night. What’s more, he shot 57.7% from the field while also knocking down 16 three-pointers.
If signed by the LA Clippers, his role could be relatively easy. His focus would be to help the 26-year-old starting center, Ivica Zubac, on his game while chiming in and contributing off the bench. He would also be the go-to center in case of injury.
Not to mention he has a level of experience and competitive mindset that would come in handy, especially when times get tough in the postseason. There is no reason why LA’s front office should not show interest, as he would fit right into the team’s aspirations.
That said, Howard is still talented enough to shine at an NBA level. Signing him to a veteran minimum would be a bargain when analyzing his capabilities. All he needs is the right team to provide him with a chance to showcase what he has left in the tank.
1. Kyree Walker
The LA Clippers should waste no time signing Kyree Walker to a ‘prove it deal.’ He is a lengthy point guard, a phenomenal playmaker, and an elite finisher. He could catalyze the Clippers’ future after the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era. Not to mention he finished high school as a three-star recruit with offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, and many more.
Furthermore, the two most significant factors in signing a player like Walker are his age and NBA-ready skillset. He has proved himself multiple times overseas and even had a solid run in the G-League.
On that note, Walker averaged 8.6 points in only 14 minutes for the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s G-League affiliate team. What makes these numbers more impressive is that he shot 53.5% from the field and 35.9% from a distance. This shows he was taking the right shots rather than chucking and praying it goes in.
Following the G-League, Walker played for the Greece-Elite League and the CEBL. However, his best run was in Greece with the Aias Evosmou, where he averaged 18.3 points and 5.6 boards while shooting 46.2% from the field.
These numbers in the G-League and overseas prove that Walker deserves another chance at playing in the NBA. If developed properly, he could very well be a solid contributor off the Clippers’ bench. He would also learn from Russell Westbrook, one of the greatest point guards of all time.
All in all, each of these reasons back up why the LA Clippers should quickly sign Walker. He meets the specific criteria of what the front office is looking to add in the offseason. This should be considered a match that is meant to be.