With strengthened depth headlining the NBA Finals blueprint, the LA Clippers can use this portion of their offseason to observe every skillset on the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder for pursuit purposes. Performance will be the primary factor in their ranking on the Clippers' priorities, but contracts and an egoless mindset will also be taken into consideration.
However, the Clippers must keep their list realistic as league-running superstars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton will most likely be unavailable. As of now, these two are likely to retire with their current teams, similar to Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tim Duncan.
From those who play quality minutes, LA must note down quality hockey assists, effective screens, and 100 percent effort plays. The guys who are DNP'd still have an opportunity to be noticed, as they must show enthusiasm on the sidelines and motivate their teammates. The Clippers have an example in their building with Patty Mills.
That said, below are the three most practical targets still alive in the playoffs the LA Clippers can hunt once the season officially ends.
3. Kenrich Williams
Kenrich Williams has been on the Oklahoma City Thunder for most of his career, but he has been a DNP due to the coach's decision several times this postseason. This comes from his inefficient struggles in rounds one and two.
Conversely, his excellent regular season is a much bigger sample size, and that is what the LA Clippers must focus on for a role player. In 69 games, Williams averaged 6.3 points and 3.5 rebounds, shooting 48.3% from the floor and 38.6% from three. These types of contributions would be solid as the backup four-man for LA.
2. Thomas Bryant
Thomas Bryant's name this postseason was not spoken about at all within the NBA Community until game six versus the New York Knicks. This whole time, he was waiting to be unleashed, and once Rick Carlisle let the beast loose, he posted 11 points in 13 minutes.
Dominating this game with ridiculously high stakes likely means Bryant will have a prominent role in the NBA Finals. This is a golden opportunity to see if he is fit for the LA Clippers' backup center role next season.
1. Ben Sheppard
Ben Sheppard has not been among the higher-scoring role players on the Indiana Pacers, but his playoff minutes have still been crucial. Why? Because the 23-year-old wing capitalizes on his shot opportunities, is always ready, and hustles 94 feet.
His best game was the fourth against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he scored 14 points on 10 shots in a 129-109 victory. This does not include the energy he demonstrated, which helped Indiana take down the first seed.
These factors will attract eyes from the LA Clippers' front office, as they are still deciding how to use the mid-level exception.