All season, it has been no secret that the LA Clippers’ bench needs help, particularly in the three-point shooting department. There are quite literally zero dependable names that can consistently be seen as a threat from beyond the arc, leaving head coach Tyronn Lue with no choice but to stop ignoring Cam Christie, the former second-round pick, and give him legitimate playing time.
So far this season, the Clippers’ bench ranks 25th in the NBA in three-point attempts and makes, with a 34.8% clip. This is concerning, considering the team’s playoff aspirations, and it doesn't help that Bennedict Mathurin and Jordan Miller are shooting in the lower-30’s from a distance.
There is no doubt that inserting Christie, who is known to shoot the leather off the basketball, could help benefit the second unit, ultimately making it easier for the Clippers to win games.
Tyronn Lue should put Cam Christie back in the rotation immediately
Cam Christie is the quickest and most effective solution to boosting the LA Clippers’ bench woes from three-point land. He’s a bucket when hot and can space the floor, which will do wonders for those on the court with him.
Sure, Christie is shooting 25.5% from three on the season on just one attempt per game. But everyone knows how hard it is for players to maintain strong splits when their minutes are inconsistent.
If Tyronn Lue goes about giving Christie reps as he should, as the regular season comes to a close, he will see that the 20-year-old is capable of transforming the Clippers’ second unit into something opponents will look at as a nightmare.
Christie has the perfect dip in his jumper, his release is high, the ball is launched in a matter of seconds, and his feet are squared just as they should be; these are all the keys to a mechanically sound shot, and he has them.
Additionally, while he may be young and only in his second season, Christie understands defensive positioning and when to attack closeouts. This is why he’s much more than a three-point shooter, which only gives the Clippers more firepower.
He displayed it with 17 points at the Phoenix Suns in November, and 16 against the Toronto Raptors in the middle of January.
With everything taken into account, no more time should be wasted. Christie’s number should be called up by Tyronn Lue right away, with under 15 games left on the schedule.