When the dreams of potentially winning a championship turned into factuality, the LA Clippers pushed everything aside and locked eyes with the Larry O’Brien trophy. This mindset is why the front office shipped away a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for an MVP candidate in Paul George.
Although George recently departed LA, history proves how far the Clippers are willing to go to win a ring. This is an excellent sign from the front office, as they have the ideal mentality to carve their names into the record book.
However, one of the only downsides that occur in the process of contending for a title is the development of draft picks. If they are not an immediate match, numerous draftees are sent to the G-League due to a crowded rotation.
Furthermore, one of the players the Clippers gave up on too soon appears to be former second-round pick Brandon Boston Jr.
In the summer, the Clippers’ front office declined his qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. This led him to sign with San Antonio in early August. He was eventually waived by the Spurs and signed by the Pelicans on a two-way contract.
As New Orleans has suffered countless injuries, Boston Jr. received the call to play and instantly thrived in extended action. This has left the Clippers in awe, as he has grown into a rotational piece for head coach Willie Green and the Pelicans.
The Clippers wish they could turn back time and hold on to Brandon Boston Jr.
With the LA Clippers, Brandon Boston Jr. was never in a role to present what he could do offensively. He indeed scored the ball for head coach Tyronn Lue, but it was usually at the end of games after the winner was already decided.
As a Clipper, Boston Jr. averaged 6.2 points in 12.9 minutes, shooting 39.6% from the floor and 31.3% from long range. Conversely, Boston Jr. made sure to fill the Clippers’ front office with regret once he earned minutes in New Orleans.
In 36 games this season, the young prodigy has posted 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on a career-high true shooting percentage of 53.6.
Moreover, Boston Jr. appears calm with the basketball and has comprehended how to fly past a defender to score where he is comfortable. This is where the Clippers should have been more patient, as he is soaring for a Western Conference rival.
That said, the Clippers should use Boston Jr. as a lesson for the future. They need to allow their rising stars to develop and promise an opportunity for serious playing time. If a player does not belong, the front office must think twice before making a transaction.