LA dismissing Eubanks in highly-desired manner shows utmost confidence in latest add

Drew Eubanks, LA Clippers
Drew Eubanks, LA Clippers | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Before the LA Clippers even went out and brought in Brook Lopez, which was unexpected from the outside looking in, it was almost a guarantee that Drew Eubanks would not make it to the season opener without switching teams.

Eubanks was nothing short of atrocious as a Clipper, and a tiny sample size of games showed head coach Tyronn Lue why he should be utilized for his voice and experience rather than his glass cleaning as a backup behind Ivica Zubac.

In 24 games of playing in red, white, and blue, Eubanks averaged 2.7 points and 2.4 rebounds, shooting 55.1% from the field. He was a much more significant detriment in the playoffs, as he did not drill a single field goal, with all his points coming from free throws, and had just one rebound.

The Clippers could have still entertained the idea of keeping Eubanks as a level of insurance in the third string, just in case he is needed. This would not have been an unreasonable strategy, as his contract next season is not guaranteed.

However, the Clippers have two of the most durable centers in the league, as Zubac and Lopez each played 80 games this season, and neither has had a season with fewer than 65 games in years (Lopez played 13 games in the 2021-22 season). 

As a result, the Clippers immediately processed the waivers on Eubanks and made him a free agent within a day after Lopez signed a two-year, $18 million deal. This meant the front office and coaching staff were sure about their current center rotation, specifically the 17-year veteran.

Drew Eubanks being waived was the desired outcome all along, yet it shows how confident the Clippers are in Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez brings absolutely zero doubt to the LA Clippers, and he has proved himself over the years with his availability of a miraculous eight missed games over the last three seasons. He might be aging, having turned 37 in April, yet his body can still clearly hold up.

Lopez will also have an easier role off the bench next season, as he will not be starting like he did alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, making it probable that he will appear in all 82 games.

Thus, waiving Drew Eubanks, who signed with the Sacramento Kings, was not an issue. Had someone like Kristaps Porziņģis been traded for or Clint Capela been signed, the Clippers could have used the former Utah Jazz as a reserve.