When it comes to Bennedict Mathurin, the LA Clippers have nearly every reason in the book to bring him back. He’s young, at just 23 years old, can score at a level the Clippers’ bench needs, and has the kind of athleticism that makes him a perfect complement to Darius Garland. However, despite all of the good, there is bad: he will be owed heavy minutes. Mathurin won’t be re-signed to play minimally, and that’s something that could really affect Keaton Wagler’s development in the backcourt.
The worst part? Once the toll is taken on Wagler, there’s no reversing it. And as one might expect, this is a nightmare the front office must avoid at all costs, as he was just drafted as the fifth overall pick.
So, on the market, it is in the Clippers', and particularly Wagler’s, best interest to let someone else have Mathurin. LA will have the chance to match whatever he’s offered, yet regardless of what it is, Wagler's is now the priority.
Re-signing Mathurin would directly limit Wagler’s time on the court
Although a year at the start of a player’s career in the pros is crucial, the first few are, by far, the most. This is the period when they are rapidly growing, and any disruption is likely to have long-term consequences.
So, the LA Clippers need to be extremely cautious with how they go about Keaton Wagler’s beginnings in the NBA.
He needs the utmost time, attention, and care, especially if the Clippers see him as a future superstar in the league and someone they can build their entire franchise around.
And, if Mathurin is re-signed, the Clippers will have one too many playable, experienced point guards on the roster.
For context, the Clippers currently have Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Gradey Dick, Wagler, and Kobe Sanders.
Throw Mathurin in the mix, and there’s absolutely no way Wagler’s rookie year will pan out in the ideal fashion.
Now, they could move players around, like Sanders to the four-spot and Dick to small forward, but that would create a size disadvantage, which will lead to other, bigger problems.
So, the best way to avoid trouble and provide Wagler with what he needs to succeed is to say goodbye to Mathurin. Though It’ll be difficult, no doubt, as he is a special young talent, there is far too much at stake, and the Clippers must not slip up.
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