3 players the Clippers need to be eyeing this offseason
2. Power Forward/Center - Xavier Tillman Sr.
Although Joe Mazzulla has navigated the Boston Celtics to an unreal 76-20 record entering the Finals, his misuse of Xaiver Tillman Sr. has been appalling. The 25-year-old big will never jump off the screen offensively. Although improving his spacing has been a priority, likely for self-preservation, it hasn't clicked yet. On the low block, he can use his mammoth frame to garner positioning, which features a baby hook with varying success levels.
Tillman strives defensively, where, although he's undersized at 6'8, he makes up for it with raw tenacity. He's more nimble than he'll get credit for, and he has succeeded against much more talented foes. Last season, he stifled Anthony Davis multiple times during a playoff series, which was a major reason the series stretched to six games.
He projects more as a backup center but has an intriguing upside. Even though he's been unable to surpass Luke Kornet in Boston's rotation, he's still been able to work for one of the premier player development organizations in sports. Getting a player at his lowest value, despite noticeable upside, is the type of gamble the Clippers need to take.
3. Small Forward/Power Forward - Derrick Jones Jr.
The fact that Derrick Jones Jr. is a vital role player on a title team is absurd. Coming out of UNLV, it was clear he was an athletic specimen who could jump out of the gym and be active on the glass. The problem is that the rest of his game never developed, and he was known purely as an electric dunker.
After bouncing around some rebuilding situations, he landed in Dallas, where, at 27, he had a complete career revival. Since February, he's gone up a level, becoming a much more impactful defender and making all the hustle plays needed to win. He's a streaky shooter at best, but he has nailed enough timely threes to warrant hope for the future.
Jones plays with energy severely lacking in the Clippers' aging roster. His recent success will bump his price tag, but it shouldn't exceed the MLE. He's a cheap option who can give this team a different look and help inject a different pace into the lineup.