Not long ago, the LA Clippers reportedly showed interest in DeMar DeRozan, a three-time All-Star. Did the fit make sense on the current roster? No. But the Clippers’ front office has always been notorious for going after cost-effective veterans in the later stages of their careers, such as Russell Westbrook, John Wall, and Rajon Rondo.
Well, come to find out, according to Jake Fischer, the Sacramento Kings bringing up the idea of DeRozan coming off the bench was a sensitive topic. Had the Clippers seriously pursued him, this would’ve been a problem in the locker room, as the veteran wing would be best as a sixth man, which is a role he certainly wouldn’t have liked.
For what it’s worth, the Kings likely waived DeRozan because the two sides couldn’t agree. That’s how serious things got.
Clipper Nation is in joy knowing DeRozan is all but confirmed to be out of the picture
The report that the LA Clippers were interested in DeMar DeRozan surfaced before Kawhi Leonard was dealt to the Toronto Raptors. Now, of course, with Leonard gone, assuming the deal still goes through, and with the front office drafting Keaton Wagler, who is supposed to be a building block for the future, the Clippers have no reason in the book to pursue DeRozan on the open market.
And, in all honesty, fans of the Clippers all over the world couldn’t be any happier.
Based on the words from Jake Fischer, DeRozan does not have the mindset the Clippers would prefer. Tyronn Lue has a track record of sending veterans and rising young talents, like Russell Westbrook and Bones Hyland, to the bench, and if the 36-year-old has a problem with doing the same, he doesn’t belong on the team. It's that simple.
That’s the type of player the Clippers have no business in rostering, even if it’s on a contract as short as just one season, worth the veteran minimum.
Additionally, DeRozan’s biggest flaw, three-point shooting, is one that could hold the Clippers back tremendously. He’s never been good from beyond the arc, and under Lue’s discretion, over time, that’s a one-way trip to having a seat on the sidelines indefinitely.
That said, DeRozan on the Clippers would’ve been problematic, to say the least. On the court, there are obvious concerns about his fit, and off the court, the issue seems much bigger.
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