Homegrown stars and role players discovered in undrafted free agency are some of the rarest breeds of talent in the NBA. Most guys drafted or found overseas received unique development based on their skill set and potential.
In 2019, the LA Clippers tested their luck with Amir Coffey, a six-foot-seven wing from the University of Minnesota. He showed sparks of a potent ceiling, and the Clippers wanted to be first in line to sign him on a two-way contract after going undrafted.
During the first two seasons of Coffey's time with the Clippers, he developed while remaining ready for head coach Tyronn Lue to call him up. This was when the former Minnesota Gopher improved his jump shot to perfection.
Injuries beat the Clippers the following year, and the younger guys needed to fill the shoes. Coffey, being on a two-way contract, had moved up the ladder and would be played upon Lue's observation.
He ended the year averaging 9.0 points in 22.7 minutes, shooting 37.8% from three. In July of 2022, Coffey was rewarded with a three-year, $11 million deal.
A few years later(2024-25), Coffey posted the most prominent statistical season of his career. However, because of advanced metrics and his recent performances, executive Lawrence Frank may choose to move on rather than offer him a long-term salary.
Amir Coffey's defense and recent slump are reasons why the LA Clippers will move on
Despite being undrafted in 2019, Coffey has shined as one of the best wing long-range shooters in the NBA. This has boosted the LA Clippers, who have been in the bottom five in three-pointers attempted.
Furthermore, in 63 games, Coffey has averaged 10.1 points and 2.3 rebounds, with a 40.7 three-point percentage in 25.6 minutes. He can score in other ways, such as transition, but the veteran is most effective from beyond the arc.
Conversely, Coffey has stamped a net rating of -1.4 through 63 games. Though this is bad enough, he has had an offensive rating of 109.4 and a defensive rating of 121.9 in his last ten, which equates to a net of -12.5.
Additionally, Coffey has recorded 8.8 points in this span, shooting 29.0% from the three-point line.
As he is already a below-average defender, Coffey's worst nightmare is to enter a shooting slump. This weakens his argument to be re-signed, backing up why he will likely not return for the Clippers next season.