The 2019 NBA free agency class presents one of the best groups of collective talents that the league’s had. This class includes Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, and (top-10 PG) Kemba Walker among others. But, with this free agency class comes all the rumors and speculation as to where these top players will sign.
If these players do prefer a change in scenery, the Knicks and Lakers have been among the most talked about and probable destinations. Another team that’s been thrown into the mix: the Los Angeles Clippers. If this season has proved anything, it’s that the Clippers are, in fact, the best team in Los Angeles. This Clippers team is currently sixth in the tough Western Conference, and that’s without the use of a “superteam.”
For many reasons to be highlighted throughout this article, I believe the Clippers ARE the top destination for free agents this summer, or at least, it should be. The Clippers are a playoff team with no imminent star in sight. And, for more reasons than one, a player of Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving’s caliber should most definitely look at joining this promising squad.
New Players, Same Winning Formula
The Clippers have been one of the more active teams in the NBA this season. At the trade deadline, they sent PF Tobias Harris, C Boban Marjanovic, and PF Mike Scott to Philadelphia. They also sent SG Avery Bradley to the Grizzlies and C Mike Muscala to the Lakers.
In exchange for all of these players, the Clippers received a multitude of fresh players. These players included PF Wilson Chandler, PG Landry Shamet, PF JaMychal Green, SG Garrett Temple, PF Michael Beasley, C Ivica Zubac, two first round picks, and two second round picks.
The Clippers obviously were active this season, to say the least. If their recent success is any indication, these trades will have worked out for them beautifully. And that, in itself, makes the Clippers an attractive free agent destination. The Clippers, prior to the NBA trade deadline, had an overall record of 30-26. With these new additions, the Clippers are 16-5 and a clinched playoff berth. Six new players and the trading of their best player still didn’t prevent the Clippers from making it into the postseason.
Elite, Experienced Roster
Unlike other talked about free agent destinations such as the Lakers and Knicks, the Clippers actually have a polished, winning roster. SG Lou Williams has always been one of the best sixth men in the NBA. This season alone, Williams is averaging 20.3 points in 27 minutes and is very well considered to many as the team’s best player. Williams, who’s in his 15th year, gives the team the veteran leadership that it needs.
The Clippers also have veteran SF Danilo Gallinari, who’s having a career year in both scoring (19.8 PPG) and rebounding (6.0 REB). To round out the potent veterans on this squad, the Clippers also have PG Patrick Beverley who’s one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
Young Bucks
On the flip slide, the Clippers also have their fair of young players. Ivica Zubac (22), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (20), and Landry Shamet (22) are all part of this prominent young core who’ve been contributing just as much to the Clippers’ success as the previously aforementioned veterans. If that’s not enough, the Clippers also have 25-year-old PF Montrezl Harrel who’s also been a crucial part of the Clippers puzzle. Averaging 16.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, Harrell has risen to be a candidate for Most Improved Player.
But, why mention all of these Clippers players? What this shows us is that the Clippers have balance. The Knicks and Lakers are filled with young talent that their respective front offices just expect to click with the additions of these star free agents. Not the Clippers. I mentioned before that the Clippers already have a winning formula. They also, as seen here, have a roster that compliments any star free agent that comes their way.
Imagine Lou Williams as a second or even third option to a star free agent to add to this already successful squad. This is a key component as to what separates the Clippers from other teams looking to make a splash in free agency. They’ve already built a foundation for a winning squad. The addition of a marquee free agent is the only missing piece.
Top-Flight Head Coach
I’m a strong advocate for coaching, and I do believe they affect players greatly. If you’re a top free agent, wouldn’t you want a coach with a strong winning pedigree? Doc Rivers provides just that. Rivers, the current coach of the Clippers, has notched 12 straight seasons with at least a .500 record, including this year. Rivers has coached some of the league’s best and has proven to be one of the better head coaches in the league.
Why would a top free agent want to go to the Knicks or the Lakers where there are unproven coaches? Lakers HC Luke Walton literally led Los Angeles to their demise as soon as LeBron went down with a groin injury on Christmas Day. Yes, Walton is young, but if we know anything about the mentioned players, it’s that they want to win.
They shouldn’t want to be coached by someone who has no winning pedigree and/or experiences when the bright lights are on. In regards to the Knicks, David Fizdale was a reliable Assistant Coach in Miami and an above average Head Coach in Memphis. However, success still isn’t there.
That leads us back to Doc Rivers. The Clippers were projected by multiple outlets to win only 33 games. Rivers banded them together and got them back into the playoffs.
The LeBron Effect
There have been multiple reports that some of these key free agents are going to reject going to the Lakers. A huge reason behind this might just be LeBron James. If I’m them, why wouldn’t I want to play with the best player in the world? Simply because I have much more to prove in the league. This is what I think drives these players away from the Lakers.
Besides the fact that the roster is virtually not up to snuff, LeBron automatically makes you a second option. Some of these players such as Kevin Durant know, or at least think, they’re the best player as well. Along with that, Kevin Durant also made previous comments regarding how much press is surrounded around being on a team with LeBron. Although it made LeBron unhappy, it does make complete sense.
This brings us back to the Clippers. Los Angeles is already an appealing place. If LeBron and his star power are going to draw you away, why not go to the Lakers counterpart and the better Los Angeles team? As I alluded to before, the Clippers traded away the closest thing they had to a star. This leaves a place for a Durant, Irving, or Butler to slide in and have the spotlight on them.
Rounding It Out
Considering all factors, the Clippers are the best landing spot for upcoming free agents. From Patrick Beverley to Jerry West to Doc Rivers, this organization gives these soon-to-be free agents the chance to contend immediately. With a strong roster, great coach, and great weather, L.A should be massively considered by some of the world’s best.