Clippers 2015 Offseason Signings

Along with a new logo and court, the Clippers signed a number of very solid players this offseason. Overall, I would say the Clippers' offseason was stronger than any other NBA team (yes I said it Spurs fans).

Deandre Jordan
Starting Center Deandre Jordan was ultimately re-signed by the Clippers despite a series of talks with the Dallas Mavericks (and a verbal agreement) which DJ turned his back on to return to the Clippers after talking with Chris Paul, Doc Rivers and Steve Ballmer. This lead to a flurry of comments about DJ's integrity from Chandler Parsons, Mark Cuban and several other Mavs players and staff. But I will point out that Jordan didn't break any rules and the Mavericks probably should not have based their entire offseason on Deandre simply saying he would sign without any obligation to do so. Deandre's contract is a hefty $87 million 4 year deal, which is probably worth it (especially when the new salary cap comes into play next offseason).

Austin Rivers
The explosive guard who shone off the bench during the playoffs last season re-signed with the Clippers for a 2 year deal. Jordan and Rivers were the only players re-signed by the Clippers this offseason.

With Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan all having around $20 million a year contracts and a few other fairly large contracts, there was not a lot of cap room for the Clippers to sign more free agents. However they still managed to sign a number of solid players.

Paul Pierce

The veteran small forward was signed for $10.5 million over 3 years. 'The Truth' is far from his glory days of finals MVP in 2008 as a celtic, but the 10-time all star had a series of clutch performances for the wizards last offseason including several buzzer beaters. It is unclear whether or not he will fill the Matt Barnes shaped hole in the starting five or not.

Cole Aldrich

The 6'11" center signed for a 2-year $2 million contract and filled a back-up center role which appeared after Hawes was traded and Udoh wasn't re-signed. He hasn't looked particularly impressive in training so far, but he will provide Jordan with some well needed rest this season when he comes off the bench.

Josh Smith
J-Smoove is far from his impressive days at Atlanta and a painful experience in Detroit led to him being waived by the Pistons before a strong season performance in Houston. Hopefully he can channel his recent Rockets performances (or maybe even some Hawks ones) into a strong back-up stretch four for Blake Griffin.

Branden Dawson
Not much to say about Dawson, another back-up big (6'7'', so too short for a center, but fine for a power forward). He was drafted 56th by New Orleans this draft and the Clippers bought him from them. He played very well in the summer league, so could really provide for the time coming off the bench.

Luc Mbah a Moute

The power forward signed a 1-year $1 million contract. He could provide some solid production coming off the bench for Blake Griffin. Another solid pick up for the bench.

Wesley Johnson

The former 4th overall pick will have to adapt to playing on a strong, championship contender for once. It is still unclear whether he or Pierce will take the starting small forward role. Either way, he should provide some value for the team (especially for the 2-year $1 million a year contract).

Pablo Prigioni
The argentine/italian guard was signed for a 1-year $1 million contract. He will likely not see many minutes over Paul and Rivers, unless there are some injuries (fingers crossed there won't be).

Chuck Hayes
The veteran big man could provide some rest for Jordan and Griffin coming off the bench, even though he is fairly undersized (6'6'').

Lance Stephenson
As I have mentioned in previous posts, during the offseason, the Clippers traded Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes for Lance Stephenson. This was possibly a risky move. Lance had a great season two seasons ago with the pacers averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4.5 assists, but then had a rather poor season with the hornets. Last season he averaged only 8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists. The Clippers are clearly counting on him having a bounce back season and if he does, he could seriously help the team from his likely bench role.


Stay tuned for my preseason review of the Clippers where I will cover the likely starting five, title chances, bench depth and more.