Los Angeles Clippers Should Sign Javale McGee
By Pablo Jacobo
The Los Angeles Clippers have not missed a beat since Blake Griffin went down. Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan have kept the team afloat and now sit fifth in the tough Western Conference. The Clips are 7-3 without Griffin in the lineup.
The Clippers are poised to make a run in the remaining 21 games. Griffin is set to return to the court as early as Sunday. During this stretch Jordan played heavy minutes for Los Angeles and each minute was necessary. DeAndre put on some brilliant performances that perhaps solidified his status for defensive player of the year.
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L.A. would like to avoid another injury and Doc Rivers may start thinking of cutting minutes down a bit, especially someone as crucial as Jordan. The Clippers stood pat at the trade deadline and have since struck out in the buyout market. The Clippers were spurned by Josh Smith, Amare Stoudemire and Kendrick Perkins. Hopefuls Kevin Garnett and Tayshaun Prince were traded away thus eliminating them from a possible buyout.
The Philadelphia 76ers bought out Javale McGee on Sunday. He was awarded all of his remaining salary this year and his 12 million for next year. McGee has cleared waivers and is free to sign with any team he wants.
The Clippers should strongly consider taking a flyer on the 7-foot athletic big man. Los Angeles is thin upfront and need some reinforcements. Spencer Hawes and Glen Davis have been unimpressive this season, Griffin could suffer a setback or heaven forbid, Jordan picks up an injury.
The Clippers should strongly consider taking a flyer on the 7-foot athletic big man.
McGee would add another shot-blocking presence in the paint while Jordan takes some rest. He’s also a tremendous rebounder. He can potentially do the dirty work similar to what Jordan does for the team. McGee needs someone with strong leadership to get the best out of him. Coach Rivers and CP3 fit the mold of having a strong enough presence to put him in a position to succeed.
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Hard to believe the 27-year-old has been in the league for six years. He has always been in a non-winning environment. His lack of maturity prevented him to realize his full potential. McGee has stated that he wants to be part of a winning culture. The Clippers can offer him playing time and a chance to compete for a title. Los Angeles could help the seven-footer further develop his game. The Clippers boast a squad that will allow the athletic big man do what he does best, rebound and block shots.
It’s a huge gamble for this playoff bound team to sign McGee. The reward could be high if he pans out. McGee may not be the name the front office wanted in the first place, but they need to sign him at least as an insurance policy. Another potential injury could be devastating to the Clippers title hopes.