NBA Free Agency: Three Realistic Options for the Clippers
By Jason Reed
Otto Porter Jr.
This one may be a bit of a stretch financially, but Otto Porter to the Los Angeles Clippers would sum up their starting five perfectly. Otto Porter may be asking for a payday that is too much for the Clippers to afford, but if they do manage to open their wallets they would improve immensely at the small forward department.
As of now, Luc Mbah a Moute is the starting small forward. Mbah a Moute isn’t necessarily a bad small forward, but his stats are not very eye-opening and he fits the mold more of a stretch four. With Brandon Bass likely heading out via free agency, Mbah a Moute can transition to a back up power forward and leave an opening at small forward.
This opening could very well be occupied by Porter, who is arguably one of the best young talents in the game. Drafted third overall by the Wizards in 2013, Porter has thrived the last two seasons playing 30 minutes or more.
Averaging 33.7 minutes per game, Porter is averaging a solid 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Not only would he be a good scoring option for the Clippers, he would provide a reasonable defensive upgrade from Mbah a Moute.
Granted, this deal is a long stretch as the Clippers may not be able to fork over the kind of money Porter wants, but if they can afford the deal then Porter should be their first option.