Close Article Return to stream X
NBA •

Fixing the Los Angeles Clippers This Offseason In 5 Easy Steps

+Read full article
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Fixing the Los Angeles Clippers This Offseason in 5 Easy Steps

chris paul
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, another year with high expectations for the Los Angeles Clippers, and once again, another year of the Clippers not meeting those expectations. Their playoff woes have people questioning if the Clippers can ever get it done. If the Clippers want to prove that they can legitimately contend for an NBA championship, there are some moves the team must make in the 2015 offseason. Here's what the Clippers need to do this summer.

5. Improve Perimeter Defense

lance stephenson
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Improve Perimeter Defense

lance stephenson
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest weaknesses for Los Angeles is their perimeter defense. The Clippers have already taken a huge step in the right direction by agreeing to trade Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets for defensive stopper Lance Stephenson. While his offensive game is limited, his presence is an immediate upgrade defensively. Stephenson also adds an element of toughness that the Clippers need.

4. Sign Paul Pierce

paul pierce
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

4. Sign Paul Pierce

paul pierce
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This is obviously contingent on whether or not Pierce opts out of his contract with the Washington Wizards, but this would be a huge pickup for the Clippers. Not only does he bring another scorer to the lineup, but he brings a championship pedigree. Pierce is a guy who gives his all every night out and is willing to give an arm and a leg to win. Los Angeles doesn't have that championship mentality right now, but Pierce can bring it out of them.

3. Re-Sign DeAndre Jordan

deandre jordan
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Re-Sign DeAndre Jordan

deandre jordan
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

This is arguably the most important move that the Clippers could make this offseason. Jordan is the driving force of Los Angeles' defensive efforts, and he was also ranked second in the NBA in rebounds. He's a model of consistency -- you know what you're getting from him every night. If giving him the max contract is what it takes to retain him, then that's what the Clippers need to do. Without Jordan, Los Angeles takes a step back.

2. Re-Sign Austin Rivers

austin rivers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. Re-Sign Austin Rivers

austin rivers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Rivers may not be the ideal backup point for the Clippers, but in the playoffs, Rivers showed flashes of what he is capable of. If he can perform well for anyone, it'll most likely be for his dad. Rivers is a young, athletic player who does not lack confidence. Another year behind Chris Paul could do wonders.

1. Add Another Big Man

glen davis
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

1. Add Another Big Man

glen davis
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Once DeAndre Jordan is re-signed, the Clippers have some more work to do in the frontcourt. Glen 'Big Baby' Davis and Spencer Hawes didn't get it done for Los Angeles when they were most needed. Hawes was traded away, so Davis may need to be retained. The Clippers should also look at other free agent options, including Ed Davis, Brandon Bass and Kosta Koufos.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Watch Clippers' Redick Hit Amazing Buzzer-Beater To Beat Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers knew where the ball was going on the final play and did a tremendous job of forcing J.J. Redick into a tough shot. Unfortunately, Redick one of the best shooters in the league, and he canned the jumper at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles Clippers a much-needed victory.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Clippers' Austin Rivers Brutally Rejected By Rim On Dunk Attempt

There's always something that can be learned from making a mistake. For Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers, it's important he understands he mustn't ever attempt to dunk a basketball in an NBA game ever again after this massive rim rejection. I'm sure his father, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, will have a talk with him about this unfortunate scenario.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

LeBron James Loses His Mind After Kyrie Irving Nails Epic Three

The Cleveland Cavaliers made mincemeat out of the Los Angeles Clippers in their own building on Sunday, defeating Doc Rivers' bunch by a score of 114-90. Along the way, Kyrie Irving nailed an incredibly difficult three with a hand in his face and ultimately fell to the hardwood. Teammate LeBron James couldn't believe it and lost his ever-loving mind afterward.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA•

5 Players Who Won't Be Back With Clippers Next Season

Breaking News

The Los Angeles Clippers are not on the level of San Antonio or Golden State, but those two teams are in a league of their own. The Clippers' future isn't as bright as some other contenders; in fact, their championship window is small. The man in charge, Doc Rivers, has made it clear that if his team comes up short again he won't hesitate to make a drastic trade. These are five players who won't be back in 2016-17.
Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Thunder vs. Clippers Produces Brutal, Four-Turnover Sequence

When NBA basketball is being played poorly, it can be sickening. This was the case for a brief sequence on Wednesday night during Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers, as the two teams traded turnovers for an incredibly weird minute of ball.

Comment 0 Comments