Los Angeles Clippers Sign Josh Smith, Continue Turning Bench Unit From a Weakness To a Strength

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One of the main reasons the Los Angeles Clippers were ousted in the second round of the NBA Playoffs last season by the Houston Rockets was because of their ineffective bench play. Head coach and general manager Doc Rivers clearly made upgrading the second unit a huge priority this offseason and his hard work shows throughout the roster. The Clippers added yet another big piece to their bench on Thursday afternoon by coming to an agreement with free agent forward Josh Smith.

The addition of Smith gives the Clippers one of the most impressive trio of bench players in the league. Los Angeles traded for versatile swingman Lance Stephenson early in the offseason and still have sixth man extraordinaire Jamal Crawford to lead the offensive effort for the bench. Crawford has been rumored to be on the trading block since the Clippers are well over the cap, but don’t be surprised if the shooting guard remains with the team for one more season.

Paul Pierce signed a three-year contract to start at small forward, and the veteran is a major improvement over Matt Barnes. With DeAndre Jordan eventually deciding to return as well, there’s no doubt the Clippers are a much improved team over last season and a real threat to win the Western Conference.

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