Report: Los Angeles Clippers interested in signing Chris Wilcox

In recent weeks, reports about troubled big man Lamar Odom potentially signing with Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers have been swirling in various degrees. Some reports have had it as a near-lock that Odom will be playing in LA, while others have more modest expectations. However, in the event that the size-starved Clips can’t lock down Odom to a contract (or if he simply can’t play), ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting a “backup plan” for the franchise (via ESPN.com).

"Lamar Odom remains the leading candidate to be signed by the Los Angeles Clippers to fill the opening they have in their frontcourt rotation.By far.But there’s at least one other known name on the Clippers’ list behind Odom in terms of potential in-season signees: Chris Wilcox."

If it seems like a massive drop-off from Odom to Wilcox, that’s because it probably is. The 31-year-old Wilcox has played in the league for a long time (he debuted in 2002-2003 after coming out of Maryland), but it has been a long time since he was a double-digit scorer with the Seattle Supersonics (yes, that franchise) back in the early 2000’s.

On the bright side, Wilcox did shoot nearly 72% from the field during a 61-game stint with Boston last season (where he played for Doc Rivers), and he has always rebounded wherever he has gone. However, he’s never been known as a defensive stopper (to be kind) and his once outstanding athleticism has noticeably waned as his career has progressed.

I’m not positive that either Odom or Wilcox will help what ails the Clippers, but it does seem like Doc and company are heart-set on grabbing one of the two.