Let’s help Doc Rivers work through trade options
By Ryne Prinz
After a bit of a disappointing start to the season, the Clippers are looking to make an early change. Last week, Yahoo’s Marc Spears reported that Los Angeles is interested in trading Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson, who were both acquired in the offseason. Sure, it’s odd that GM and head coach Doc Rivers would want to move these two, considering that they have both contributed thus far this season. Smith is averaging 14.1 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes, and Stephenson is scoring 9.6 points per 36 minutes and shooting a career-high 40.6 percent from beyond the arc, according the Basketball Reference.
Whether we like it or not, these trades may happen. If so, we might as well help Doc find valuable players for whom he could trade for. Rivers is notorious for pursuing guys that have played for him in his days as Boston’s head coach or who are close to him (Austin Rivers). With that in mind, let’s play Assistant GM with the help of ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine.
Grizzlies receive Lance Stephenson, Clippers receive Jeff Green
I’m not entirely sure this solves any of the Clippers persisting problems. Both players are athletic wings who have had their inconsistencies. Lance has been shooting much better from three so far this season, which is crucial for the Clippers offense. Jeff Green has the potential to play the 4 in small ball situations, especially against the Warriors, and has thrown down some nasty jams over his career. Yet, Lance seems to be a better fit on this Clippers team, and Doc needs to give him more time — Lance is averaging less minutes per game than Austin Rivers — to see production.
Pelicans receive Josh Smith, Clippers receive Kendrick Perkins
Unfortunately, Josh Smith and Perkins aren’t able to to be traded until December 15th since they were signed as a free agents this summer, so the ol’ Trade Machine won’t allow me to input them. However, both Perk and Smoove were signed at the veterans minimum, so their salaries would allow for an easy exchange. In terms of basketball sense, this could be, uh, fun? The Pellies don’t really have a need for a power forward, considering they have the future of basketball starting at the four. J-Smoove throwing lobs to the Brow has the potential to be incredible though. Perk would look great on the Clippers bench and could accompany Paul Pierce as the locker room leaders the Clippers have lacked. Everyone loves some Kendrick Perkins.
Grizzlies receive Lance Stephenson, Clippers receive Courtney Lee and Tony Allen
ANOTHER GRIZZLIES TRADE! It’s a literal two-for-one. Both Courtney Lee and Tony Allen played for Doc back in Boston at one time or another, so they fit that criteria. And these two would actually help LA. Lee has been a formidable shooter for his entire career, and Allen would certainly help the Clippers’ 18th-ranked defense. Would Memphis accept this trade? Probably not, but it’s worth a try!
Heat receive Josh Smith, Clippers receive Gerald Green
Again, both players signed the veterans minimum over the offseason, so they aren’t able to be traded just yet. But once December 15th comes, this deal still probably shouldn’t happen. The Clippers already have a gunner in Jamal Crawford, and Miami has a flock of bigs on their roster. However, Josh Smith and Josh McRoberts shredding second units with passes would be awesome.
Somehow, someway, Clippers receive Randy Wittman
Hear me out here. Doc and Randy were teammates in Atlanta during the 80s. During that time on the Hawks, Wittman was an excellent shooter inside the 3-point line. And according to SB Nation’s Jake Whitacre, the old guy can still play. The Clippers are pretty desperate, right?
Listen, Doc. I don’t think these two are the problem. It normally takes time for new players to assimilate into the flow of a team. Chris Paul has missed five games already, and Blake Griffin looks exhausted by the end of games. Eventually, you’re going to have to trust the role players to maintain or advance leads. Or you could trade Austin. I don’t know.
(Yes it is now past December 15, but the bad editor man, Jack, got this piece up late. So please pretend it is still before December 15, which is when Ryne actually wrote this piece. Besides, all his points still stand.)