NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: DeAndre Jordan #6 and Austin Rivers #25 of the LA Clippers during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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4. David Nwaba

Avery Bradley is obviously a far more accomplished player than David Nwaba. With that said, Nwaba is a more cost-effective option that more adequately fills the Clippers’ needs on the wing; even if the Clippers retain Bradley though, Nwaba is worth a flyer. He showed some nice flashes for the rebuilding Bulls last season.

Los Angeles is dying for some defensive pedigree on the wing. Last season Danilo Gallinari, Wes Johnson and Sindarius Thornwell took on most of the burden of defending opposing wings. That’s not exactly reassuring. David Nwaba is fierce on the defensive end of the floor, capably guarding three positions. Nwaba is 6-foot-4, but he has a sturdy body frame and a ridiculous 7-foot long wingspan. That length can stifle opposing ball handlers and allows him to bother most three men despite a height disadvantage. Coming off the bench, he could provide some relief for what was a crappy Clippers defense.

Nwaba’s offense is somewhat problematic at this point. He can’t shoot the ball reliably from deep and he’s generally an unwilling shooter. That lack of a deep threat will inevitably precipitate some spacing problems, particularly if he shares the floor with a guy like DeAndre. Unless Nwaba improves his stroke teams won’t guard him on the perimeter. Although his game is limited, he’s not a total zero offensively. Nwaba is a good finisher at the rim and he’s quick enough to get to the basket from time to time. Those skills make him a dangerous player in transition. On a team like the Clippers that has plenty of offensive firepower, Nwaba’s limitations aren’t so damaging.

Nwaba has probably played well enough to receive multiple offers in restricted free agency. Even so, he’s not likely to command a high price. Throwing a few million his way could be a solid investment, especially if he ever develops a jumper.

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