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) /

4 of 6

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Montrezl Harrell

The former Louisville man ended up being one of the best pieces that the Clippers received in the CP3 trade. Harrell soaked up most of the minutes for Los Angeles at the backup five spot last season. Though he’s undersized standing a little over 6’7, Montrezl makes up for his lack of height with sheer length. He possess an intimidating 7’4 wingspan, which enables him to play the five effectively.

Harrell’s game is fairly simple, but also effective. He is the consummate energy guy, coming off the bench and working his tail off on both ends of the floor. Montrezl’s athleticism and fantastic finishing at the rim make him an ideal dive man in the pick and roll. When he gets to the rim, Harrell rarely misses; he has converted a superb 74 percent of his shots within three feet throughout his career. In 2018, Harrell posted a ridiculous 1.4 points per possession as a roll man. That mark ranked third in the entire NBA. He developed an especially explosive chemistry with Lou Williams in such actions.

Beyond having legit gravity as a roller, Harrell has a few other tricks in his bag on offense. He’s efficient in the tricky floater range area (three-ten feet), frequently launching crafty flip shots from when his path to the rim is impeded. In terms of offensive rebounding Harrell is adequate, but he’s not an absolute killer on the glass.

On defense, Harrell’s quickness and length render him well-suited to play in switch-heavy schemes. He’s just quick enough laterally to stick with most ball handlers and deny penetration. And Montrezl’s long arms make it tough for guys to pull up on him off the dribble. Conventional pick and roll coverage is a bit tougher for Harrell to handle though. He doesn’t really bother guys at the rim.

Harrell will be a restricted free agent in July, so the Clippers can match any offer that comes his way. His market doesn’t project to be particularly robust, which benefits Los Angeles. Montrezl is definitely a guy that the Clippers should consider bringing back on a long-term deal. He will likely available for a few million per season, making him an affordable option at backup center moving forward.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers