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) /

5 of 6

(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. James Ennis

Ennis is another (relatively) cheap option that the Clippers could look to in order to solidify the wing rotation. Much like David Nwaba, Ennis isn’t the type of acquisition that would inspire a ton of buzz or hope among fans. But he can fill Los Angeles’ desperate need for solid defense on the wing.

He’s not the most reliable 3-and-D guy but Ennis is, at the very worst, a reasonable facsimile. The defensive component of that coveted NBA archetype is certainly there for Ennis the Menace (one of the more underrated nicknames in the league). At 6’7 he has a wingspan that’s nearly 7-feet long and he weighs a solid 210 pounds. That’s the kind of physique that you want defending opposing forwards. Though Ennis isn’t some kind of lockdown defender, he has the size, length and quickness to hold up across multiple positions on defense. He’s inconsistent at times, but he would still be the best option that the Clippers have.

Offensively, Ennis has an uncomplicated game. He’s a dependent player that needs help from teammates to get good shots. That’s exactly what the Clippers need on a team that already has numerous creators and high usage guys. Most of Ennis’ shots come are catch and shoot looks from deep; he has attempted 40 percent of his career shots from 3-point land and has converted those shots at a 36 percent rate. Although his jumper can get a bit streaky, Ennis is a willing and capable long range shooter. Teams can’t abandon him on the perimeter, which would make Ennis a substantial upgrade over a guy like Wes Johnson.

Ennis would be a great fit for this Clippers roster. Plugging him into the rotation for 20-25 minutes per game could. In terms of cost, Ennis should be attainable at a reasonable price. His skill set is coveted around the league, but his limited offensive game will likely depress his market. If he’s available at the taxpayer MLE level, the Clippers could throw him a multi-year deal without affecting their 2019 space all that much.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers