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Emoni Bates Cam Christie hits six 3-pointers, scores 22 points
Sun, Jul 21, 2024, 10:14 AM
Cam Christie played 28 minutes in Sunday's 99-98 loss to the Grizzlies, amassing 22 points (7-of-13 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and six 3-pointers.
Analysis: Christie saved his best summer league performance for last, hitting six 3-pointers and scoring 22 points in the one-point semifinal defeat. In four games, the rookie averaged 8.8 points on 31.6% shooting from the field, with 3-point production (2.3 per game) being where he provided the most value. While he faces longer odds of cracking the Clippers' regular season rotation than Jordan Miller, who scored 28 on Sunday, Christie is an intriguing prospect for the future. He turns 19 on July 24, making him one of the youngest rookies in this class. Fantasy managers should not expect too much from Christie as a rookie, but he's worth selecting in dynasty leagues. |
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Jordan Miller Jordan Miller scores 28 points in semifinal loss
Sun, Jul 21, 2024, 10:08 AM
Jordan Miller finished Sunday's 99-98 loss to the Grizzlies with 28 points (8-of-14 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), two rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, and four 3-pointers in 26 minutes.
Analysis: The only thing that could stop Miller on Sunday was foul trouble, which may have been why the Clippers failed to advance to Monday's championship game. The 2023 second-round pick continued his exemplary play in Las Vegas with another standout showing on Sunday afternoon, but he fouled out with 4:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. A Kobe Brown missed free throw with two seconds remaining proved to be the difference, but this was an unfortunate end to an excellent week for Miller. He made it clear early in summer league that the goal was to crack the Clippers' rotation once the regular season begins. If he can carry his summer performance into training camp, Tyronn Lue will have a decision to make. |
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Kobe Brown Kobe Brown scores game-high 22 points vs. Utah
Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 6:14 PM
Kobe Brown led the Clippers with 22 points (7-of-14 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), four rebounds, six assists and one block in a 105-88 win over the Jazz on Thursday.
Analysis: Brown didn't see the floor much during his rookie season, but he has played well as the star of the Clippers' Summer League squad. He is averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as they've started the summer 4-0. Having lost Paul George to the 76ers, the Clippers may turn to Brown to take on more minutes this upcoming season. If he is able to play a consistent role, he may be able to provide some value in deeper leagues. |
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Kris Dunn Kris Dunn signing three-year deal with Clippers
Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 9:58 AM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
According to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, Dunn's sign-and-trade deal is worth $17 million. Utah will get Russell Westbrook, a second-round pick swap, and cash in return.
Analysis: Dunn will get a chance to serve as James Harden's primary backup. His primary value comes from his defense and he averaged just 5.4 points per game last season despite 32 starts in 66 games. He'll provide some much-needed backcourt depth but likely won't provide much fantasy production. |
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Russell Westbrook LAC working with Westbrook to find âbetter fit'
Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 10:57 AM
Law Murray on Twitter
Clippers team president Lawrence Frank said on Monday that the team is working with Russell Westbrook's agent to see if there may be a âbetter fitâ elsewhere in the NBA.
Analysis: Westbrook opted into the final season of his contract at the start of free agency, but that move did not guarantee that he'll remain with the Clippers. Law Murray of The Athletic reported as much in late June, and on Monday, Frank said the team was working with Westbrook's agent to see if there could be a better fit for the veteran point guard elsewhere. With James Harden being re-signed, remaining in Los Angeles would likely result in Westbrook falling out of the rotation. That would not be good for his already low fantasy value. |
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Jordan Miller Jordan Miller scores 21 points in win over Nets
Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 12:07 PM
Jordan Miller finished Sunday's 87-78 win over Brooklyn with 21 points (4-of-12 FGs, 13-of-13 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 29 minutes.
Analysis: Miller showed up in Las Vegas with a desire to show the Clippers he deserves a shot at rotation minutes, and he's played exceptionally well through two games. After scoring 36 points on Friday, he put up 21 more on Sunday and is now 21-of-21 from the foul line. Miller is on a two-way contract for next season, but he's likely sparked a conversation among Clippers decision-makers with his play through two games in Las Vegas. |
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Kobe Brown Kobe Brown finishes win with 13 points, six boards
Sun, Jul 14, 2024, 12:02 PM
Law Murray on Twitter
Kobe Brown logged 27 minutes in Sunday's win over the Nets, finishing with 13 points (5-of-7 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Having failed to crack the Clippers' rotation as a rookie, Brown is looking to change that in 2024-25. He made the most of his opportunities on the offensive end of the floor; the 2023 first-round pick's combination of strength and athleticism makes him a tough cover in the half-court. While the Clippers addressed Paul George's exit by signing Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, there could be room for Brown on the back end of the rotation. One area he'll need to address is defending without fouling, but the Clippers have asked Brown to take on a variety of assignments in Las Vegas. That approach should pay dividends once the season begins. |
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Jordan Miller Jordan Miller goes off for 36 points vs. Nuggets
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 3:07 AM
Jordan Miller finished Friday's 88-78 win over the Nuggets with 36 points (11-of-18 FGs, 8-of-8 FTs), five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and six 3-pointers in 30 minutes.
Analysis: What a night for Miller, who will be on a two-way contract for a second consecutive season. While the Clippers have added Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum in free agency, the 2023 second-round pick hopes to throw his hat into the ring for rotation minutes. Friday's performance was a step in the right direction and what teams want to see from a returning player in the summer league environment. Miller is not a player who fantasy managers should plan on drafting right now, but he is worth tracking in Las Vegas. |
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Kai Jones Kai Jones agrees to non-guaranteed deal with LAC
Fri, Jul 5, 2024, 9:36 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Kai Jones has agreed to a non-guaranteed deal to return to the Clippers.
Analysis: Drafted in 2021, Jones has only appeared in 67 games in his NBA career. He did not appear in a regular-season NBA game in 2023-24, but he'll compete for a roster spot for a team severely lacking in center depth. Jones isn't worth selecting in 2024-25 fantasy drafts, but he's worth keeping an eye on if Ivica Zubac is forced to miss time during the upcoming season. |
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Kai Jones Kai Jones (ankle) to sit out Summer League action
Wed, Jul 3, 2024, 3:18 PM
Law Murray on Twitter
Kai Jones will not participate in Summer League action due to an ankle injury.
Analysis: Jones is dealing with another injury, as a hamstring issue sidelined him during the spring. While the ankle injury will keep him from participating in Summer League action, the Clippers plan to retain Jones, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. He'll have ample time to recover in time for training camp, and Jones is not a player fantasy managers should be planning to select in drafts this fall. |
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Mo Bamba Woj: Mo Bamba agrees to 1-year deal with Clippers
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 4:08 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Mo Bamba has agreed to a one-year deal with the Clippers.
Analysis: With Mason Plumlee agreeing to a deal with the Suns, the Clippers needed reinforcements behind starting center Ivica Zubac. Enter Bamba, who appeared in 57 games for the 76ers last season. Making 17 starts, he averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 13.0 minutes, shooting 49% from the field. As long as Zubac remains healthy, Bamba's opportunities to be an impactful fantasy option will be limited. |
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Kris Dunn Haynes: Clippers to sign Kris Dunn
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 2:38 PM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
According to TNT's Chris Haynes, the Clippers will sign free-agent point guard Kris Dunn.
Analysis: Dunn is moving after reigniting his NBA career with two solid seasons in Utah. The 2016 lottery pick appeared in 66 games last season, averaging 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.9 minutes, shooting 47.0% from the field and 68.8% from the foul line. With James Harden locked into the starting role, Dunn's fantasy ceiling will be limited, even if the Clippers manage to trade Russell Westbrook. |
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Nicolas Batum Nicolas Batum agrees to two-year deal with Clips
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 8:38 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Nicolas Batum has agreed to a two-year, $9.6 million deal with the Clippers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: Batum was sent to Philly last season as part of the James Harden deal early in the season. Before that, he had been with the Clippers for three straight seasons, and now he'll rejoin the squad. He may be asked to play a larger role with Paul George now in Philly, which could lead to him being fairly productive in fantasy hoops. However, at his age, the expectations should be low. |
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Derrick Jones Shams: Derrick Jones Jr. to sign with Clippers
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 6:00 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Derrick Jones Jr. has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Clippers.
Analysis: A starter throughout the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals, Jones is headed west to join forces with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and the Clippers. This season was the best of Airplane Mode's career, as he averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.1 3-pointers in 23.5 minutes per game. With Paul George moving on, Jones could slide into the Clippers' starting lineup if coach Tyronn Lue prefers to keep Norman Powell in the 6th-man role. Despite being a starter, Jones did not offer much fantasy value with the Mavericks. Hopefully, that will not be the case with the Clippers. |
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Paul George Woj: LAC, Paul George âmoving on from each other'
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 2:30 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
The Clippers and Paul George are âmoving on from each otherâ after failing to agree to a new deal, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: The lack of movement on a new deal prompted George to opt out of the final season of his contract and hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. Failure to make progress after that move likely means PG's time as a Clipper has ended. TNT's Chris Haynes reported Sunday afternoon that Philadelphia appeared to be the favorite to land George. With Orlando signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, George's options are limited with his desire for a four-year deal. |
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Kevin Porter Shams: LAC signs Kevin Porter Jr. to two-year deal
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 1:22 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Clippers have signed Kevin Porter Jr. to a two-year deal that includes a player option.
Analysis: Due to alleged domestic violence charges in September 2023, Porter did not play at all in the NBA last season. Houston traded him to Oklahoma City, who waived the 2019 first-round pick just before the start of the season. He reached a plea agreement in January, with the charges being pleaded down to a third-degree misdemeanor for reckless assault. KPJ played in Greece for six weeks in April and May. By joining the Clippers, Porter can show he can be productive on a team with playoff ambitions. How valuable he can be with the Clippers depends on what happens with Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The former is an unrestricted free agent, while the latter could be on the move despite opting into the final season of his contract. If George and Westbrook move on, Porter is one of the players who could benefit from the available playing time. |
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James Harden James Harden to return to LAC on two-year deal
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 11:56 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that James Harden will sign a two-year, $70 million deal to return to the Clippers.
Analysis: Harden enjoyed a productive first season with the Clippers, finishing with averages of 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.6 triples. Most of those numbers were declines in last season's production, particularly his points, but Harden still finished as an early third-rounder in fantasy hoops. His ability to stuff the stat sheet should keep him in the third-round range for 2024-25, and he could see a bump in production if Paul George leaves in free agency. |
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Paul George Haynes: âGrowing optimism' PHI signs Paul George
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 10:05 AM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
According to TNT's Chris Haynes, there is âgrowing optimismâ that Philadelphia will sign Paul George in free agency.
Analysis: George's desire for a four-year deal factored into his decision to opt out of the final season of his contract, as the Clippers have only offered three-year pacts thus far. Philadelphia has long been rumored as a potential landing spot for George, and the 76ers clearly remain interested despite reports to the contrary on June 20. George will reportedly hold meetings with the Clippers, 76ers, and Magic when free agency begins, but it's fair to wonder if this report changes things for LA and Orlando. |
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Paul George Woj: Paul George declining Clippers player option
Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 11:30 AM
According the ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Paul George has decided to decline his player option for the 2024-25 season.
Analysis: George has long been exploring his potential landing spots for next season and is officially entering free agency. The 34-year-old wing is expected to meet with the Clippers and other suitors as he pursues a secure, multi-year contract. He's been linked to several teams who hope to contend for a title in the near future and could find himself being no more than a second option on offense should he find a new home. |
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Russell Westbrook Woj: Russell Westbrook to pick up player option
Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 5:11 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Russell Westbrook will exercise his player option for the 2024-25 season.
Analysis: After making 21 regular-season appearances for the Clippers during the 2022-23 campaign, the 2023-24 was Westbrook's first full season with the team. Appearing in 68 games, the veteran point guard averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 3-pointers in 22.5 minutes. He shifted to the backup point guard role after the Clippers acquired James Harden from the 76ers (he started James' first five games with the team). Westbrook's fantasy potential in 2024-25 will be impacted by multiple factors, including Harden's free agency and whether or not the Clippers sign another point guard if The Beard re-signs. Also, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, there's no guarantee that Westbrook will be with the team next season despite opting in. |
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