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Los Angeles Clippers: An Early Look At The New Additions

By Cameron Stewart

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players pose with jerseys at press conference at Staples Center. From left: Branden Dawson (22), DeAndre Jordan (6), Austin Rivers (25), coach Doc Rivers and Josh Smith (5), Cole Aldrich (45), Paul Pierce (34) and Wesley Johnson (33). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players pose with jerseys at press conference at Staples Center. From left: Branden Dawson (22), DeAndre Jordan (6), Austin Rivers (25), coach Doc Rivers and Josh Smith (5), Cole Aldrich (45), Paul Pierce (34) and Wesley Johnson (33). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Wesley Johnson

While the trade for Stephenson and signings of Pierce and Smith generated quite a bit of noise, the signing of Wesley Johnson went under-the-radar. Johnson started 59 games for the struggling Lakers last season and started showing signs of being a 3-and-D wing player.

The Clippers got a bit of a steal by signing Johnson to a two-year contract for the league minimum with a player option for the second year. While other wings without much career success were enjoying the benefits of a higher salary cap, Johnson had to settle for the minimum and a contract where he’ll be able to showcase himself for a chance at free agency next offseason.

Johnson was considered by many to be the favorite to start at the small forward spot before losing it late in preseason while Stephenson was impressing with his defensive ability. Johnson is still getting a bit of playing time (13.6 minutes per game), but is mostly insurance if Lance Stephenson gets injured or if he’s Bad Lance Stephenson more often than not. Johnson has played pretty well in short spurts.

Johnson’s shooting 55.6 percent on his 18 shot attempts this season and per 100 possessions, the Clippers are outscoring opponents by 20 with Johnson on the floor.

Johnson did impress in his 21 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks in the team’s home opener by scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds.

As a bench wing, Johnson is in the perfect role. He’s older than you think (28) and if you’re waiting on him to start looking like the player he was projected to be when he was the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, you’ll probably be waiting a while. However if Johnson ever becomes a meaningful NBA player, this is a great opportunity for him to redeem himself a bit.

Next: The Rest of the New Guys

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