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Los Angeles Clippers: 9 Players To Target At Deadline

By Cameron Stewart

Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Anderson

The Clippers have succeeded without Blake Griffin in the lineup due to a couple of injuries and seen that they might be better suited to surround DeAndre Jordan with shooters.

The Clippers have been able to do this by playing with an extra wing player on the court instead of a power forward. At times, the Clippers have been punished by a lack of depth in their frontcourt and their wing-heavy lineups have been a hindrance. The paint has opened up for Jordan to be more effective and for Chris Paul to drive-and-kick out of.

To those paying attention to the Clippers, it’s become apparent that they could benefit greatly from a power forward who can stretch the floor. There are names that seem to be available to fill that (we’ll get to those shortly) and the biggest of those is Ryan Anderson.

Anderson will become a free agent after this season and the Pelicans are 20-32 and should be looking to their future. The smart thing the Pelicans should do is trade Anderson to get something in return before he hits free agency.

Letting go of Anderson (16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds per game) would also help them sink in the standings and give them a better chance at potentially teaming Anthony Davis with super prospect Ben Simmons.

Grabbing Anderson could allow the Clippers to keep playing small-ball even when Griffin returns from his broken hand.

Next: A Trio of Suns

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