Los Angeles Clippers: 2016 Offseason Grades

Finalizing Felton

There are two ways to view the Raymond Felton deal:

1. As a kick in the nuts after handing out nearly $12 million a year to Austin Rivers, when decent replacements like Felton were still available for the veteran minimum, or:
2. As a stroke of good fortunate for the Clippers, who were able to land Felton for so cheap after dishing out nearly $12 million a year for Austin Rivers.

In either case, the Clippers managed to get a solid third string point guard at a great asking price. Felton may not be what he once was, but getting an experienced player like him to bolster the backcourt rotation at such a low price is great value.

Last season in Dallas, Felton averaged 9.5 points, 3.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game — despite only shooting 40.6 percent from the floor and 28.2 percent from three-point range.

The poor shooting numbers aren’t encouraging, but after signing Rivers to such a large deal, he’ll likely be ahead of Felton in the rotation anyway. That’s perfectly fine for the 32-year-old Felton, who can play either guard spot and got used to earning minutes in a crowded Mavericks backcourt.

Felton has been a poor shooter for a half-decade now, but for a team that was virtually out of options for bench depth this summer, landing him on such a bargain deal was one of Doc Rivers’ better moves.

Grade: B

Next: Bringing Back Bass