Los Angeles Clippers 2016-17 report cards: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass was an effective offensive player in limited minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers, but his defensive shortcomings and lack of versatility left many fans clamoring for more.

Brandon Bass joined the Los Angeles Clippers after a season with the other Staples Center team. After an effective season in Los Angeles, the Clippers were hopeful that he could continue that success.

While Bass was useful on the offensive end, he did not get many opportunities to show his skills. As the fourth big man, he only averaged 11.1 minutes per game in his 52 contests.

Unfortunately, the league is trending away from players like Brandon Bass. As an undersized big man who struggles on defense and does not have a three-point shot, he will need to find a team with a versatile center that can cover for his weaknesses. The Clippers could benefit from bringing him back if Blake Griffin opts to leave in free agency. Otherwise, Bass will be searching for his fourth team in four years.

Offense

Brandon Bass has a varied offensive repertoire and can fill almost any offensive big man niche. Sadly, his lack of a three-point shot belies his other offensive gifts.

He is an effective post-up player when needed. Bass also can score effectively from midrange, shooting a respectable 42.9 percent from 10-19 feet from the basket, per NBA.com. His ability to take those midrange jump shots makes him an effective pick-and-pop option:

Bass finished the season with a True Shooting Percentage of 65.0 percent. That mark was second on the Los Angeles Clippers behind only DeAndre Jordan, and was near the top of the league leaderboard. He is also solid on the offensive glass, which is another factor in his value on that end.

Bass’ lack of a three-point will significantly limit his contract options this offseason. His already solid midrange game means that he might be able to extend his range to beyond the arc in the next few seasons. Until then, that lack of touch from deep limits the ceiling of a player who is still an effective and efficient scoring option for any team’s bench.

Grade: B+

Defense

More from LA Clippers

Bringing in Bass’ lack of a three-point shot to the discussion of his offense is somewhat unfair given how good he is on that end of the floor. However, Bass has to be nearly perfect on the offensive end to make up for his defensive shortcomings.

At just 6’8″, Bass is small for a combo big man. In addition to his lack of size, he lacks the foot speed to keep up with stretchier power forwards. That forces teams to make bad defensive choices with him on the floor. Put him at center and you punt on the defensive glass and lose any semblance of rim protection — his defensive field goal percentage allowed on shots within six feet of the basket was a ghastly 69.4 percent (per NBA.com). Put him at power forward, and you risk having his matchup leave him in the dust on his way to the rim or getting wide open from deep.

At this point in his career, it would be foolish to hope that he will become a better defender. The only real question is whether or not his offense can make up for his limitations on the other end.

Grade: D-

Overall

Brandon Bass is nearly the definition of a one-way player. He is incredibly efficient on that end, and the only knock against him on that side of the ball is his lack of touch from behind the arc.

His defensive play is another story. He lacks the speed to guard players that are his size, nor the explosive athleticism needed to protect the rim at his height.

The Los Angeles Clippers could use Bass if Blake Griffin moves in this offseason. Bass could also find a bigger role in Los Angeles if Marreese Speights declines his player option and leaves in free agency.

However, Bass was ineffective in the playoffs even after Griffin’s injury opened more playing time. While inserting him into the rotation on short notice in the playoffs may have been an issue, the fact that he only played four minutes during the postseason is certainly telling.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Blake Griffin in free agency

Bass will probably not be back for the Clippers next season, but he will be a great pickup for any team in need of a bench big man who can score. If he can incorporate a three-point shot, he could easily move from the back end of the bench to a starting role. While he is still an effective NBA player, his upside for the Clippers is far lower than it would be for a different team.

Grade: C

Home/LA Clippers