Los Angeles Clippers: 5 biggest disappointments from 2017-18 NBA season

5. Free agent bust

The Clippers had one of the crazier offseasons this past summer, saying goodbye to the franchise’s all-time assists leader in Chris Paul after a sign-and-trade sent him to the Houston Rockets.

Not wanting to fall too far behind in the Western Conference playoff battle, the team brought in former Denver Nuggets wing Danilo Gallinari on a three-year, $65 million dollar deal.

At 6’10” with the ability to shoot and handle the basketball, Gallinari appeared to be a perfect fit as a small-ball power forward next to DeAndre Jordan. However, as in past seasons, Gallinari wasn’t able to stay healthy enough to contribute, playing in only 21 games due to various injuries.

Gallinari hasn’t played 70+ games since 2013, and at 29 years old, his body isn’t getting any better. What good are one’s talents if they can’t be used? As the old saying goes, the best ability is availability.

Luckily for L.A., with only two years left on his contract, Gallo won’t be too much of a financial burden, but for a guy whose style of play suits the small-ball style, it’s a shame he wasn’t able to prove it.