LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Paul George #13 and Terance Mann #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers react after a shot made by teammate Reggie Jackson #1 during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on November 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
5 roster moves the LA Clippers need to make this offseason
Apr 9, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) and forward Justin Holiday (9) and guard Davion Mitchell (15) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
5 roster moves the LA Clippers need to make this offseason: 2. Pick up Ivica Zubac’s option and extend him
The Clippers were very well served by their starting center. He played 76 games, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.5 steals in 24.4 minutes per game. These are solid numbers for a player who is a third or fourth option.
Ivica Zubac is a player who knows his own game particularly well. Zubac did not take a shot from the perimeter last season. Instead, he took 6.5 attempts per game from inside the arc, making 62.6 percent of them. His 2.9 offensive rebounds per game certainly helped in that regard, too.
Zubac is due $7.5 million next season which is a drop in the ocean for the Clippers. They have $170.9 million in salary committed for next year. They are able to bring back most of the roster from last season, and with Leonard set to return to the floor in the 2022-23 season, the Clippers will look like true contenders.
Zubac’s ability to fit with the team’s stars and do the dirty work will not be easily replaced for the money that he is on. He is more crucial to the Clippers’ chances of a title than any other role player. The Clippers need to lock him up long-term as he is a key piece for the franchise.
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Houston Rockets before being waived. He was then signed by the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/03/moves-la-clippers-offseason/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/denver-nuggets/">Denver Nuggets, playing only 30 games before being traded to the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/03/moves-la-clippers-offseason/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/cleveland-cavaliers/">Cleveland Cavaliers. This is where Hartenstein started to show his true potential, averaging 8.3 points per game.</p>
<p>That is what he averaged with the Clippers but was more effective, shooting the ball at 62.6 percent from the floor. This was the first time in his career that Hartenstein had shot the ball at more than 60 percent for an entire season.</p>
<p>His combination with Zubac made sure that the Clippers had a rebounding presence on the floor at all times. Hartenstein played for a minimum salary last season and should play for a similar amount again.</p>
<p>The Clippers are going to need him to not demand much more or they will not be able to re-sign him. The ability to compete for a championship could sway his decision.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/03/moves-la-clippers-offseason/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Move #5 </a>
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Charlotte Hornets when they signed Gordon Hayward. This allowed the Clippers to sign Batum two seasons ago for $2.5 million. They then re-signed Batum last season to a two-year deal worth $6.4 million</p>
<p>Batum has been a really key player for the Clippers. His ability to space the floor allows others to go to work in the paint, knowing they have a solid option on the perimeter who is able to relieve the pressure thanks to his ability to shoot the three-ball.</p>
<p>In his two seasons with the Clippers, Batum has taken 6.3 shot attempts per game. He has taken 4.3 attempts per game from beyond the three-point line, hitting them at 40.2 percent. Last season Batum shot the three-ball at 40.0 percent which was good for 24th in the league.</p>
<p>If the Clippers are able to keep both of their superstar players on the court for most of next season, they need players like Batum to help space the floor. He also has the ability two play at either wing position and at the power forward role. This is going to be crucial for the Clippers as they hope to go on a deep postseason run.</p>
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