15th Signing Will Determine Redick's Fate

[Wammy Giveaway]

So it's been reported that the Clippers have interest in Bobby Brown. Clips can't get him because he is currently participating in the Chinese Basketball Association's tournament, and will not be released until his team is eliminated from championship contention. Why another wing (technically a point guard) when the Clippers already have a gluttony in wing players? Should they be looking into another big man instead?

The Clippers don't need another big man anymore. Once Glen Davis was signed, all their problems were immediately fixed. Doc Rivers knew how complicated the system was to this roster. You saw it throughout the season how often the big men failed to rotate, box out, and prevent offensive rebounds. The perimeter players also had a few issues in denying second chance opportunities, especially when contesting 3-balls, and closing the lanes for opponents trying to drive to the basket. This was a brand new system, advanced beyond the loser ways of Vinny Del Negro. Doc knew the system was not going to work with this roster unless he brought in somebody from his 2008 championship team. If Kevin Garnett was barred from joining the Clippers this year, Glen "Big Baby" Davis was a good, and younger, second option.

J.J. Redick has been a breath of fresh air, draining shots off of screens and providing the offensive spark that last season's makeup couldn't muster. He's been injured quite a couple times, and has missed plenty of games. The latest is that bulging disc issue which Doc answered with 3-5 week time table. Others heard whispers of indefinite. We really don't know.

The only way we'll know the status of J.J. Redick is to wait until the Clippers fill out the roster. It's not a matter of who at this point, it's more of a matter of what position he will play.

- If Doc goes after another big, it means J.J. Redick will be healthy for the playoffs.
- If Doc goes after another wing, J.J. Redick is out for the season.

[Quake Griffin]

interesting.

JJ is crucial to our playoff run.
I don't want to imagine going into the playoffs without him but I guess I have to

[Ranma]

Regardless of whom the Clips will sign for the 15th spot, if the Clippers don't get Redick back, it would obviously be a significant blow to our postseason aspirations. We're not going to acquire anyone new who will substitute for what J.J. brings whether it's a big man or a backcourt player.

Having said that, Doc has apparently had eyes for Bobby Brown for quite a while--ever since Chris Paul went down with his shoulder ailment. The interest seems to have continued on after CP3's return and even before Redick's current stint on IR.

With previous talk of Doc looking at the possibility of players getting out of their contracts early with the Chinese Basketball Association, it looks like the target was actually Bobby Brown instead of Delonte West.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/416627707976630273[/tweet]

Sam Amick, USA Today (1/10/14)

STUCK IN THE RED: Brown locked into Chinese team deal

Timing is everything, as they say, and the timing is tough for Bobby Brown at the moment.

Despite all the NBA opportunity that has arisen from the endless rash of point guard injuries, and despite the fact that the 29-year-old is on the short list of worthy talents to fill one of the many voids, he can't get out of his contract with Dongguan in China until their season ends on Feb. 16. Brown hasn't played in the NBA since 2010, but anyone who pays attention to the famed Drew League in Los Angeles during the summer months knows that he's an NBA talent.

In China, he's nothing short of a star, as he's averaging 31.9 points and 5.8 assists per game. The Clippers, who are likely without point guard Chris Paul until after the mid-February All-Star break because of a shoulder injury, are known to have interest in Brown.

NBA A to Z: Is the coaching hot seat completely empty?

I wouldn't be surprised to hear Rivers considering Bobby Brown in two weeks for possibly (and hopefully after the signings of Davis & Granger) the final open roster spot. Remember, he mentioned looking into getting players out of their commitments with the Chinese Basketball Association when Paul was out with the shoulder injury.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/status/437379866892042240[/tweet]

It's not a coincidence that Ramona Shelburne, who covers the Clippers and Lakers, is tweeting about interest in Brown. She's still following Antawn Jamison's possible landing spots.

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ramonashelburne/status/437334304549396480[/tweet]

[LACtdom]

I think even if JJ is expected to return, we should sign a wing/guard to help out in case CP3, JJ, JC have any injuriy concerns between now and the playoffs. I would like to see our guards play less minutes where possible.