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The Clippers signed free agent Solomon Jones to a nonguaranteed contract Monday worth about $1 million, said a person not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Jones is a 6-foot-10 power forward/center who the Clippers think will give them some depth in the frontcourt.

Jones spent last season with the Indiana Pacers, where he played in 39 games and averaged 3.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.5 minutes.

Jones has spent about four-plus seasons in the NBA and is known to be an athletic big man.

His career averages are 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds in 10.9 minutes.

Jones worked out for the Clippers on Monday along with 7-footer D.J. Mbenga, 6-11 Hilton Armstrong and 6-11 Dan Gadzuric.

Brad Turner, LA Times

Overview: Young center who is trying to solidify himself as a backup. Isn’t terribly tall for a center, but has an enormous wingspan. Shows nice athleticism, but remains skinny for a post player despite adding a lot of weight throughout his college career. The definition of a late bloomer. Didn’t emerge as a serious draft prospect until his senior season. Played two seasons at Daytona Beach Community College before moving on to South Florida. Had some nice games as a senior and provided a nice defensive presence, but really emerged during the draft process. Has improved in each of his seasons in the NBA. Now has some of the skills to match his solid basketball instincts. Brings some things to the table on the defensive end. Will be asked to make an impact off the bench for the Pacers.

Offense: Has seen his role shift considerably as his skill set has developed. Did most of his damage finishing around the rim as a rookie, when he posted a solid shooting percentage before taking almost exclusively jump shots in a limited role in his second season. Came back strong in his third year, showing a vastly improved shooting stroke and regaining many of the touches he didn’t get down low as a sophomore. Has improved his jumper dramatically over time. Now capable of knocking down midrange jumpers with surprising consistency. Has a super high release, allowing him to hit many shots with a hand in his face. Not a bad catch and shoot threat for a player that didn’t develop a jumper until reaching the NBA. Still does most of his damage around the rim. Long and athletic enough to finish down low. Doesn’t show a refined post game, meaning he gets most of his touches by moving without the ball and pulling down offensive rebounds. Shows a face up jumper as well as a turnaround, but lacks the consistent hook shot to be a threat to make a move going at his opponent. Outstanding finisher when he doesn’t have to put the ball up moving away from the rim. Length and quick leaping ability are great tools for him, as he often beats his man into the air and is the first player above the rim. Gets to the line at a solid rate and shoots a decent percentage. Not a glamorous scorer by any stretch of the imagination, but his finishing and midrange shooting make him very efficient with what touches he does use.

Defense: Foul prone shot blocker who is big on tools and small on fundamentals. Has more than enough lateral quickness, length, and leaping ability to make an impact on the defensive end. Very good weakside shot blocker who is good at anticipating shots and helping his teammates moving from block. Lack of bulk hurts him against some players. Tends to have issues with fouling due to his aggressive shot blocking mentality and struggles with holding position. Will diligently protect the rim, making him an attractive player in limited minutes. Needs to cut back on his fouling to get more playing time.

scoobs07 wrote:I like the signing considering who we had available. He averages 9.9ppg, 9.6rpg and 2.3bpg per 36 minutes.

mj_shoefanatic wrote:[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5IEJAcvhdo[/youtube]
oh you mean this guy?

loot wrote:Where's Al Thornton anyway?

Devils Advocate wrote:Does anyone know if evans will be playing Wednesday?

Jones in the Middle

“I've been waiting on this opportunity since the lockout ended, just sitting at home waiting on that phone call,” Jones said. “Finally got an opportunity from a good team to come in and showcase my talent.”

The 6-foot-10 forward/center wasn’t nervous as he went through a tryout with several other forwards and centers Monday afternoon. After banging around with the bigs, Jones impressed Del Negro enough to emerge as the unofficial winner and ink a contract.

“We needed some more depth up front,” Del Negro said. “I wouldn't say he's a traditional five. He's got a decent skill set, he's long, he had some experience and I think he can guard a lot of fives for us.”

“We've got a game tomorrow,” Del Negro said.

“He's got to get up to speed quick here. If I need him tomorrow he'll be available and we'll go from there.”

The 27-year-old Jones, entering his sixth season, said he was ready if called upon, and he knows his purpose. The Clippers have been out-rebounded in each of their four games this season and their signings of rebounding specialists Evans and Jones signal that they’re trying to address that right away. While Evans sits, those responsibilities fall on Jones if he’s out there with the reserves.

“That's got to be the main focus,” Jones said.

“I'm 6-10, so I definitely have to get out there and contribute to the boards.”

Ryan Menezes, Clippers.com