Report: Clippers showing interest in West following Jordan's departure
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The Los Angeles Clippers have a void in their frontcourt now that center DeAndre Jordan has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
Forward David West, an unrestricted free agent who spent last season with the Indiana Pacers, may be the man for the job, reports ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
West recently made the decision to opt out of his $12.6-million player option for the 2015-16 season, his reason being that the Pacers simply aren't in title contention, and the 34-year-old wants at least one Larry O'Brien trophy on his shelf before he walks off into the sunset.
The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are his destinations of choice, although the Washington Wizards are reportedly "pushing hard" to sign him.
What the Clippers need is someone who can play the five on a regular basis. At 6-foot-9, West is more of a natural four, averaging 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over his 12-year career. He's not a force on the defensive end, nor is he a rim protector, which are things Jordan consistently was for the franchise.
Head coach Doc Rivers could always move Blake Griffin to center and play small ball - pushing the tempo even further for what was the NBA's No. 1 offense last season - even if it hinders what the team does defensively.
Los Angeles doesn't have a lot of options, so making a strong push for West may be one of their only chances to keep the ship afloat in a post-DeAndre world.