The Los Angeles Clippers were riddled with injuries throughout the 2021-22 NBA season, during which Kawhi Leonard didn't feature in a single game. Things are looking much better for the squad heading into the 2022-23 campaign, with Leonard and Paul George healthy again and John Wall set to join the team, too.
With the roster already beginning to shape up, the Clippers will still be looking to make a few more moves in free agency. While there are certainly talented players available on the open market, not all of them would be the right fits for the Clippers. That includes some of their own free agents who are set to leave the team this offseason unless the Clippers try to bring them back.
With free agency set to get underway, the Clippers will need to nail their moves if they want to be NBA Finals contenders next year. After re-signing Ivica Zubac and bringing Wall to town, the team is already off to a great start to the offseason.
With all that in mind, here are two players the Clippers must avoid in 2022 NBA free agency.
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2 players Clippers must avoid in 2022 NBA free agency
2. Rodney Hood
Rodney Hood is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and the Clippers should really feel no incentive to bring him back to the team. During his stint in LA, which lasted just 13 games, Hood averaged only 9.8 minutes per game. Hood has been nothing short of a journeyman throughout his NBA career, having played for six teams since debuting in the league in 2014.
Positionally, the Clippers have little need for Hood, who would be behind the likes of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, Luke Kennard, Terrance Mann, and Amir Coffey for opportunity at either the shooting guard or small forward position. Considering the depth LA has on the wing, it doesn't make sense for them to bring back Hood, especially after an insignificant and brief stint with the team last season. With even less of a path for playing time this coming year, Hood's tenure in LA is sure to expire.
In terms of actual needs, securing more frontcourt depth would be a far more prevalent move for the Clippers. Even after the deal to extend Zubac's contract, adding a free-agent power forward could be a wise move for the team.
With Ivica Zubac locked up for the future, the need in the frontcourt isn't as glaring as it was previously. Still, getting some depth at power forward could be a strong move for the Clippers in the offseason. Whoever they do target, it'd be important for that player to have the ability to spread the floor and hit shots from outside. For Harrell, that's something that's not in his skillset. Harrell shot just 23.5% from 3-point range last season for the Hornets.
Not to mention, Harrell's exit from LA was fairly ugly, and it would stand to reason that fans would not want to bring the 28-year-old back to town. Considering his lack of popularity among the fan base, avoiding Harrell in free agency would be a wise move for the Clippers.
While Harrell likely won't command a huge price tag on the open market, there are other power forwards available in free agency that are better suited to playing alongside the Clippers' current roster.
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