The Los Angeles Clippers don't really have a true point guard on their roster other than Patrick Beverley. And while sixth-man extraordinaire Lou Williams leads the team with 6.2 assists per game, the Clippers could use some more depth and someone to help run the show.
This really hasn't hindered the Clippers all that much — the team is still winning games. But, currently the fourth seed in the Western Conference, it might be fair to say that the Clippers have fallen a bit short of expectations so far. While not the sole reason, the team's lack of point guard depth has contributed to their level of play.
The Clippers rank in the bottom half of the league in assists per game and three-pointers made while being one of the most turnover-prone teams in the league. To help fix that, there are a few players they could add but one that immediately comes to mind is D.J. Augustin of the Orlando Magic.
Augustin has never been and likely never will be a high profile player. Regardless, Augustin has proven to be a really solid NBA veteran who can help a team win. The 32-year-old is not having the greatest season for the Magic as he's only shooting 39.3 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from deep.
But, if you look at the season Augustin had last year in Orlando, you can see where his true impact lies. As the team's full-time starting point guard last year, the 5-foot-11 point guard averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists per game on excellent 47/42/87 shooting splits.
And while the Clippers won't need Augustin to start, he can easily give the team 15-20 minutes of smart, impactful play. The 12-year NBA veteran does exactly what the Clippers have been needing. While he isn't a high-volume shooter, Augustin shot over 40 percent from deep the last two seasons. While his assists don't jump off the page, Augustin is smart with the ball and rarely turns it over — he knows how to run an offense.
The Magic are currently the seventh seed in the East but with players like Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac and the recently drafted Chuma Okeke on the roster, Orlando may opt to go young.
Fultz has revived his short career as a member of the Magic and getting rid of Augustin would only allow Fultz more freedom in the team's offense while giving him more time to shine.
An Augustin trade won't break the internet, as the point guard's impact often goes largely unnoticed.
However, the Clippers do have a few clear needs, and Augustin helps fix just about all of them.
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