The Los Angeles Clippers had a busy day as the NBA Trade Deadline just passed. Los Angeles traded Terance Mann and Bones Hyland to the Atlanta Hawks for Bogdan Bogdanovic and three second-round picks. The other move they made today was trading Kevin Porter Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for MarJon Beauchamp.
Bogdanovic will provide the Clippers with a veteran presence off the bench. Even though he has had a down season, he will be a key player for Los Angeles. His season got off to a miserable start. He suffered a hamstring injury in the season-opening game and never regained his form from years past. He has also been out since January 25 for personal reasons. Hopefully he can return to the court soon.
The Beauchamp acquisition provides a great deal of upside as he never found his footing with Milwaukee. He will look to be a contributor with the Los Angeles Clippers. Will these moves help the Clippers improve their standing in the Western Conference?
Los Angeles Clippers Season Outlook
Beauchamp and Bogdanovic come to a Clippers team not devoid of talent. James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kawhi Leonard make up part of a solid starting lineup. Los Angeles has had a strong first 50 games of the regular season. They are 28-22 and the sixth seed in the Western Conference. LA’s offense has been mediocre this season. They are 23rd in points per game, 12th in field goal percentage, and in the middle of the pack in three-point percentage.
LA’s calling card has been its defense this season. They are third in points allowed, fifth in opposing field goal percentage, fourth in opposing three-point percentage, and one of the NBA’s best teams at turning over the opposition. Bogdanovic should improve the Los Angeles Clippers offense while Beauchamp will bolster an already strong defense.
Final Thoughts
The Clippers have dropped two consecutive games and will look to get back in the win column this evening when they host the Indiana Pacers. It is unclear when the new-look Clippers will all take the court with Bogdanovic’s return uncertain. Thursday’s moves do not move the needle for Los Angeles considerably, but they improved their roster for the homestretch of the regular season.
