Los Angeles Clippers: 5 PG options if Chris Paul leaves in free agency
2017 NBA Trade Deadline
Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) directs his team during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Which five point guards could be replacements for Chris Paul if he chooses to leave the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency?
Chris Paul has been one of the faces of the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise for the past six seasons. After being acquired in a blockbuster trade from New Orleans, Paul immediately made the Clippers a serious championship contender.
Unfortunately, despite the amount of talent that the Clippers have had around Paul, they have yet to win a championship with him leading the way.
Last season with the Clippers, Paul averaged 18.1 points per game to go along with 9.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. He shot 47.6 percent from the field overall and knocked down 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts. Paul proved once again that despite his age, he is still one of the top point guards in the NBA.
At 32 years old, Paul is set to enter open free agency this offseason. There are a lot of teams who will be lining up with massive contract offers for the superstar point guard.
Do you think the San Antonio Spurs could finally take Chris Paul over his playoff hump? ???? pic.twitter.com/0aBxMVLaJC
— The Lead (@NBALEAD) May 24, 2017
Los Angeles is widely viewed as the frontrunner to re-sign Paul, but there are a few teams that could put together a competitive offer for him. Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs appear to be one of those teams, while the New Orleans Pelicans could also make a run at bringing him back.
If Paul were to leave the Clippers, they would be frantic to find a replacement for him. Thankfully, if he does leave, there are a few different options for the Clippers to consider.
With all of that being said, which five point guards could be potential replacements for Paul if he leaves L.A. in free agency?
December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
5. Derrick Rose
He may not be an incredibly popular replacement for Paul, but Derrick Rose would be the final option on the open market to replace him. Rose is coming off yet another injury that ended his season prematurely with the New York Knicks, but prior to the injury he showed off flashes of the old D-Rose.
Rose averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game this season with the Knicks. He shot 47.1 percent from the floor overall, which showed his ability to get to the rim once again at a high level. In addition to his shooting from the floor, Rose averaged 4.0 free throws per game, which was his highest number in a season since his 2011-12 campaign with the Chicago Bulls.
L.A. is a flashy place to play, which could draw Rose's attention. At this point in time, he is expected to garner interest from teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a report from ESPN's Ian Begley.
Signing Rose to replace Paul wouldn't fill the void that would be left, but it would certainly help. At the very least, Rose could add some scoring help to the starting lineup.
Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) as he drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
4. George Hill
That's right, add George Hill to the list of potential point guard replacements that the Clippers could look at. Hill, very much like Rose, would not be the most attractive replacement, but would add some scoring and a strong defensive presence.
Hill was traded to the Utah Jazz last offseason by the Indiana Pacers. He was a key piece of the Pacers teams that made a run to two straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Not only did he live up to the hype that the Jazz had for him after the trade, he helped Utah past the Clippers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Last season was a big year for Hill, although he did struggle with injury issues. Hill averaged 16.9 points, 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He also shot 47.7 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
Signing Hill would be a nice move for the Clippers, although he wouldn't come close to the production that Paul has had the last few seasons. Hill would be a solid move to help prevent a complete collapse in Los Angeles.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jrue Holiday
Not too long ago, Jrue Holiday was an All-Star point guard and was on pace to become one of the league's top players. After being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the New Orleans Pelicans, things slowed down a bit for him. He has had some personal issues off the court, but has still found ways to put up solid production.
Holiday is set to hit free agency this offseason as well and could be looking for a fresh start. What better way to find a fresh start than to head out L.A. to play for the Clippers?
Last season with the Pelicans, Holiday averaged 15.4 points per game to go along with 7.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. He shot 45.4 percent from the floor and connected on 35.6 percent of his threes.
There is a lot of inconsistency that can be seen in Holiday's game, but he is still one of the top replacement options for the Clippers should it come to that. Hopefully, the Clippers will not have to resort to finding a replacement for their star point guard.
Apr 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) calls out a play in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jeff Teague
After being traded to the Indiana Pacers last offseason, Jeff Teague let it be known that playing for his hometown team was a dream come true. He grew up a Pacers fan and always wanted to play for them. He got his chance, but could he leave so soon in free agency?
Teague isn't going to pass up a big money opportunity if a team like the Clippers comes calling and the Pacers aren't willing to match the money for their unrestricted free agent. He would like to re-sign with the Pacers, but at the end of the day his decision will be all business. L.A. could certainly throw some money his way if Paul leaves town.
During the 2016-17 season with Indiana, Teague averaged 15.3 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. He connected on 44.2 percent of his shots and 35.7 percent of his threes. Teague got off to an incredibly slow start in Indiana as he struggled to learn the offense and his new teammates, but picked things up in a big way down the stretch of the season and into the playoffs.
L.A. wouldn't be getting a superstar in Teague, but they would be getting a floor general who is capable of making plays for his teammates. Teague would fit well alongside DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, if Griffin did wind up re-signing.
Apr 5, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kyle Lowry
The closest the Clippers could get to replacing Chris Paul would be to sign Kyle Lowry. He is expected to seriously consider leaving the Toronto Raptors if the right offer presents itself. Lowry would be a perfect pickup for the Clippers in the event of Paul leaving.
Lowry averaged 22.4 points per game last season, while averaging 7.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He shot 46.4 percent from the floor overall and nailed 41.2 percent of his three-pointers.
Heading into free agency, Kyle Lowry may have to choose between rings or a max contract https://t.co/3ZiGZKtZGU pic.twitter.com/IwHT26TSrX
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 18, 2017
L.A. would still be a championship contender in the Western Conference if they were able to re-sign Griffin and bring in Lowry to replace Paul. They would be a different looking team, but still a tough team to beat.
At 31 years old, Lowry wants the best chance to win a championship. If the Clippers do re-sign Griffin, there is a good chance that they will have a better shot than the Raptors. Lowry could be a very solid replacement for Paul if things do end up going down like that.
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