Teams with lower expectations and records that have no chances of making the playoffs are prone to having increased availability for players floating from franchise to franchise. This strategy has given homes to numerous free agents who needed just one opportunity in the right system.<\/p>\n
This is usually the opposite for championship contenders, unless the injury bug is found mid-season. The Dallas Mavericks last season were that team with what felt like every rotational player on the sidelines. Thus, Nico Harrison had Kai Jones, a former LA Clipper and Charlotte Hornet, on a contract, where he averaged almost 22 minutes per game for 12 contests.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the LA Clippers are not currently in a position to hand out contracts to veterans like they are candy. In fact, Lawrence Frank clearly wanted to make the most of each available roster spot<\/a> this summer.<\/p>\n But, with a rule the Clippers cannot get around, their roster is essentially capped, even though one spot still exists,<\/p>\n The first apron has caused a detrimental effect on the LA Clippers this summer<\/p>\n The LA Clippers needed their final roster spot to be filled as a backup plan for offseason injuries. The roster was perfect until the EuroBasket, and then the second-string shooting guard, Bogdan Bogdanovic, faced a hamstring injury<\/a>, and so far, his return status does not look good.<\/p>\n With the last spot on the roster, LA could have pursued veterans like Ben Simmons, re-signing him on a one-year deal, or Russell Westbrook, and Landry Shamet. All three former Clippers would have received heavy minutes next season, at one point, with Bogdanovic in street clothes.<\/p>\n However, the Clippers cannot take this route and offer the veterans they may like a one-year trial run due to the first apron the NBA has in place. This rule has LA, as well as playoff contenders like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic, relying on what they have on their payroll at the moment.<\/p>\n