Los Angeles Clippers Reportedly Make Important Roster Decision

The LA Clippers filled a glaring hole in their roster

Farbod Esnaashari | 2 Hours Ago

Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) attempts to shoot against LA Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) and forward Kai Jones (23) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Clippers

Throughout the preseason, the LA Clippers had two impressive standouts on their roster - Kai Jones and Jordan Miller. It looks like the team has reportedly made a decision on one of those standouts.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the LA Clippers are keeping center Kai Jones on their regular-season roster via a two-way deal.

The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping center Kai Jones on the regular-season roster via a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Jones has developed in Clippers' system and had a strong preseason, averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds as the backup big. pic.twitter.com/h3nOxyt30L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024

As it stands, Mo Bamba is the backup big for the LA Clippers. However, he's been hurt throughout the entire preseason and Kai Jones has been serving as his replacement. With Bamba injured, Jones will be expected to receive a good portion of minutes.

Two seasons ago, the LA Clippers began their season without a backup center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein, and it was one of the worst decisions the team made. As much as the modern NBA loves small-ball basketball, it's been very clear that the Clippers desperately need a backup center for their roster.

Throughout the preseason, Kai Jones has averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. He's provided great energy on the court, blocking shots and getting back in transition for dunks. In fact, he had 17 dunks for the Clippers in the preseason. It's the type of athleticism the Clippers have sorely been missing.