JamFan With the loss of Vlad Rad to the LA Lakers, the Clippers turned their eyes toward a more than suitable replacement, officially signing Tim Thomas to a reported 4 year deal using their mid level exemption.
The Clippers traded Chris Wilcox for Vlad Rad just last season to bring in an outside shooter. Vlad was more than competent from 3 point range, and when he bolted to the Lakers, the Clippers found that they still had the same need, a long range bomber.
Tim Thomas' numbers and shooting percentages are very similar to Vlad's. Unlike Vlad, he didn't seem to mind coming off the bench. During the playoffs, Tim's numbers and shooting percentages actually increased. Off the bench, in limited minutes, he average 15.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and shot 44% from the 3. It seemed like every time the going got tough for the Suns, he would come in and and make the tough shots, including a couple that literally were game savers for them.
Thomas was rated higher than Vlad in free agent rankings mainly because he can also post up and play like a power forward, and he is a better defender than Vlad.
The two players both signed for the same money except the Thomas 4 year deal is reportedly one year shorter than Vlads. It appears the Clippers got a better player for the same money.
So, the Clippers hold court. They lost a good player but replaced him with a slightly better player. It remains to be seen how well he will fit into the Dunleavy system. Coach seems to have no reservations about how well he will fit in.
JamFan
