The Los Angeles Clippers have been known to hold a lot of talent in their roster, but the recent acquisition of Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce may have just pushed them a notch higher heading into the 2015-16 NBA Season.
The coming of Stephenson came as a big surprise to many, though it was later known that Rivers had his eyes on the temperamental small forward.
Stephenson joined the Charlotte Hornets last year after a scintillating stint with the Indiana Pacers. But he proved to be a bust for the Hornets, as he was hampered by injuries and simply failed to roll.
So his coming is seen as a gamble, though Rivers is willing to bet on it. Besides, they can opt not to pick him up for his final year if he doesn't prove deserving.
Pierce is the latest addition, reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with the Clippers worth $10.5 million.
Pierce made a good account of himself last year and was a key figure as he proved to one and all why he is one of the clutch players of the game.
Though Pierce toyed with the thought of possibly retiring, a reunion with Rivers at his hometown may have shunned all that talk. At 37, the new deal will most likely be Pierce's last ride, though the third year does include a team option. With the Wizards, Pierce averaged 11.9 points and 4 rebounds in 73 outings.
With the addition of Pierce and Stephenson, the Clippers have yet again a formidable crew. Holdovers include Chris Paul, Jamaal Crawford and Blake Griffin.
It still remains to be seen which key figures will be joining them. DeAndre Jordan is still testing free agency, and multiple teams are expected to dangle lucrative deals in front of him. The Clippers are bent on keeping the big man, though it may depend on the deal that will eventually appeal to him.
