The short answer…no.
The Clippers signed center Chris Kaman to a contract extension, solidifying a promising young core in the process. Many critics will say that the team overpaid for “The Caveman,” but $10 M is a fair deal for Kaman’s current skills and upside.
Take a quick look at Kaman’s stats:
2003-04: 6.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.9 bpg, 69.7% FT, 46.0% FG
2004-05: 9.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 66.1% FT, 49.7% FG
2005-06: 11.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 77.0% FT, 52.3% FG
Aside from a hiccup in his free throw percentage two seasons ago, Kaman progressed in each of the five important categories for a center. The league is trending smaller, but that’s because most teams don’t have another option. They are electing to speed up the tempo rather than have sluggish big men on the roster for no other reason than just to have them. But Kaman doesn’t present that problem. He’s developed a great left hand and several solid moves in the post. Moreover, he’s a hard worker and will continue to improve his game.
Good signing by the Clippers. Maybe Donald Sterling isn’t such a tightwad after all.
