Our exit interview series on the 2023 Clippers continues with deep reserve Amir Coffey.
Basic Information
Height: 6’7
Weight: 210 pounds
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Age: 25
Years in NBA: 4
Key Regular Season Stats: 3.4 points, 1.1 assists, 1.1 rebounds, 0.1 steals, 0.1 blocks and 0.4 turnovers in 12.5 minutes per game across 50 games played (nine starts) on 38.6/27.5/77.8 (0.8 3PA and 1.3 FTA attempts) shooting splits.
Postseason Stats: One minute played in one game and zero stats.
Expectations
Following an impressive 2021-22 season in which Amir Coffey emerged as an integral piece of the team, it wasn’t too farfetched to imagine him having an expanded role this year.
The Clippers were hit hard by injuries last season and Coffey stepped up when his name was called and helped keep the Clippers competitive all season long. Part of what made him so valuable was his versatility. When he first joined the Clippers he was used primarily as a small-ball power forward but he has since found comfort as a ball-handler and playmaker for the second unit as well as a potential scoring option with his downhill ability. Not to mention his solid defensive play.
Coffey had his best season as an NBA player in 2012-22 and fans were hoping he was going to be able to build on that.
Reality
Unfortunately for Coffey, new acquisitions such as John Wall as well as players already on the roster pushed him back on the depth chart once again. Coffey was pretty much an afterthought for the Clippers after securing his first major NBA contract. Coffey’s minutes dropped and he only saw action in 50 games. Unlike his first couple of years in the NBA, he was no longer on a two way contract, so he did not have the opportunity to get reps in the G League. It was pretty much picking bench splinters for Coffey.
It was a bit unfortunate as Coffey does possess a skill-set that could help the Clippers. He had really worked on his three-point shot to become a legit catch and shoot option.
Future with Clippers
Coffey still has another two years left on his contract with the Clipper at a little under $4 million per. He can help this team but it’s not clear as to what his role is going to be next season. He’s proven he can play in this league and that he should be getting regular rotation minutes. It’s not too much of a stretch to picture other teams inquiring about his availability. If the right deal comes along and Coffey can be moved as part of a larger trade or even to clear up some roster space, the Clippers would probably do so.
