Brandon Bass didn’t get as many minutes as he was hoping for during the 2016/17 season with the Clippers, but he believes the lack of playing time allowed him to remain fresh throughout the season and beyond, as he tells Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
“I feel better than I did in past years,” said Bass. “Since I didn’t play much last year, I feel even fresher. Once the season was over with, I never stopped training. I’ve shot over 6,000 threes. I’ve taken all those threes just to add on to my game. All I need is an opportunity to what I do.”
Bass, who remains a free agent, insists he’s better than he was during his four-year Celtics stint where he helped the team compete for championship nearly every season. He understands how the new NBA has emphasized the three-point shot. The LSU product has shot just a total of 58 three-pointers—making only 12 of them—from behind the arc in his 12-year career. He’s worked hard to reinvent his game by adding the long-range shot to his arsenal.
“The perception is I’m not better than I was in Boston with the Big Three, and I’m a better player than that today. I added more range. I’m a better defender,” Bass said.
Washburn argues that Bass could become a victim of the NBA’s shrinking middle class. Most teams have already spent their remaining cap space, which could lead Bass to settle for a minimum salary arrangement.
Bass, who sported a 19.7 player efficiency rating in 21.6 minutes per game last season, should be able to contribute as a rotation player on the right team. It’ll be a matter of finding the right fit.
Tell us which team should give Bass an opportunity to play his 13th NBA season. Take to the comment section below to share your thoughts and opinions!
Until he proves he’s better than ever and a “stretch 4” with 3-point range finally, he’s gonna have to keep settling for minimum salary deals. I The league doesn’t pay big money for 13-year vets…potential doesn’t really exist much at that stage.
Washed up veterans are perfect for the Cavs bench
Boring Cavs
He’d be good if Boston makes another trade and moves out a couple young guys and has a hole in the rotation
He’d be a great fit in Memphis either simply to replace Zack Randolph, or in the case they can’t agree on something, replace Randolph AND Jamychal Green
that’s probably the vest move for him
that’s probably the best move for him
Is it bad that I didn’t even know he was on the clippers?