Los Angeles Clippers Acquire Much-Needed Big Man

As the Los Angeles Clippers continue their James Harden slide, now with six straight losses (0-5 with Harden), they'll be adding some much-need size up front, acquiring six-year veteran center Daniel Theis, indirectly from the Indiana Pacers.

ESPN Sources: Veteran center Daniel Theis has agreed on a contract buyout with the Indiana Pacers and now plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers assuming he clears waivers. Clippers recently lost backup C Mason Plumlee to a sprained MCL for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/m5y55TwQ9q

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2023

The Clippers' need in the frontcourt became critical after losing center Mason Plumlee for at least two months due to an MCL sprain.

Theis has concluded a buyout from the Pacers, and then is expected to sign with LA, adding a required big body to the frontcourt mix. 

The 6'8" center/forward played just seven games in Indiana last season, and only one this year, but Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was obviously impressed with what he saw from Theis in this past summer's FIBA World Cup, where he dominated the U.S. team in the semifinals, posting 21 points and 7 rebounds en route to Germany's elimination of the Americans in the final four round. Overall, he averaged 10.9 points and 5.4 rebounds with the German national team. 

The Clippers had been forced to play a lot of small lineups with starting center Ivica Zubac on the bench, so Theis will fill a crucial role for them.  

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports