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With Marcus Camby now in the fold, the Los Angeles Clippers have apparently decided how to use the remainder of their unexpected, Elton Brand-less cap space. An offer sheet was extended to and signed by Golden State swingman Kelenna Azubuike, leaving the Warriors seven days to match.  The deal is reportedly worth about three mil per season, basically tip money by NBA standards, meaning the Warriors wouldn’t be putting themselves in the poor house matching it. But between Stephen Jackson, newly inked Corey Maggette, Monta Ellis and (they hope) Marco Bellini, Golden State isn’t exactly lacking in guys who can duplicate Azubuike’s skill set (though he is one of the only Warriors with even a slight inkling to play some D). That Laker Ronny Turiaf is perhaps 24 hours away from becoming a four-year, $17 mil employee and it’s not out of the question that Chris Mullin would let the 25-year old walk.

Should that happen, it’s a pretty good signing for the Clips. A lot of fans may not be familiar with Azubuike, but he’s a very athletic kid, full of hops who often kicks arse in the open court. Having only been in the league two seasons, he still has a lot to learn, but I can see why folks can see upside in the native Englishman. He likely won’t end up as good as Corey Maggette, but he could serve to provide some Maggette-lite moments along the way. I could actually see him starting for the Clips at the two this season, depending on how ready Eric Gordon is and how old Cuttino Mobley looks.

I actually attended a Warriors-Clippers game back in ‘07, right on the heels of the Golden State-Warriors blockbuster trade that brought Jax and Al Harrington to the Bay Area and sent Coach Dunleavy’s kid to Hoosier Land. Nellie’s crew was running very shorthanded that day (since half the team was either jettisoned or awaiting physicals), so they ran on a skeleton crew racking heavy minutes. Azubuike played all 48, and acquitted himself nicely. 28 points on 8-17 shooting, along with seven boards, four treys and a pair of steals. That was the first time I’d ever seen him play and I remember being very impressed. I’ve seen him on the court more times since and think he could end up a quality role player.

Whether he’ll end up one in L.A. or Oakland will be known in seven days or less.

AK

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