Nebraska Basketball: James Palmer Jr. finds NBA home with Clippers
The former Nebraska Basketball star has a shot at playing in the NBA.
A former Nebraska Basketball star is headed to the NBA. Former Nebraska guard James Palmer is signing with the Los Angeles Clippers on an Exhibit 10 deal. This is certainly a great development for him.
As we all know, Palmer was a big part of the Nebraska Basketball offense, and he served as its catalyst. In the case of the Exhibit 10 deal, the Clippers have signed Palmer to a one-year contract with up to a $50,000 bonus. This means that Palmer gets an invite to training camp. This gives him the opportunity to make the Clippers roster or play for their G-League affiliate.
He averaged 19.7 points for Nebraska Basketball last season. If there is one thing he should work on in particular, it is his free throw shooting. He shot at a 76.2% clip last season. He will definitely have to prove upon that number. Particularly in today’s NBA when there are so many fouls called, improving his free throw shooting would definitely be in his best interest.
He will definitely have to work hard at making the big club. The Los Angeles Clippers have certainly been retooled thanks to acquiring Kawhi Leonard this offseason. Palmer would certainly fit well with Los Angeles as he would give them a player who can space the floor and do a little bit of everything. He can pass, and perhaps his greatest strength is driving to the hoop. He certainly has the skill set to make an NBA roster, it is just a matter of making himself stand out among the other players.
Former Nebraska G James Palmer is expected to sign an Exhibit 10 deal with the Clippers, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. Palmer reportedly worked out for LAC before 2018 draft before returning for senior year. Played with Suns in summer league this month.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) July 26, 2019
I’m excited to follow his progress, whether it be with the Los Angeles Clippers come opening night or with their G League club, the Agua Caliente Clippers. Of course there are always things that he can improve on, but I truly believe that Palmer’s game is very polished for the NBA already. Now, he will just have to focus on refining his skills and making sure that he is efficient with his shots. Particularly in today’s NBA, shot efficiency is key. It seems like the league is straying away from post play and moreso fascinated with the three-ball.
Congratulations James! This is certainly an exciting development and hopefully it is a start of a pipeline of sorts of Nebraska talent going to the NBA. With the current program building that is underway, I certainly wouldn’t put that scenario out of the realm of possibility.