In the world of professional basketball, the NBA, free agency is a time of both opportunity and challenge. It's a period where players seek new contracts, teams look to fill gaps in their rosters, and the landscape of the league can shift dramatically. This year, the LA Clippers find themselves in a unique position, with three former players who, despite their past contributions, are currently unsigned and forgotten by many fans.
The Forgotten Veterans
Garrett Temple
Garrett Temple, a veteran guard, spent a brief but impactful 26 games with the Clippers in the 2018-19 season. Coming off a strong performance with the Memphis Grizzlies, Temple was expected to be a versatile wing, capable of shooting three-pointers, playing solid defense, and providing a much-needed veteran presence in the locker room. However, his time with the Clippers was marked by underperformance, as he failed to live up to these expectations. Temple's inability to guard his position effectively led to his departure from the team in the following offseason.
Since then, Temple has continued to move around the league, playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and most recently, the Toronto Raptors. At 39 years old, his lack of playing time in Toronto suggests that he may not secure an NBA contract for the upcoming season. The decline in his playing time and the natural aging process make it unlikely that Temple will return to the NBA, marking the end of a journey that began in the Clippers' locker room.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green, a versatile forward, was a key acquisition for the Clippers in 2016. Coming off a strong performance with the Memphis Grizzlies, Green was in his prime at 29 years old. The Clippers traded Lance Stephenson and a protected first-round pick to acquire him, high hopes were placed on his ability to contribute. Green's performance in 27 games, including 10 starts, lived up to these expectations, averaging 10.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, with impressive shooting percentages. However, the Clippers decided not to re-sign him, and Green has since moved on to other teams, including the Houston Rockets.
At 39 years old, Green's best attribute is his experience. While he may not be a starting player anymore, his contributions off the bench can still be valuable. The Clippers' decision not to re-sign him raises questions about the team's strategy and the value placed on veteran players in the NBA.
Mason Plumlee
Mason Plumlee, a key player in the Clippers' rotation, was acquired to support Ivica Zubac. In 23 games after being traded, Plumlee performed admirably, averaging 7.5 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting an impressive 72.7% from the field. His performance improved even further in the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, where the Clippers lost. Despite his strong play, Plumlee suffered an MCL injury, which led to the Clippers signing Daniel Theis. When he returned, Plumlee struggled to find his place in the rotation.
Plumlee's journey took an unexpected turn when he joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2025-26, a team that reached the NBA Finals. His contributions were behind the scenes, and at 35 years old, he is now seeking his next opportunity to apply his experience to a new organization. The Clippers' decision to re-sign him initially, followed by his release due to injury, highlights the challenges and uncertainties that come with managing a roster in the NBA.
Conclusion
The stories of Garrett Temple, Jeff Green, and Mason Plumlee serve as a reminder that the NBA is a dynamic and ever-changing league. While these players may have been forgotten by some fans, their contributions to the Clippers and the league as a whole cannot be overlooked. As the Clippers navigate free agency and look to build a competitive roster, the lessons learned from these players' journeys can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with managing a team in the NBA.
