2016 Clippers Exit Interviews: Jeff Ayres

Name: Jeff Ayres

Age: 29

Key Stats: 17 games played, 6.3 minutes per game: 1.8 points per game and 1.3 rebounds per game on 52% shooting (10.1 and 7.4 per 36 minutes)

Years in NBA: 7

2015-2016 NBA Salary: $129,482

Future Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Summary: Ayres was signed to a 10 day contract on January 23 following the infamous Blake Griffin punching incident. He got another 10 day contract immediately after, but wasn't signed for the rest of the season until mid-March (Alex Stepheson had a couple 10 days in between). Even after he officially joined the team, Ayres barely played, only just cracking the 100 minute mark on the season.

Strengths: Ayres is a competent 4^th or 5^th NBA big man who can play some defense, rebound, and provide energy. He has been in the league for a while and knows what to do on the court. He is also a good locker room presence and bench cheerleader. Jeff even won a title with the Spurs in 2014, (and played 73 games that year) so he has seen some real success.

Weaknesses: Jeff has never been a scorer—his highest point per game total for an NBA season was 3.9 back in 2013—and is already 29, so is done developing. His rebounding is fine but nothing special and his athleticism is only going to decline from here.

Future with Clippers: I wouldn't be shocked if Ayres was back in a similar position on the team next year. He knows the system and the players, and is perfectly capable of playing spot minutes if injuries occur. The market won't exactly be strong for him, so he should be available whenever Doc wants him. Look for a potential signing in August or September.

Best Moment as Clipper: In the final game of the season against the Phoenix Suns, Ayres played almost 19 minutes, his highest total of the season, and put up 8 points and 5 rebounds.