Clippers tap ex-veteran Big as an assistant for Ty Lue

The Los Angeles Clippers will welcome the experience and expertise of a former league veteran in their basketball department.

According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Amir Johnson is set to join the Clippers within Ty Lue's coaching staff, specifically working in a player development capacity.

Amir's NBA background

The 56th overall pick of the 2005 Draft, the 37-year-old Johnson played 14 seasons with four teams throughout his NBA career. An admired professional and a reliable presence at the front court with his strength and savvy demeanor, he tallied an average of 7.0 points, 5.4 boards, and 1.2 assists in 870 games.

Upon playing his final year in the league last 2018-19, Johnson pivoted to the G League Ignite from being a player-veteran to an assistant coach. As such, he was part of the Clippers' Summer League team this summer as part of its coaching staff.

A great mentor amongst bigs

Amir is the latest addition to the new Clippers coaching staff this year. As it is, Jeff Van Gundy arrived earlier within the franchise this summer following his successful participation as a senior consultant in the Boston Celtics' 2023-24 championship rally.

His entry to the Clippers will allow him to reunite with assistant coach Jay Larranaga. Johnson and Larranaga shared time in back-to-back seasons for Boston from 2015-16 and 2016-17.

With his vital experience and expertise from playing in the NBA, Amir will undoubtedly offer great lessons and mentorship for everyone within L.A., most notably for Ivica Zubac.

Related: Clippers secure long-term play of Ivica Zubac via a new deal