According to InsideHoops, the Clippers waived Mike Taylor today. Taylor’s contract was to become guaranteed after today, but Clippers management decided against retaining him. Taylor was scheduled to make $736,420 this year.
Taylor showed a ton of potential towards the end of the year. Taylor went off for 35 points at Madison Square Garden on March 25th, which was good for one of the highest single game point performances by any rookie last season. Taylor’s rough summer in Vegas, where he struggled with inconsistency and maintaining the proper tempo, probably lost him his job. Mike Taylor may not have been a true point guard, but many Clippers fans were hopeful he could blossom and enjoy a career similar to Bobby Jackson.
It’s quite the turn of events, considering Taylor was a player that management traded a 2009 2nd rounder to acquire. That traded pick eventually became pick 33 of this years draft, who Portland used to select Dante Cunningham.
Taylor became quite the fan favorite in L.A. for his electrifying dunks and speedy play. In the dying months of the season, Taylor was routinely applauded by fans for his consistent effort and hustle.
Taylor’s waiving leaves the Clippers with only three true guards on the roster; Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, and Sebastian Telfair. This move may further intensify the Clippers pursuit of Ramon Sessions.
If this is truly the last we’ll see of Mike Taylor in a Clippers uniform, we might as well let him go out in style.
