Clippers Sign Len and Grant
Alex Len was Dylan's first big signing with the Clippers
The Clippers finally struck in Free Agency on Sunday, with the signings of Alex Len and Jerian Grant. The two 29-year-old veterans were both ecstatic about the move."It's good to be wanted and to know that someone thinks you can make a difference in their organization," Grant said. "I've had a roller coaster of a career so far and I've had a lot of different experiences, so I'm excited to come into this organization and give them everything I've got and learned." The 6'5 point guard signed a one-year, veteran's minimum deal.
The more interesting story is that of Alex Len, a 7'1 center who signed for three years at $10.1 million deal, the team's tax mid-level exception. But more interesting then the terms of the deal, are Len's connection to Clippers GM Dylan.
The relationship goes back to Len's time as a star at University of Maryland, where the two met at a fraternity party. The two, along with Miami Heat forward Jake Layman, played a couple rounds of beer pong against each other and proceeded to shotgun a beer afterwards.*
"We've had a connection since then, a positive one," said Dylan. "After beating him in Beer Pong twice, he gained a level of respect for me, a no-name at the time. And you'd be surprised at how quickly a seven-footer can shotgun a beer."
Len had a similar feeling about his new boss, "I have a good relationship with Dylan and I have a lot of respect for him, both as a person and a general manager. I'm excited to join this organization."
Len should be in line for plenty of playing time this season with the future of Greg Monroe in Los Angeles unclear.
*Note: this story is completely true. Jake Layman is/was quite the partier.
