Wesley Johnson shows off clutch gene in Los Angeles Clippers shooting contest

When the Los Angeles Clippers signed Wesley Johnson this offseason there were plenty of jokes to go around. After all, Johnson has had a widely disappointing NBA career up until this point and outside of a few good games against the Clippers last season had done nothing to demonstrate that he belonged on a contender.

Things were only made worse in late September when Zach Lowe reported that Johnson was not only in line to play important minutes for the Clippers but to start games for them.

As it turns out, Doc knew something that we didn’t. Wes Johnson is a master of the half-court shot, especially in clutch situations, as evidenced by this video from Clippers training camp on Wednesday.

Knowing NBA players there was some type of prize for the winner here so this went beyond just a fun game. After watching teammate after teammate miss, Johnson calmly and coolly steps up to the line and drills the half-court shot.

Considering how good the Clippers are going to be this year they are almost certainly going to be in plenty of games where every shot matters. While many teams just punt end of quarter heaves, Doc knew that he could take advantage of a market inefficiency if he could just find the right man for the job. As it turns out that man was Johnson.

So remember this come playoff time when the Clippers are down 1 with 0.8 seconds left and need a half-court shot to win the NBA Championship. You may have laughed at Wes Johnson and Doc Rivers this summer but not after he buries the game winner. This is just a preview.

Also of note from this video is the horrendous attempt from DeAndre Jordan. Considering his arms can basically reach the rim from that point there is no excuse for coming up that short. Especially after asking for more noise.

Good job, good effort, DeAndre.