2015 NBA Draft: Clippers set to work out six new prospects
By Tom West
March 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Aaron White (30) moves the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at KeyArena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Clippers won’t rest when it comes to working out prospects for the 2015 NBA draft. They worked out 12 last Wednesday alone, and now have a workout planned for at least six more prospects today.
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If they are able to complete a trade to land a pick, then the specific players or positions the Clippers intend to target in the 2015 NBA draft is still uncertain, but it’s clear they want to make something happen. With Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford already positioned in L.A.’s backcourt rotation, and the potential signings (again, nothing is certain at all yet) of another wing player with either Paul Pierce or Gerald Green perhaps, the Clippers need to address the situation of their backup bigs.
Because with Glen Davis and Spencer Hawes both recording a +/- of at least -14.4 this season, there’s no denying that there needs to be change. Their weakness has been mentioned enough, though, and now it’s time to look forward to the future.
Clippers beat writer for the Los Angeles Times Ben Bolch has reported the latest 2015 NBA draft workout taking place, and it features a combination of both guards and forwards.
Clippers will work out prospects Saturday including Aaron White (Iowa), David Kravish (Cal), Treveon Graham (VCU), Julian Washburn (UTEP).
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) June 12, 2015
Quinn Cook (Duke) and Ryan Boatright (UConn) will also participate in workout for Clippers.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) June 12, 2015
Here’s a look at how each of those players performed this year and their per game averages:
Guards
Quinn Cook, Duke (6’2″, 185 lbs)
15.3 points, 45.3 FG%, 39.5 3P%, 89.1 FT%, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1 steal, 1.2 turnovers.
Ryan Boatright, Connecticut (6’0″, 175 lbs)
17.4 points, 42.3 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 85 FT%, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.4 turnovers.
Treveon Graham, Virginia Commonwealth (6’6″, 220 lbs)
16.2 points, 42.8 FG%, 38.1 3P%, 69.1 FT%, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.2 turnovers.
Forwards
Julian Washburn, Texas-El Paso (6’8″, 210 lbs)
10.3 points, 41.5 FG%, 38.1 3P%, 71.9 FT%, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks.
Aaron White, Iowa (6’9″, 228 lbs)
16.4 points, 52.1 FG%, 35.6 3P%, 81.9 FT%, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.5 blocks.
David Kravish, California (6’10”, 240 lbs)
11.3 points, 47.8 FG%, 28.6 3P% (only o.1 makes per game), 72.6 FT%, 7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.5 blocks.
Mar 7, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard/forward Treveon Graham (21) shoots the ball as George Mason Patriots forward Jalen Jenkins (31) defends in the second half at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 71-60. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Even if the Clippers aren’t able to enter the draft, it’s not the end of the world. The 2015 NBA draft features a lot of talent, some of which won’t be selected.
So whilst they may not wind up with a second round pick, they’ve at least gained far more knowledge about a host of prospects through these workouts if they want to sign an undrafted free agent. And if they address their frontcourt issues as they should, the Clippers will hopefully target a big man to support Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan — at least to a more capable standard than the likes of Davis and Hawes.