2015 NBA Draft: Clippers have worked out 5 new prospects
By Tom West
Mar 15, 2015; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Ryan Boatright (11) drives the ball against Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Kevin Dunleavy Jr. (10) in the first half during the final round of the American Conference Tournament at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports at XL Center.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ offseason has got off to a quick start by trading Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes for Lance Stephenson, and Doc Rivers isn’t slowing down. He’s continued to express his interest in entering the 2015 NBA draft, and after working out five more prospect yesterday, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Clippers will try and sign some rookie talent.
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And considering the fact that L.A. still don’t have a pick in the 2015 NBA draft yet, we can look forward to seeing what trades will unfold on the night itself. Because even if Doc can only get his hands on a late second round pick, the Clippers could seriously benefit from some young talent.
Not just to add youth and athleticism, but to acquire the kind of depth they need to take some pressure off Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
Yesterday, Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops and The Associated Press reported that the Clippers have worked out another group of prospects, including a mixture of both guards and forwards.
Sources: Clippers will bring in Ryan Boatright, DJ Newbill, Chris Walker, Royce O'Neale and Damontre Harris for a workout today. #NBADraft
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 21, 2015
Here’s a look at how each of these players performed last year, with their per game averages:
The Guards
Ryan Boatright, Connecticut (6’0″, 175 lbs)
35.8 minutes, 17.4 points, 42.3 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 85.0 FT%, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.4 turnovers.
D.J. Newbill, Penn State (6’4″, 210 lbs)
37.1 minutes, 20.7 points, 45.0 FG%, 37.0 3P%, 75.8 FT%, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.6 turnovers.
The Forwards
Royce O’Neale, Baylor (6’6″, 215 lbs)
32.1 minutes, 10.1 points, 45.6 FG%, 43.8 3P%, 77.3 FT%, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.7 turnovers.
Chris Walker, Florida (6’10”, 220 lbs)
14.6 minutes, 4.7 points, 53.8 FG%, 38.6 FT%, 3.5 rebounds, 0.3 steals, 1.2 blocks, 1 turnover.
Damontre Harris, South Carolina (6’10”, 228 lbs)
25.9 minutes, 6.8 points, 55 FG%, 80.4 FT%, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 2.3 blocks, 1.2 turnovers.
Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard D.J. Newbill (2) reacts after scoring against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Penn State won 67-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no way of knowing whether or not Doc Rivers intends to select a guard or a forward in the 2015 NBA draft, as the Clippers have worked out both backcourt and frontcourt players in fairly equal measure so far. However, seeing as they’ve acquired Lance Stephenson to strengthen their already formidable core of wing players, it would make more sense for them to target a big man. Especially now they’ve lost Spencer Hawes (even though he hardly helped most of the time) and are mainly left with just Glen Davis to support Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Which, as we’ve seen from how much he slows down the Clippers’ offense, is hardly a recipe for success.
Frontcourt issues aside, though, L.A. are reportedly very interested in Connecticut’s Ryan Boatright — a player who’s highly efficient and has experience from playing a large role with UCONN this year. Yet no matter how capable he may be as an offensive threat, the Clippers are now in far greater need of a big man than another guard. When they already have a plethora of backcourt talent with Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford, J.J. Redick, Austin Rivers, Lance Stephenson, and potentially even Paul Pierce.
We’ll most likely need to wait till draft night itself to see if the Clippers are able to trade for a pick and a select a rookie to deepen their bench, but regardless of who they’re targeting, you can be assured that Doc Rivers will make the 2015 NBA draft play a role in his rebuilding process.