2015 NBA Draft: Breaking down the Clippers’ top targets

Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Quinn Cook carries the national championship trophy after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men

Point guard Quinn Cook of Duke

Yes, the Clippers do need to prioritze signing a big man, but 2015 NCAA champion Quinn Cook still has the potential to be a steal, who may even go undrafted.

In their 2015 NBA draft mock, DraftExpress have projected that Cook won’t be selected, which could give the Clippers an opportunity to pick him up if they have the salary cap left to do so. Although, why Doc would want another point guard is almost perplexing. Especially when Glen Davis has nearly become the sole supporter of Blake Griffin and Jordan now.

Cook averaged 15.3 points in 35.8 minutes per game this season, and shot 45.3 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from three point range. Add on his 89.1 percent free throw shooting, and it’s easy to see just how efficient Cook is. As a result, he led the ACC in three point percentage, free throw percentage and offensive rating (129.6).

He may lack strong finishing inside (as he only made 45 percent of his shots in the paint this year) but he would at least be a better three point option than Austin Rivers — who only shot 30.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Obviously the Clippers may be able to enter the second round and draft a player of more importance to them, but if they somehow have any salary cap left, Cook is at least a noteworthy player (although, they are more likely to target veteran free agents such as Paul Pierce instead). He has the kind of efficiency that Austin Rivers lacks and is very dynamic in transition, which would suit the Clippers’ fast paced style. And if he didn’t have teammates such as Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow overshadowing him, Cook would probably be considered as a far more valuable rookie talent.