2015 NBA Draft: Breaking down the Clippers’ top targets
By Tom West
Feb 21, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams guard/forward Treveon Graham (21) shoots the ball as Massachusetts Minutemen forward Maxie Esho (1) defends in the second half at Stuart Siegel Center. The Rams won 78-72. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Shooting Guard Treveon Graham of Virginia Commonwealth
Now it’s time to look away from the point guards on offer in the 2015 NBA draft that may have caught the Clippers’ attention. The 6’6″ 220 lbs Treveon Graham may be another option Doc Rivers may consider after working him out earlier this offseason.
Graham averaged 16.2 points per game last year on 42.8 percent shooting, including a mark of 38.1 percent from beyond the arc. His shooting from the perimeter and 1.9 threes per game shouldn’t be what interest the Clippers the most, though. Where Graham really makes a difference is in the paint.
He uses his strong frame to attack the basket with great success, and can either drive to the lane himself, or post-up down low and use his strength to overpower smaller guards. When Graham enters the paint he almost plays as though he’s a power forward — obviously not to the same level that a 6’10” player might, but (for a shooting guard) he’s above average in the post when finishing through contact against bigger bodies.
In addition to his interior scoring, Graham uses his aggressive nature to hustle on the boards as well, as he averaged 7.1 rebounds in only 29.4 minutes per game this year. So whilst the Clippers should still aim for a backup big man in the 2015 NBA draft, Graham is a worthy option if Doc Rivers does select a guard for some reason. And the main reason why is he because he can offer L.A.’s backcourt some interior toughness and physicality, rather than just more three point shooting.
Well, that’s the conclusion to the top targets the Clippers can look out for if they enter the 2015 NBA draft.
Due to their primary areas of weakness being rebounding and defense, Richaun Holmes or possibly even Branden Dawson are the best potential targets if L.A. can acquire a 2015 NBA draft pick. Or, if they are unable to do so, they’ll have to just hope that some frontcourt talent is still left in free agency afterwards.