5. Malcolm Brogdon, SG, Virginia
A 23-year-old shooting guard who stands just shy of 6’6″ may not appear to be the most attractive wing prospect. And given the age, lack of elite athleticism and size, that’s fair enough. But for a team like the Clippers, who are looking for players capable of contributing immediately, Malcolm Brogdon can easily be worthy of the team’s 33rd overall pick if they take someone else in the first round.
He has so many attributes that may encourage Doc Rivers to actually give him a solid role off the bench, despite being a rookie. His age and experience after completing four brilliant years at Virginia makes him favorable in comparison to younger, less developed prospects due to the Clippers’ need for someone who is ready to enter the NBA level with a contender. And in terms of a mind for the game, the Clippers won’t find many better players around their mid-way range of the draft than Malcolm Brogdon.
His basketball IQ is excellent and he’s proven himself as an elite defender, from the way he aggressively covers the perimeter, switches effectively, and hounds opponents on drives to the rim and keeps in front of his man till he can’t run any longer.
On offense, limitations with ball handling and athleticism hold back Brogdon from being one of the more exciting wings for the Clippers to target. Nevertheless, he’s capable of setting up an offense if need be, he moves well off the ball, and ultimately shot 39.1 percent from three last season (thanks to his deadly stroke from the corners) and averaged 18.2 points per game.
As Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress wrote when looking at Brogdon’s game after scrimmages at the Draft Combine, it was clear Brogdon is ready for the NBA:
"There’s not a ton of flash to Brogdon’s game – he’s not an explosive athlete and he doesn’t have the most beautiful shooting stroke – but he’s been a winner at every level (his team won by 40 points on Thursday) and most certainly stood out as the most NBA-ready player to play 5-on-5. At 6′ 5.5” with a 6′ 10.5” wingspan and a strong 223-pound frame, Brogdon found some success playing on the ball on Thursday, especially out of ball screens."
Put everything together, and Brogdon’s IQ, defense, and reliable (albeit not-so-flashy) offensive game allowed him to be a two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2015 and 2016) and three-time first team All-ACC.
He doesn’t have as much versatility or potential as some players on this list, but he’s proven that he can contribute and has the reliable defense and offensive play both on and off the ball that could help the Clippers.
Next: The young, athletic defensive prospect