Clippers NBA Draft Targets: Ranking top 5 wings to consider

2. DeAndre Bembry, SF, St. Joseph’s

The final two names on this list are basically interchangeable, and may simply be decided for the Clippers by whoever goes first. Taurean Prince is the upcoming player and given his athleticism, size at 6’8″ and current 3-and-D ability (more analysis next), he’s regarded as one of the top small forwards in this year’s draft. As a result, he’s projected in many mock drafts to go just inside the top 20, if not slightly ahead of the top 25.

If that’s the case, the Clippers’ choice should be simple: select DeAndre Bembry with the 25th overall pick.

With slightly less size at 6’6″ (still has a wingspan just shy of 6’10”) and cool three-point shooting (26.6 percent) last season at St. Joseph’s that will need to be improved, Bembry has a couple of knocks that generally have experts projecting him to fall at the very end of the first round at best. However, Bembry shouldn’t be viewed as a “tweener” because of his size. In today’s NBA, his combination of shot creation off the dribble, passing, and ability to guard multiple positions is a skill set that has more value than ever, and Bembry has a lot to offer that should excite the Clippers.

In fact, he’s already worked out for them, which bodes well for fans who want to see his undisputedly brilliant afro suit up in a Clippers jersey.

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First and foremost, when looking past the three-point shooting, Bembry has the potential to do a lot for the Clippers’ bench if he’s given enough minutes to do so. With a great handle for a small forward, the ability to set up an offense and spread the ball (4.5 assists last season), he can help spark some movement for bench rotations that often relies on Jamal Crawford creating a shot or others hoisting up threes.

Bembry’s versatility really is the key for the Clippers, as he’s shown throughout his career at St. Joseph’s — averaging 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game last season — that he embraces a point-forward role. He can post up, create well off the dribble from mid-range, finish strong at the rim, and set up others when he takes control of the ball.

At the other end of the floor, his versatility applies to defense where he can guard twos, threes, and possibly even slower point guards on switches at the perimeter.

Yes, the shooting needs work and Doc won’t be letting any rookie take too much responsibility. But Bembry’s playmaking, impressive rebounding, defense and immediate talent, rather than having to wait for potential to shine through, should thoroughly entice the Clippers.

Next: The prototypical 3-and-D small forward