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Clippers: 5 big names who could fall to L.A. in 2016 NBA Draft

By Tom West

Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) walks to the court before the game against the Villanova Wildcats in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) walks to the court before the game against the Villanova Wildcats in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men /

Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina

After averaging 17 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks in only 28 minutes per game last season with 61.4 percent shooting and PER of 33, helping to lead North Carolina to the National Championship game, Brice Johnson is a well-known, highly productive name. Mostly due to his limited range and skill set on offense, though, along with his age at 21, Johnson isn’t viewed as a top prospect and could possibly fall to the Clippers with their 33rd pick.

While Johnson did find a fair amount of his offensive production in the post, he could still bring immediate impact to the Clippers in the minimal role that Doc would likely give him. He runs the floor incredibly well for a 6’11 power forward, making the most of his tremendous athleticism and fluidity.

Those same physical attributes pay off in the half court offense as well, leading to many put-backs, cuts, strong finishes in the pick-and-roll, and powerful alley-oops.

While he still has some work to do to fully hone his defensive versatility when switching to the perimeter, he can protect the rim already with his interior instincts, 7’0″ wingspan, and 38-inch vertical. Just look at some of the rejections he compiled here:

He’s a high-energy player and that can give him what he needs to help the Clippers in a limited role, addressing their need for some size, hustle and quick-twitch explosion to work on the boards, and additional rim protection outside of DeAndre Jordan and Cole Aldrich.

In one game against Florida State on January 4 this year, Johnson put everything together, becoming the first UNC player since 1973 to have a 30-point, 20-rebound game as he exploded for 39 points, 23 rebounds and three blocks.

Those numbers speak for themselves as a highlight of his year-long performance.

It would be best to acquire a big man who can play at both power forward and center, but if he impresses the Clippers in a workout and he’s available, Brice Johnson could easily be worth the 33rd pick.

Next: One of 2016's best rookie point guards

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