Clippers: Doc Rivers hopes draft class is a grand slam
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said the franchise’s selections of Brice Johnson, David Michineau and Diamond Stone could end up as hits.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said fifty percent of picks from 22 make it in the NBA, but he hopes his team got it right with their picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
"“We would love to hit a grand slam. It is rarely what happens, but it happens. I consider myself one of those—I was a second round pick at 31. So it does happen. We hope it happened this year.”"
Rumors surfaced that the Clippers would try to move up in the first round of the NBA Draft. Instead they stayed put in the first round and traded back in the second round.
Apparently, the team wanted to hit on prospects with athleticism and high-ceilings.
Los Angeles selected UNC forward Brice Johnson (25th), European guard David Michineau (39) and Maryland center Diamond Stone (40) in the draft.
All three players add needed youth and depth to critical spots on the Clippers roster. Clippers head coach Doc Rivers expects all three of them on the roster.
Doc said at this point he expects all the picks to join the team for summer league/next season. Doesn't sound like a stash situation.
— Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) June 24, 2016
Rivers said the Clippers liked their first round pick from the very beginning of the draft.
Johnson was one of two guys that the Clippers really valued at No. 25 overall. Rivers did not name the other player on the big board who was drafted ahead of Johnson. However, the Clippers happily drafted Johnson.
The Clippers head coach said Johnson is athletic, rebounds, runs the floor, and shoots well. He hopes Johnson can make it out to the three-point line. Added range would help Johnson play center during small-ball lineups.
More from Clipperholics
- Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
- 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
- Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
- How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
- Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver
“…I think right now probably four.” Rivers said on Johnson’s primary position. “He has to get used to playing in the NBA, so we are not going to give him multiple positions yet.”
Rivers added that Johnson played four years in college. He played in big games, and he has a lot of upside.
“I think it helps that he [Brice Johnson] is a four-year player.” Rivers said. “…He got better each year—he needed too. And I thought this year he did that.”
In his final year with UNC, Johnson was a first team All-American. Johnson averaged about 17 points and 10 rebounds per-game during his senior season.
Rivers expects Johnson to rebound very well in the NBA, like he did in college. Johnson will need to get stronger though, the head coach said.
As for the second round, Rivers said the team rolled the dice a little bit. He said they could have drafted one of the players at 33 overall, but they traded back a few spots and both were available.
The Clippers like the abilities of Michineau and Stone, but Rivers admitted that neither of them could be ready immediately.
Rivers on the second rounders:
"“We are hoping they [Diamond Stone and David Michineau] will turn out to be good players. We cannot say that any one of them in the second round will be ready right away. We just like their abilities.”"
The Clippers loved Michineau’s speed and defense, according to Rivers. Michineau can play both guard positions and he has a great feel. The European guard is young and Los Angeles will gives him a chance to get a lot better, Rivers said.
Directly after Michineau’s selection, the Clippers selected Stone with the other pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Rivers said he loved Stone’s name and liked his size.
Next: Clippers select David Michineau and Diamond Stone
Stone showed first-round offensive ability in college, but he hasn’t shown if he can defend period, according to Rivers. The Clippers head coach said they will try to get him to defend, and he can not wait to start coaching him.
Clearly, the Clippers got great value in Thursday night’s NBA Draft. Atleast that is what the Clippers head coach believes