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LA Clippers Roundtable: Getting Involved in the NBA Draft

By Ryan Snellings

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Los Angeles Clippers logo that will be unveiled during the 2015-16 season at press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Los Angeles Clippers logo that will be unveiled during the 2015-16 season at press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; From left Los Angeles Clippers executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank , head coach Doc Rivers and team consultant Jerry West speak to the media at a press conference at the team’s practice facility in Playa Vista. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; From left Los Angeles Clippers executive vice president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank , head coach Doc Rivers and team consultant Jerry West speak to the media at a press conference at the team’s practice facility in Playa Vista. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Garrett Chorpenning (@GChorpenningNBA)

  1. Yes, I would. As one of the oldest teams in the NBA based on average age, the Clippers could definitely benefit from some youth. I also think it’s important that we play those rookies, as they’re never going to develop if they keep getting the minutes that they have in the past. Reggie Bullock never played, C.J. Wilcox never did, and neither did Brice Johnson (although that was mainly due to injury).
  2. I think the Clippers should attempt to trade into the first round and buy into the second. I think it’d be excellent to see the Clippers get into the lottery, but I don’t know the likelihood of that due to our limited assets. We’ve already heard that the DeAndre-to-Phoenix rumor was refuted by LA, so who knows what they have in mind. The good thing is that this draft is extremely deep, and there are a lot of great talents hidden well into the second round.
  3. There are a few that I have my eye on, both for the first and second round. I think my first round favorite would have to be Lauri Markkanen, if we can sneak our way into the lottery. He’s the best shooter in the draft, and greatly resembles the modern NBA big man. If we’re talking second round, I think it’d be hard to pass on Frank Mason III. If we end up losing Chris Paul, I feel as though he could be a good replacement or backup for his replacement. As a senior last season, he led Kansas with 21 PPG and 5 APG. He’s a proven point guard who’s ability could translate well to the NBA.