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The Los Angeles Clippers need to draft backcourt players in the NBA Draft

By Ryan Snellings

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: Jerry West of the LA Clippers talks to the media after getting the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: Jerry West of the LA Clippers talks to the media after getting the number one pick in the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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When their number is called on NBA Draft night, the Los Angeles Clippers need to go after backcourt players, not bigs.

With the NBA Draft now under a week away, everyone has an opinion on who their team should take. For the Los Angeles Clippers, there are a multitude of options at the 12th and 13th spots. But, when it comes time to make their selections (if they still have their picks), the Clips need to take backcourt players and not bigs.

Before I present my case, let me back up and qualify this statement. If for some crazy reason an elite big man prospect like Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter or Marvin Bagley drop all the way to the Clips, then yes, they absolutely have to take them. But, this argument is assuming the draft goes somewhat how it is expected to.

I’ll be the first to admit it. I originally wanted the team to take Robert Williams. A big man who can replace DeAndre Jordan? Why not? Our other site expert, Garrett Chorpenning, makes a valid argument on why we should be concerned with Williams. So, after looking more in depth, I’ve realized that this draft just has too many backcourt players that are seemingly more valuable.

Wing It

Wing players are necessary in the NBA. They are the most malleable position in the league currently with some capable of playing anywhere from the one through the four position. This year’s draft is deep with wing talent and although they might not be superstars, they each have the talent to contribute in the league.

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Wing wise, the Clips could look at the likes of Kevin Knox, Lonnie Walker, Zhaire Smith, Miles Bridges, Mikal Bridges and Troy Brown Jr. (Click the name for our profile on each player!) There’s even the possibility that the team trades up for the likes of Luka Doncic or Michael Porter Jr.

Each player brings their own unique talent to the floor and would help to upgrade the Clippers current wing situation, which consists of Tobias Harris, Sam Dekker, Danilo Gallinari and Wesley Johnson.

All Signs Point Here

A point guard would also be a solid move for the team. While Patrick Beverley is a solid starting point guard, he isn’t under contract after this season. The only other true PG on the squad is Jawun Evans and he still has question marks. There are a few point guards that will likely be available at the 12 and 13 spots that could come in and be a future starter.

The main two culprits here are Collin Sexton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sexton is a player who could be similar to Patrick Beverley in terms of tenacity while SGA has great size and playmaking ability.

Big No

As long as the Clippers take wings or point guards, they will have made the right choice. With 2018-19 likely being another year of missing the playoffs and biding time, the team will be able to develop their prospects into solid rotational wings at minimum.

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