Analyzing the value of the Clippers picks: A look back at recent drafts

PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Lawrence Frank, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Lawrence Frank, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, and Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: Jerry West of the LA Clippers represents the LA Clippers 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 represents the LA Clippers 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)

Final Thoughts

The Clippers have no shortage of options between now and Thursday night and beyond. Jerry West, Lawrence Frank and the rest of the front office have loaded the franchise with trade pieces. If the Clippers do decide to trade one or both of their picks, they would be smart to look at recent to drafts to realize the potential they hold at 12 and 13.

Every draft is different, but the late lottery has produced several stars in recent years. If the Clippers strike out on Kawhi and can’t move up for Doncic, all is not lost. They currently hold two chances at the next Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker. Even if the picks end up around the quality of Taurean Prince or Steven Adams, it’s a good thing. Odds are the Clippers won’t get one or two of the next NBA stars at 12 and 13. But, if they draft smart, they could end up with two important parts to the Clippers championship aspirations, either as players or assets. Looking back at recent history it is clear, the Clippers have serious value at 12 and 13.