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LA Clippers: “Re-Drafting” the 2018 Lottery

By Ryan Snellings

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver poses with (L-R) Donte DiVincenzo, Jerome Robinson, Mikal Bridges, Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Marvin Bagley III, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Jaren Jackson, Aaron Holiday, Chandler Hutchison and Zhaire Smith pose for a photo before the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver poses with (L-R) Donte DiVincenzo, Jerome Robinson, Mikal Bridges, Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wendell Carter Jr., Collin Sexton, Marvin Bagley III, Trae Young, Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Jaren Jackson, Aaron Holiday, Chandler Hutchison and Zhaire Smith pose for a photo before the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

13. Miles Bridges – SF

2018-19 Stats: 7.5 PTS, 47% FG, 4.1 REB, 1.2 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.6 BLK

Speaking of players involved in trades with the Clippers, Miles Bridges was taken 12th overall by LA and then flipped for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Being at 12 isn’t too far off of his actual value this season, so Charlotte should be pleased.

He won’t be the superstar that the Hornets need should Kemba Walker leave, but Bridges has shown some real potential, especially as a defender.

Bridges is a strong player, capable of playing the four in some small ball lineups and can jump out of the gym, so much so that he was invited to participate in the 2019 Slam Dunk Contest.

There’s potential for him to develop into a decent three point shooter too (he shot 32.5% this season on 2.5 attempts), so Bridges could become a really complete role player in the league.

12. Rodions Kurucs – PF

2018-19 Stats: 8.5 PTS, 45% FG, 3.9 REB, 0.8 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.4 BLK

Probably one of the least talked about rookies who actually had in impact, Rodions Kurucs had a very solid season for the Brooklyn Nets.

Taken in the second round (40th overall), he makes the second biggest jump in these rankings. Seems like he should have been talked about more, huh?

I’m not going to sit here and pretend I watched a bunch of Nets games and can tell you all about Kurucs. I can’t. However, I do know that he had a solid season as their starting power forward.

At 6’9, 210lbs, he could in theory play three positions in the league. There’s room for him to grow as a shooter (31.5% on 2.9 attempts), but otherwise he’s perfect in his role. Brooklyn has big aspirations this summer and should they land a star, Kurucs is a perfect cheap complimentary piece to have on their roster.

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