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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 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – PG

2018-19 Stats: 10.8 PTS, 48% FG, 2.8 REB, 3.3 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.5 BLK

Have you heard of this guy Clipper Nation? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander impressed all season, especially when he was the floor general for the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs versus the Warriors.

It’s clear he has the complete package to be a starting point guard in the league for years. His incredible length (6’6″ with a 6’11” wingspan) allows him to both defend and finish with relative ease. Shai could stand to put on a little more muscle this summer, but honestly, that’s probably his biggest concern.

Not known as a shooter when he came into the league, his shot developed over time which culminated in March when he shot a ridiculous 59.4% from deep. If he continues to work on that shot over the summer, he will become a multi-level scorer along with a very capable defender. Shai’s ceiling is out of this world and he appears ready to help lead a championship contender.

6. Wendell Carter Jr. – C

2018-19 Stats: 10.3 PTS, 49% FG, 7.0 REB, 1.8 AST, 0.6 STL, 1.3 BLK

Wendell Carter Jr. was the “other” Duke kid in this draft, and may not have had a statistically better season than Bagley, but in my opinion there is more potential here.

Carter only was able to play in 44 games with the Bulls before getting surgery on his thumb, but those games showed ability on both ends. He is a little undersized for a center, but an offseason workout regiment should allow him to bang in the paint more effectively.

The best sign for Chicago? Carter says he already sees the game slowing down.

"I learned (watching the rest of the season) the pace isn’t as fast as I thought it was. It looked a lot slower from outside. I feel like watching veteran players they know when and where to be positioned and calm. I was able to watch from the sidelines and be able to take in where I can fit in, how I can get my points and get everything I need to get to help my team."

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