No. 1 player the LA Clippers can replace in 2021 NBA Draft: DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins provided the LA Clippers with some impressive moments when they were shorthanded in the Western Conference Finals.
However, Cousins can’t really play as many minutes as he used to, and most likely won’t be able to be brought back for the 2021-2022 season. It’s no big deal, as Charles Bassey out of Western Kentucky is a sleeper for a team in need of a big man.
Bassey, who’s 6’11,” 235 lbs, was the CUSA Player of the Year last year, and has a 7’3″ wingspan.
The eye test can even tell you that one, as he can swat anything and everything. He swatted 3.1 blocks per game last year to go along with 11.6 rebounds per contest. Again, the Clips need rebounders, and Bassey can do that along with playing good defense.
He showed the ability to handle lobs when he was in college, and his aggression stands out. He can move around for a big guy. The Clippers could use an athletic big like Bassey.
That’s something they haven’t had as much as of late, and he can play the four as well.
He also can shoot a decent three-ball, and has shot 45% one year in college. His offense is solid in general, as he is nice with put-backs and has a solid mid-range game. Putting up 17.6 points per game last year, there weren’t many flaws in his performance at the college level.
The Clippers need to have a good offseason, and it all starts with the draft. They may be without some of their guys from the 2020-2021 season, but they can absolutely lessen the blow through the draft.