LA’s draft history: Ranking every #1 overall pick

2. Danny Manning

Draft class: 1998 

Clipper stats: 19.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg

Danny Manning will always have a special place in the hearts of LA Clippers fans. Taken as the franchise’s first number one overall pick ever, Manning was terrific.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, actually, throughout most of LA’s tenure, the Clippers were essentially the laughingstock of the league. Still, while LA lost countless games, Manning balled out.

In six seasons, Manning averaged 19.1 points per game to go along with 6.4 boards. His numbers weren’t simply empty calories either, Manning was selected to two All-Star Games and dragged this moribund franchise to two playoff appearances. Did they make it out of the first round? Well no, but don’t put the blame on Manning’s shoulders, averaging 20.4 points per game during the postseason.

Manning was about as old school as it gets, he scored down on the low block and had a silky smooth midrange jumper on the perimeter. Even if Manning played today, he would still dominate.