LA Clippers draft history: Ranking every #12 overall pick

LA draft history: Ranking every #12 overall pick

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Miles Bridges reacts after being drafted 12th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers during 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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Melvin Ely (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /

2. Melvin Ely

LA Clippers stats: 4.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.5 bpg

Melvin Ely was absolute fool’s gold coming out of Fresno State. After three solid collegiate seasons, Ely broke out in a major way in his senior year. Ely would go on to average 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

Salivating and daydreaming over the countless possibilities, the LA Clippers took Ely with the 12th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. LA immediately rolled out the red carpet for their newly drafted big man but he rewarded them with vagarious play and tenuous stats.

In year one, the pace of the game appeared to be too much for Ely as he struggled to adjust. He averaged just 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game.

Willing to give him another chance, LA chalked up Ely’s season to nerves. Yet, in year two, it was much of the same. Ely’s numbers were progressively worse. He averaged just 3.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game before he was eventually moved to Charlotte the following year.

For the remainder of his career, Ely bounced around from team to team, offering high upside but failing to follow through on his talent.