After the LA Clippers traded for a superstar talent in Paul George, they were left with minimal first-round draft picks over the next ten years. This essentially meant that each year the players and coaches had to remain at the top of the Western Conference, or the season would be seen as a failure.
However, that is not the case this offseason. Though the LA Clippers did not make the deep playoff run fans were hoping for, they have a late first-round pick. While this may not seem like much, the current draft class could become one of the best in NBA history.
That said, the LA Clippers’ front office has several decisions to make. They may look to trade up in the draft, or they could hold onto their pick and hope no other team selects the player of their choice. This decision is crucial for LA as one potential superstar could be taken very early.
The LA Clippers select Amari Bailey with the 30th overall pick.
If the LA Clippers were to draft Amari Bailey with their first-round pick, this could be seen as the best decision since trading for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Not only can Bailey shoot the rock, but he has excellent touch around the rim and has shown many signs of an improved playmaker.
6’5 Freshman Amari Bailey ( @amaribailey ) had an impressive showing in day 1 of the NBA combine scrimmages 🔥17 points 8 assists being aggressive downhill and getting several paint touches pic.twitter.com/dsIXNimHHw
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) May 17, 2023
In 30 games for the UCLA Bruins, Bailey averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while posting a true shooting percentage of 55.3. Though numbers may not be able to tell the whole story, Bailey stands at 6’5”, 190 pounds.
Furthermore, Bailey’s size and efficient scoring could make him one of the best shooting guards in this year’s class. He could be considered the steal of the draft if the LA Clippers selected him with the last pick of the first round.