First impressions of the LA Clippers’ first and second round picks in Summer League
With the conclusion of Summer League, we have now seen the LA Clippers’ two draft picks in a professional setting that emulates NBA basketball. Though not high picks, these young guys showed off their talent and the reasons why the Clippers decided to bring them in the building.
Let’s take a look at what they did in their limited time on a court with other professional hoopers.
Kobe Brown (Round 1, 30th overall), University of Missouri
LA Clippers’ rookie, Kobe Brown, is a 6 ‘7″ forward who is a throwback type of offensive player. Though a bit undersized, he has some real heft to him and was a great scorer in his senior year of college ball. He was used as a facilitating presence from the elbow for Mizzou and made for an effective offensive tool as a screener and in dribble hand-offs.
Moreover, in 5 games during summer league, he averaged 15.2 points, 1.8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1 block. He was mostly used on spot-up looks and in transition, but got a few opportunities posting up in the paint. His outside jumper looked good as he shot 43% on 30 attempts from three.
Conversely, he shot poorly from deep at Mizzou besides his senior year where he shot 45.5% on 3.3 attempts per game. This is a great sign that Brown has put the work in and it is paying off. Brown also showed some promising transition play where he got a tip on the ball and took it coast-to-coast for the slam.
Furthermore, he has the qualities you would look for in a wing and as an experienced college hooper. He could be ready to contribute to this Clippers team early depending on how the minutes stack up and how he performs in training camp. When Tyronn Lue is in need of a spark off the bench, Brown is the perfect man to go to.
Jordan Miller (Round 2, 48th overall), University of Miami
LA Clippers’ second-round draft pick, Joran Miller, is a funky, Bruce Brown-like player who, at 6 ‘4, plays a physical and interior centered game. Over the course of summer league, Miller averaged 6.8 points, 2.8 assists (to only 4 turnovers), 3.8 rebounds, and one steal per game.
Miller’s outside jumper is below average on medium-to-low volume, but he affected games despite being a non-shooting, smaller guard. Like Brown, he did not get a ton of on-ball plays called for him but found the bulk of his scoring in transition and on spot up buckets. In just a few attempts, Miller showed smart cutting technique and timing in addition to having a couple isolation possessions where he took defenders off the dribble to score.
There is hope that he can be used in a variety of offensive roles despite his limited shooting. His mid-range fadeaway jumper was an important tool for him at Miami, and if he can continue using it effectively, it could be a mainstay of his offensive game in the pros. He is built well and has horizontal length to bother guards on the perimeter.
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Though Miller has plenty of bright spots, his best may be his effort on the glass. This grit and hustle is what will keep him on the floor, especially with Tyronn Lue’s coaching style. Miller may have been a second-round pick, but he has the talent and skillset to shine for many years in the NBA.