The LA Clippers currently hold the 30th and 51st picks in today's NBA Draft. While players like Duke's Copper Flagg and Rutgers' Dylan Harper are out of the realm for the Clippers, this draft looks to be one of the deepest in recent years. Throughout the season, multiple collegiate players have risen and fallen, and the Clippers look to be in a prime position to land some of the fallen.
Hunter Sallis could be the Amir Coffey replacement
At one point, Hunter Sallis was viewed as a potential lottery pick. Now, CBS Sports doesn't even have him going in the first round. While Sallis was underwhelming at times during his Senior season with Wake Forest, he has experience and fits the raw and athletic wing-mold with playmaking potential that the LA Clippers love to target.
Over his Senior season, Sallis averaged 18.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. While those are not crazy averages, Sallis did this in the ACC and took a substantial jump from his time at Gonzaga. In the past, we've seen senior players fall in the draft only to make an impact immediately for their team. Sallis has the potential to do that for the Clippers.
Sallis is ranked as the 55th overall prospect by ESPN, meaning there is a chance he's available at the 51st pick. Given Amir Coffey's inconsistency throughout his career, it may be worth taking a flyer on the kid from Wake Forest.
Ryan Nembhard could fit perfectly with the Clippers bench
Another route the LA Clippers could go is guard. While Kris Dunn ran the Clippers' second unit and, at times, Ben Simmons, the lack of consistent shooting created difficulties in the team's spacing. A solution is to draft Ryan Nembhard, who could step into the backup point guard position and be a great addition. Nembhard led the nation in assists per game (9.8) and shot 40% from downtown last season.
Nembhard is another older guard, so he's a prime candidate to fall in the draft. ESPN ranks him as the 59th overall player, and he could be the playmaker the Clippers need off the bench.
With Simmons testing Free Agency, Nembhard would be a cheaper option. While his playmaking and shooting ability have improved every season, this past season was his lowest scoring average of his collegiate career. His defense is solid, so a team could pick him up before the Clippers have a chance. But if he is still available at 51, the Clippers should consider Nembhard.
Maxime Raynaud looks to be a lesser Zubac
While many mock drafts have him going before the 30th pick, Maxime Raynaud could fall. CBS Sports has Raynaud mocked to go between picks 27 and 29, and for good reason. Raynaud is coming off a season where he averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds a game, but he shot under 50%. Not a great look for a 7'1 center.
This center class has a handful of similar Centers that should be available in the mid-to-late first round. While that indicates that Raynaud could get drafted sooner, teams are always looking to find the next great Victor Wembanyama or Giannis Antetokounmpo, leading them to reach for an unproven international player. Raynaud, originally from France, proved he can play and contribute in the American game over his time at Stanford.
Drake Powell is the next Paul George
While this comparison may be a stretch, Drake Powell could be the next Paul George if he continues to progress. Powell might be raw, and his numbers at North Carolina last season don't jump off the page. Still, CBS Sports has the LA Clippers selecting Powell with the 30th pick in the draft.
Last month, ESPN asked prospects who they think are the most underrated players in this draft. Drake Powell had the third most votes, with teammate RJ Davis saying, "He has the versatility to defend 1 through 4 with his length and athleticism...[He is] able to create his own and get to his midrange."
Powell seems like the perfect pick for the Clippers, if available. He checks all the boxes that Lawrence Frank and Ty Lue look for, which include athletic wings with playmaking and shot-making potential. With the right progression and mentorship, Powell could thrive as the NBA's next two-way star.
Is a Clippers draft with no selections a possibility?
Throughout the offseason thus far, all signs point to the LA Clippers drafting. However, they could leverage their picks and a player, most likely Norman Powell or Bogdan Bogdanovic, to add more established depth. The Clippers are currently possessing one of the oldest average ages of any team and lack draft capital, so they need to get younger.
Will the Clippers trade their picks? Probably not, but Lawrence Frank has proven to be unpredictable. If they choose to keep their picks, walking out with Maxime Raynaud and Ryan Nembhard would be ideal. Trading a contract like Bogdanovic would be a fever dream and would set up the Clippers for an eventful Free Agency.