Three-level scoring has now become essential in the modern era. However, the only position that can truly escape not being able to launch the three-ball, for now, is the center. There are countless seven-footers around the league with developed jump shots, but cases such as Ivica Zubac on the LA Clippers can still be dominant without being forced out of their comfort zone.
Furthermore, this summer, the Clippers must only add guys who can shoot. They had one too many postseason liabilities with Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ben Simmons, so to add players with an interior focus would only make the team’s problems worse.
In fact, as a team in the first round, the Clippers shot 33.0 three-point attempts across seven games with an average percentage of 36.4. This number must be as close to 40% as possible, like the Indiana Pacers, who are at 40.7%, if they want to tackle their goal of winning a title.
The Clippers must not just prioritize shooting in free agency and trades but in the draft as well. They need youngsters who can translate their jumper efficiently to the league, and the latest mock draft from Fansided.com has them doing otherwise.
In a recently posted mock draft, the Clippers select two unreliable shooters, which worsens the current rotational problems
With the last pick of the first round, the latest FanSided mock has Neoklis Avdalas, a wing from Greece, going to the LA Clippers. Later in the projections, at 51, the Clippers selected Yanic Konan Neiderhauser, a third-year German center from Penn State University.
Had the Clippers begun their rebuild, these picks would be excellent choices. Both are good defenders with an offensive upside that could be developed into something serious down the line.
Conversely, what neither presents is the ability to consistently knock down three-pointers, especially the wide-open attempts, which the Clippers desperately need.
Avdalas is the best of the two, as he did improve gradually as a shooter overseas, but it is still not a pivotal part of his playstyle. He is not being scouted as an offensive talent, and though he can be developed into one, that would have to take place later with another coach, given the struggles of Tyronn Lue.
Instead, the Clippers should take advantage of the draft and add experienced three-point snipers who can jump into the lineup next season and succeed en route to making the All-Rookie team. Avdalas and Neiderhauser have strengths, but they do not boost what Lue lacks.