If the top four in the NBA Draft goes as expected, any order of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, the top prospect on the board for the LA Clippers would be Darius Acuff Jr. He has the most superstar potential out of arguably anyone, but due to his concerns defensively, many fans are against the front office putting him in a backcourt with Darius Garland.
However, the Clippers should disregard any and all red flags around Acuff Jr. and still take him. Why? Well, the Arkansas product is an offensive juggernaut who is simply far too talented to pass up.
He showcased his entire hybrid scoring-playmaking package throughout his one-and-done season with the Razorbacks and led them fairly deep into the NCAA Tournament.
If the Clippers are bothered by Acuff Jr.’s flaws, down the line, when he is inevitably regarded as a superstar, they will be used as an example of why it’s always smart to draft the best player available over concerns with fit.
Darius Acuff Jr. is someone the Clippers must not let fall into someone else’s hands
While there’s certainly a debate, in any other year, Darius Acuff Jr. would be the first overall pick, without a doubt. Yes, he’s that talented, and just by glancing at his numbers for Arkansas, of 23.5 points and 6.5 assists(with shooting splits of 48.4/44.9/80.9), it’s clear as day why he’s extremely highly regarded.
On top of that, Acuff Jr. has excellent measurements. At the NBA combine, he posted a height of 6’2”, wingspan of 6' 7”, and a standing reach of 8 '2.5". These are solid, and they back up the idea that he could be a good defender in the league at some point, as the tools are present.
The 19-year-old literally has the face of the franchise written on his game from top to bottom, and if drafted by the LA Clippers, they won’t have to worry about a building block for as long as he’s in uniform.
As far as his fit goes, the front office should not worry too much about it.
Tyronn Lue will have options next season, like bringing Acuff Jr. off the bench or staggering his minutes with Darius Garland, to look to when orchestrating the lineups.
That said, the mindset with the fifth pick should be to draft the Detroit native and proceed accordingly. Any second thoughts about his flaws will lead the Clippers to make a decision they’ll soon regret.
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