Clippers' perfect plan to develop criticized first-round pick is crystal clear

LA Clippers’ first-round pick, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, dominated in the preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors, showing that if developed correctly, he will soon take over for Brook Lopez as the team’s backup center. However, evolving and learning correctly is the most crucial part, and part of it will be dependent on the G-League.

Moreover, Niederhauser ended the contest against the Warriors with 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, shooting 50% from the floor. This game, in a matchup with rotational pieces for the Warriors, was better than all of his summer league games that took place after being drafted.

Niederhauser looked comfortable, put together, and relaxed, and he was, of course, able to do what he does best: put opponents on posters, as he had one that got the entire bench to clap and smile just above the six-minute mark in the fourth.

That said, Niederhauser’s potential is clear, and having an effective G-League system to show him the ways to gain minutes, for example, through the pick-and-roll, will help him develop quickly into a rotational piece.

The foundation of Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s growth will be dependent on the G-League

The LA Clippers needed Yanic Konan Niederhauser to prove before the regular season started that his selection in the NBA draft was an investment well worth it. It took all the way until his last opportunity, but now that it has occurred, fans of the Clippers can relax with high hopes that he will be the future center in the second unit.

Furthermore, Niederhauser will have veterans like Chris Paul helping him grow in the midst of games and in practice. If the high IQ floor general sees something well done by Ivica Zubac or Brook Lopez, he will likely mention it to Niederhauser in a strategic way that could help his minutes increase.

Conversely, Tyronn Lue will let the San Diego Clippers do their job and effectively handle the development of Niederhauser. If he excels, word will get passed around, and soon, Lue will call him up.

Additionally, Niederhauser was recently seen staying after practice to work a bit extra on his three-point shot. He attempted two in the preseason and missed both, but simply showing that he wants to improve in scoring opportunities that he missed displays his work ethic as a rookie.

Nonetheless, Clipper Nation should enter the regular season stress-free regarding Niederhauser. He is NBA-ready with the right mindset, and with the help of the G-League, he should blossom into a backup Lue could use in the future.