Without a doubt, the LA Clippers made one of the most dubious picks of the first round, and the signs were evident in his first two summer league games. The process of being drafted is thorough and includes interviews, in which Yanic Konan Niederhauser may have excelled, but what has been seen so far regarding his performances bring out a reasonable level of concern from the fanbase.
Prior to game three, Niederhauser had been struggling on his two-way activity, which was likely one of the strengths the Clippers saw in him at Penn State. Jitters could have caused this, or a faster pace that caught him off guard.
After scoring his first bucket in the summer league, through a flashy alley-oop dime from a pick-and-roll initiated by Zavier Simpson, Niederhauser showed more confidence moving forward. His chin was up, and despite a developing opinion around his game, Niederhauser did what he could in the minutes he was receiving.
This quick, yet unforgettable, moment led to a promising Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers; nevertheless, it may have come at a time when the Clippers' front office was already convinced additional measures were necessary.
Niederhauser's summer league performance against the Lakers displayed that the Clippers' rookie still needs developmental attention
Aside from a likable character and phenomenal rim protection, the LA Clippers viewed Yanic Konan Niederhauser's college experience as a way to integrate him into the active rotation early in his career.
This meant that if executive Lawrence Frank had assessed Niederhauser correctly, the adjustment to the summer league, which is not even a complete picture of the NBA, should have gone more smoothly than it did.
Moreover, Niederhauser only scored three points in the first two summer league games, with a shooting split of one-for-five from the field. This likely left head coach Tyronn Lue with assurance that his rookie season would be focused on absorbing valuable pieces of wisdom from Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez.
In game three, Niederhauser impressed, scoring 10 points in 23 minutes, shooting 5-9. He has attempted two three-pointers through three games thus far, and though both have been off the iron, it is a good sign that a center just drafted has no hesitation shooting in open space.
Though these are steps forward, the indication that Niederhauser will need the G-League to flourish exists, and this is the best course of action for the Clippers and his future.