In the perfect NBA draft world, the LA Clippers land the fifth pick from the Indiana Pacers and select a worthy first-overall prospect. Well, that dream could actually transpire: Marc Stein of ‘The Stein Line’ reported that the stock of Darryn Peterson of the Kansas Jayhawks might slip, which could put the front office in a position to snag him if the lottery pans out in their favor.
Stein vaguely cited the drop in Peterson as due to too many questions around him. This may mean a lot of things, including his potential, skill set on both sides of the ball, attitude, leadership, and/or IQ.
But, you know what? In the eyes of Lawrence Frank and the rest of the Clippers’ front office and ownership, they see a franchise building block that is worth every risk at pick number five, no matter what it is. That perfectly describes his generational ability.
Darryn Peterson on the Clippers would lure endless happiness
If somehow, some way, the basketball gods provide the LA Clippers with a golden opportunity to bring in Darryn Peterson, the fanbase would not be able to control their excitement. Tears of joy would also be shed, as the last first-overall talent LA had was Blake Griffin, who was drafted nearly two decades ago.
Furthermore, Peterson has been a beast for Kansas. He is currently averaging 19.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, shooting 46.5% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc.
The numbers are nice, but the cherry on top is that he is a six-foot-five, 200-plus-pound guard. This frame instantly gives him the ability to play bully ball at the professional level, work his way to the cup with ease, and hold his ground defensively.
These are the rationales of why he is at the top of countless mock drafts; Peterson is nothing short of elite.
Pair a prospect like this with Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and John Collins, and you have a rock-solid core that is taken over the top. Additionally, they will last in the Western Conference through the foreseeable future, given their notable youth, shot-making, athleticism, and two-way prowess.
That said, Clipper Nation hopes Marc Stein's credible words come to pass. They want Peterson more than arguably anyone, and now it appears as if the days of him joining LA could actually come true.
This is mind-boggling considering where the Clippers were before the deadline.