With Ryan Kalkbrenner, an exceptionally talented center from the Creighton Bluejays, available to be drafted at the LA Clippers’ 30th pick, executive Lawrence Frank diverted and selected Yanic Konan Niederhauser. This choice made sense, but it still felt a bit too early, given Niederhauser’s second-round projection.
The Charlotte Hornets eventually acquired Kalkbrenner, and if he excels in his role next season and beyond, the Clippers, particularly Frank, will wonder why they hesitated to draft the seven-foot-one 23-year-old.
However, the Clippers’ attention should be centered on the potential, film, and strengths of Niederhauser. He has drawn comparisons to franchise legend DeAndre Jordan, which is a dream as of right now, but it could pan out if he lives up to the hype and sheds away his weaknesses.
Furthermore, Niederhauser must utilize the NBA Summer League and training camp to disprove the doubters and demonstrate that his most significant flaw, playmaking, was never a cause for concern.
Improvements can occur at the professional level, but this typically happens through shooting or ball handling, as playmaking for a center does not automatically result in elevation unless the necessary tools are evident.
That said, Niederhauser’s lack of vision will ultimately stop him from claiming the backup spot behind Ivica Zubac.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser is great in many aspects, but his main detriment will halt him from success on the LA Clippers
Passing and racking assists for a big man are usually not a significant matter unless their names are Nikola Jokić or Domantas Sabonis. These two are the most important names in the NBA, with expectations to pass at a high level for their position.
Moreover, the Clippers do not need Yanic Konan Niederhauser to develop eyes on the back of his head. Still, his passing skillset for the Penn State Nittany Lions was a noticeable issue in his game, and draft experts took notice.
He had the talent to be drafted earlier in the first round, but because he only had 34 total assists in three years of collegiate basketball, one at Penn State and two at Northern Illinois, scouts were concerned.
If head coach Tyronn Lue observes that his eyes are always down or looking at the rim and not even slightly on making a play for his teammates when crowded in the paint, he may choose to utilize Niederhauser as a reserve or in the G-League. This would be best, as he needs to learn how to navigate the paint as a young center.