Despite the LA Clippers picking 30th overall in this Wednesday’s draft, there are high stakes, with high implications, that will come with their selection. Executive Lawrence Frank must be ready to make the proper choice, as this player could quickly become the team’s best young talent.
Furthermore, the best of LA’s youngsters currently is Jordan Miller, who is still in the unproven phase of his career. Scoring and playmaking signs have been on display, which is why his contract was elevated, but he has still yet to show he is worth holding on to long-term.
Moreover, if trading up for players like Walter Clayton Jr. or Danny Wolf is out of the question, the Clippers have made it clear without saying a word that a big man will be taken. There are many suitors for Tyronn Lue’s vacant position, and the fans have their favorites, but everything will be decided by Frank and the behind-the-scenes work done by the scouts.
However, in the latest mock draft released by ESPN and constructed by Jonathan Givony and
Jeremy Woo, the LA Clippers selected Noah Penda, a forward from Le Mans, France.
This choice is questionable for various reasons and will invite unnecessary chaos in LA’s future if this is what reality turns out to be in less than 48 hours.
ESPN has the Clippers taking Noah Penda 30th overall, and it will be looked at as a regretful choice in the near future
Big men in the NBA from France have an exceptional reputation, especially with the most recent, notable name being Victor Wembanyama. Each player is unique, but overall, France is one of the top countries in producing high-quality NBA talent.
The LA Clippers have one of their own in Nicolas Batum, who is also from France and has had a savvy career as an elite role player in the association.
Conversely, Noah Penda has strengths, like toughness, hustle, and energy, but his three-point shooting weaknesses would become a major problem for Tyronn Lue. He is regarded with a sub-par jump shot that may not translate to the professional speed of the NBA.
The reason is his mechanics, primarily his release, which has been inconsistent. This damages the Clippers, who are looking for stretch big men who are willing to let it fly from a distance.
Penda could be a great forward elsewhere, but the Clippers’ needs do not fit what he is best at and where his weaknesses stand.