The Los Angeles Clippers are set to pick 25th in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. This is a huge deal for them because this will be one of the fewest draft picks they’ll have for the next coming years. The Clippers have also done a fantastic job of drafting players in the past couple of years.
Take Terrance Mann for example, who the Clippers drafted 48th in the 2019 NBA Draft. Jerry West, who brought Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers, has helped this Clippers franchise especially in the draft. True enough, Mann has been huge for the Clippers in the playoffs and perhaps one of the team’s most important players this postseason.
Vegas, 2019 Summer League. This dude keeps raving about the Clippers’ second-round pick, Terrence Mann. Will not shut up about him. Will not. Says he’s going to be a really, REALLY good player. And I’m like, ‘okay, Jerry West; I believe you.'
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 19, 2021
As for this coming draft, the Clippers should scout for someone who fits the team well — a player that can shoot or perhaps a playmaking guard. Obviously, the draft works by first come first basis where the teams select the best player available. But whoever they draft, it’s a given that head coach Tyrone Lue and his staff can maximize his offensive skill set.
The Clippers were one of the best offensive teams in the regular season. They had several key players shooting above 40 percent from downtown last season. That’s how they defeated their opponents — by outscoring them from three and running one of if not the best offense in the league.
The Clippers have 8 players shooting 40%+ from three this season.
47.5 — Marcus Morris
46.1 — Luke Kennard
44.4 — DeMarcus Cousins
43.8 — Reggie Jackson
42.3 — Patrick Beverley
42.1 — Paul George
40.9 — Terance Mann
40.2 — Nic Batum pic.twitter.com/4NriX7Ljgk— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 8, 2021
To carry that next season, it’s best for them to invest in more three point shooters or perhaps a playmaking guard because who knows where Reggie Jackson could go in the off season. Jackson, who has been phenomenal for the Clippers in the playoffs, has certainly made himself some money and will perhaps be courted by many teams in free agency.
Here’s who the Clippers can look at for their 25th pick as early as now.
Clippers' 2 Best Options in the 2021 NBA Draft
Chris Duarte
If the Clippers are fortunate enough to land Duarte, then they should absolutely do it. The Ringer’s Kevin O’connor draft guide projects Duarte to go in the 20s range. Duarte is a superior spot-up shooter who can score using screens, handoffs and relocations. He’s one of the oldest prospects in the draft but the Oregon graduate can contribute his hustle plays (rebounding, off ball movements etc) for his team. His experience makes him more likely to be able to contribute right away on a team that wants to contend for titles in the years to come.
Duarte averaged 17.1 points and shot 42.4 percent from three point range in his last year at Oregon.
Jared Butler
Butler, a guard from Baylor, is a crafty ball handler who can make perimeter shots and defend on-ball defense well. He has the ability to score off the dribble and can shoot threes or from split screens. Butler is also a really good passer and has developed experience that helped him become a versatile spot-up shooter.
Butler averaged 16.7 points and shot 41.6 percent from three point range for Baylor.
If the Clippers don’t decide to trade their picks, Duarte and Butler are good additions to Lue’s system. They can provide scoring and are versatile enough to make an impact right away in their own ways. Ultimately, the Clippers’ picks will depend on the direction the franchise goes.
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