The Los Angeles Clippers are in a unique position to select two players back-to-back in the 2018 NBA Draft. The 12th and 13th picks aren’t exactly the best positions to select a franchise player, but the draft has its share of surprises every year. With two consecutive picks, they have a better chance of at least hitting on one.
One option is to trade one of the picks for a proven veteran or a young star on the rise before or after the draft. In case they decide to keep both picks, the Clippers can add a pair of young studs to become key pieces in their rebuilding effort.
Let’s take a look at the five best draft options for Clippers Nation.
5. Robert Williams, Texas A&M – Power Forward
2017-18 Collegiate averages: 10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Height: 6-foot-9
A physical specimen at 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Robert Williams has a 7-foot-6 wingspan that creates problems for opponents on the defensive end. His size makes him a difficult player to go up against on both ends of the floor.
Defense is where he especially excels and where his career will likely be defined. Should DeAndre Jordan play elsewhere next season, Williams will be his replacement manning the middle for the Clippers.
Like Jordan, don’t expect him to score in bunches but rather good, quality shots around the rim.
4. Lonnie Walker IV, Miami – Shooting Guard
2017-18 Collegiate averages: 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals
Height: 6-foot-5
The Clippers need help at just about every position. To beef up the two-guard spot, they can nab Miami’s athletic guard Lonnie Walker. While he is already a scorer by nature, Walker can learn a thing or two about putting the ball in the hole from the sharp-shooting Tobias Harris.
This kid is explosive and can potentially be one of the better shooting guards in the league very soon. He has a 6-foot-10 wingspan which helps him get his shot off against taller defenders, and he should eventually be a good defender in this league. His intensity on that end of the court was lacking in the college level. but playing professionally should do wonders for his defense. Going to a pro team with veterans will help him focus on both ends of the floor.
3. Miles Bridges, Michigan State – Small Forward / Power Forward
2017-18 Collegiate averages: 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Height: 6-foot-6
Perhaps the most athletic player in the draft, Miles Bridges will come flying into the league, both offensively and defensively. His 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame has him ready for the rigors of playing against bigger players in the NBA. At 36.4 percent from beyond the arc, he has a respectable deep shot, but he will have to adjust to the NBA's deeper 3-point line.
Bridges is a tweener, making him a very good fit for today’s game. He can play power forward against small lineups and be effective against teams that like to play small ball. He’s an excellent defender and will thrive even when he switches onto bigger or smaller opponents.
2. Kevin Knox, Kentucky – Small Forward / Power Forward
2017-18 Collegiate averages: 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Height: 6-foot-9
One of the better big men in the draft, Kevin Knox has the size and length to pose problems for opposing forwards. He has a 7’ ¼” wingspan with a 36 ½” vertical leap, making him a solid physical presence on the defensive boards.
He showed flashes of being a threat from the outside and was chosen as a member of the All-SEC freshmen team.
Knox is a work in progress at 18 years old. The kid has a lot of room for growth, but he has the potential to be a very good all-around forward. He has a good shot outside, but his post-up game must be harnessed.
If Jordan stays with the Clippers, Knox can learn a thing or two about being a better rebounder and defender. His rebounding especially needs work. This guy would be a higher pick if he had stayed in college one more year and entered the draft in 2019, a testament to how deep this draft is.
1. Collin Sexton, Alabama – Point Guard
2017-18 Collegiate averages: 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Height: 6-foot-3
The dynamic point guard from Alabama should be the Clippers’ number one priority if he’s available this late in the lottery. Collin Sexton was second in the SEC in scoring at 19.2 points per game and has drawn comparisons to both Kemba Walker and Russell Westbrook. He’s probably a mix of the positives and negatives from both players.
All signs point to the Clippers nabbing him at this spot if the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers pass.
He will be the Clips’ future point guard who can be one of the better playmakers in the league in the coming years. The point guard position is one of the easiest to fill these days, but teams still need quality play from this position.
If the Clippers choose Sexton, he will start the revival of the franchise and keep it from going through the rebuilding process that the Sixers went through for several years.
A major concern with Sexton is that his assists numbers are quite low for a point guard, but he should develop into a better playmaker in the professional ranks with better teammates. He was counted on to score the basketball for his team to win, so that could have been a factor.
Overall, there’s very little to not like about Sexton’s game.
Follow Us
Subscribe