Los Angeles Clippers Rookie Report: Branden Dawson

Devyn Marble. Peyton Siva. Tomislav Zubicic. Chukwudiebere Maduabum. Hamady N’Diaye.

Those are the most recent players who were taken with the 56th pick in the NBA Draft before the Los Angeles Clippers added Branden Dawson to that list in this year’s NBA Draft. Those players have set the expectations pretty low for being drafted in that territory. Two of those players have yet to appear in an NBA game while the other three have combined for 73 appearances in games and none have been able to make an impact. The expectations for such a low pick are almost non-existent as they often fail to play in the NBA. Branden Dawson is looking to defy the expectations for being picked 56th and make an impact for a contender.

Dawson comes to the NBA after a very successful four-year collegiate career at Michigan State in which he averaged 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 130 games as a Spartan. During Dawson’s four years, the Spartans made it to the Sweet Sixteen every year while advancing to the Elite Eight and Final Four once apiece. At Michigan State, head coach Tom Izzo’s players are often regarded as tough-minded players who play hard all of the time and focus on things that don’t always show up in the box score. If you’re one who believes that to be true, then Branden Dawson is the prototype for Michigan State Spartans.

If you just look at Dawson’s accomplishments and track record, you’d be surprised to see that he was available at that late stage in the NBA Draft. Dawson arrived at Michigan State as a McDonald’s All-American out of Gary, Indiana. Dawson’s averages for points, rebounds, assists, and blocks all improved during all four of his seasons in East Lansing. Last season as a senior, Dawson led the Big Ten in rebounding, finished third in field goal percentage, and fourth in blocks per game while being a large reason why Michigan State was able to advance to the Final Four. Although a big part of his game isn’t highlight-friendly, check out a highlight reel of him from last season to get accustomed to his game.

The reason Dawson was still available at that stage is his lack of height for a player with his skill set. Dawson is a classic example of someone who is considered a tweener. At 6’7, 230 lbs, Dawson has the size of a small forward but has the skills of a power forward. Although Dawson is often compared to another Spartan who was considered a tweener and was drafted in the second round in Draymond Green, Dawson hasn’t showcased a fraction of the offensive skills that Green possesses. Dawson hasn’t shown much skill in the areas of shooting or ball-handling. Dawson instead relied on his muscle and athleticism to get his points.

At Dawson’s spot in the draft, I like to look at what a player can do as opposed to what he can do. At that stage of the draft, you’re not drafting on star potential but just potential to contribute in some aspect. Dawson will never be a star in the league. What he can be is an effective bench player and a fan favorite, a better version of Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Like Davis, Dawson is a fantastic hustle player who brings energy and effort to the table. Unlike Davis, Dawson is an athletic specimen in a positive way. Dawson is a chiseled 6’7 and 230 lbs with the strength and willingness to bang down low with power forwards while also being athletic enough to defend a few different positions. Also unlike Davis, Dawson should excel in pick-and-roll situations, where the Clippers really struggled with Davis’ lack of rim protection skills and limited mobility. Dawson will also get new teammate Chuck Hayes as a mentor and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better coach for an undersized big man to learn how to make an impact on the game.

In addition to getting  Chuck Hayes as a mentor on defense, Dawson gets a first-class teacher from Clippers shooting coach Bob Thate. Thate has been credited for turning historically bad shooters like Jason Kidd and Blake Griffin into good ones. When Blake Griffin entered the league, he shot only 33.9% on mid-range shots per NBA.com/stats. Griffin’s game was seen as more of a highlight reel than a productive game. Griffin and Thate went to work and now Griffin has a respectable mid-range shot that cannot be left unguarded. For further proof, check out the shot charts below on Griffin’s shot attempts during his rookie season and then at the one from last year.

Kidd was once one of the NBA’s worst shooting guards and there was the “Ason Kidd” because he had no J. Kidd started working with Thate while Kidd played for the New Jersey Nets and eventually became a respectable shooter and somehow landing third on the all-time leaders list for three pointers made in a career at the time of his retirement. As Kidd switched teams over the past few years of his career, he still sought out the help of Thate even when it was to help Kidd with his jump shot before a game against Thate’s Los Angeles Clippers.

This is not to say Thate is a miracle worker but he does have a great track record on turning bad jump shooters into good jump shooters. If Thate can turn Dawson into a respectable mid-range jump shooter, then Dawson is going to be an absolute steal. Dawson doesn’t necessarily need much of an offensive game but if he can become a threat off of pick-and-rolls with Chris Paul, his career ceiling jumps up a notch or two.

The reality is that unless you have access to Clippers practices, you won’t see Dawson on the court unless someone gets injured or in garbage time. Dawson comes ready to make an impact if given the opportunity but he’s buried on the team’s depth chart after the team’s offseason that brought much-needed depth to the roster. Outside of garbage time or increased minutes due to injury, Dawson is an alternative option if Paul Pierce needs a rest or if Josh Smith becomes Bad Josh Smith for a prolonged time or at an inopportune time. Dawson’s playing style is similar to that of Kenneth Faried, an undersized but strong and athletic big man who can ignite a team at times due to his combination of athleticism, hustle, and intensity. Intensity is contagious and if teammates see Dawson scrapping and fighting for rebounds and loose balls, it’s a good bet that his teammates will mimic that hustle. Quite honestly, Dawson is just as likely to produce great memes for us than to make an impact right away in the role that he’s been placed into.

Branden Dawson’s role as a rookie will to be a hard-working practice player who provides instant energy off the bench if his number is called. Even though Dawson spent four years in college under a great coach and has an NBA-ready body, Dawson’s career will be based on what he can add to his game from this point on. Dawson will be a beast at attacking the boards, knowing exactly where to be on defense, and out-working the competition. If he can add a jump shot and prove he has the lateral quickness to defend multiple positions, then the Clippers will be ecstatic that they were able to snag Dawson. If not, well, there are always Starbursts.

Next: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

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