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Los Angeles Clippers: Shake Up The Core?

By Josh Cornelissen

Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and head coach Doc Rivers and center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and head coach Doc Rivers and center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Does the Draft Matter to the Clippers?

Recent draft picks for the Clippers have provided little to no value for the team. Their success has meant they often picked near the back half of the first round, but even so they tended to ship off draft picks for coaches and middling rotation players.

No player from the last five drafts has played more than 700 minutes for the Clippers. The Clippers have gone to the well multiple times seeking their fifth starter, a capable wing who can defend and stretch the court, and come up empty each time. Reggie Bullock, C.J. Wilcox and Brendan Dawson represent the last three years of draft futility.

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Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets?
Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets? /

Wiz of Awes

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    • This year the Clippers have slightly more draft capital than usual. In addition to retaining their first-round pick, No. 25 this year, the also have the rights to swap picks with the Brooklyn Nets — netting them the 33rd overall pick, third in the second round.

    Despite an urge to trade those picks for immediate help, the Clippers should again attack their wing deficit. Players who could be available in that range include Baylor forward Taurean Prince, French swingman Timothe Luwawu, and defensive prospect DeAndre Bembry out of St. John’s.

    The Clippers could also use one of their two picks on a point guard. With Austin Rivers potentially leaving for a pay day and Chris Paul advancing in years, a backup point guard takes on more importance. Demetrius Jackson of Notre Dame, NC State’s Anthony “Cat” Barber, and Dejounte Murray of Washington could all be in play.

    What the Clippers cannot afford to do is punt on the draft for yet another year. Whether that involves more scouting, more war room patience, or simply hanging onto picks and using them, the Clippers need help from the draft this season.

    Next: Plan for Free Agency

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