25. Los Angeles Clippers
Original Pick: Brice Johnson
New Pick: Guerschon Yabusele
The Los Angeles Clippers are not known for valuing their late-round draft picks. Looking back on it now, I’m sure they’d have done things differently, which is exactly what they get to do here. With a lack of depth and youth on the team’s bench, and with All-Star Blake Griffin entering free agency, a mulligan would probably be appreciated.
Enter Guerschon Yabusele, one of last year’s international men of mystery who the Boston Celtics took 16th overall. The “Dancing Bear” is a 6’8″, 270-pound big man with a versatile offensive game. With touch out to the three-point line and explosive leaping ability in space, Yabusele has the tools to become an offensive weapon in the NBA.
Defensively, he leaves something to be desired at this stage, but having played for a lower level French team prior to the draft, and then in the Chinese Basketball Association last year, he hasn’t been challenged much to do so. Being around NBA players and coaches may change his tune.
This year, Clippers rookie big man Brice Johnson saw action in nine games (three with Clippers and six in the D-League), showing the team is not super dedicated to getting young guys on the court. With Yabusele willing to play overseas this past year, he would have had a chance to still develop now, while contributing to the team more actively next year. And if Griffin chooses to go elsewhere this summer, Yabusele’s presence would be welcomed.