Complete grades for all 30 teams in the 2019 NBA Draft
Los Angeles Clippers
Mfiondu Kabengele (No. 27), Terance Mann (No. 48)
The Los Angeles Clippers made great strides this season with a surprise appearance in the playoffs. Despite trading for young center Ivica Zubac, L.A. was still looking to improve its production from that position, hence the selection of Mfiondu Kabengele.
The nephew of shot-blocking legend Dikembe Mutombo, Kabengele’s 7’3” wingspan would make his uncle proud, having averaged 1.5 blocks per game at Florida State last season. He’s an active interior presence who can also step outside beyond the arc who shot 36.9 percent from distance.
After getting comparisons to Michael Carter-Williams in high school, Terance Mann was drafted 48th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Story last January from @KJEdelman: https://t.co/O29je20bLJ pic.twitter.com/fldyF0qWgc
— Daily Orange Sports (@DOsports) June 21, 2019
Terrance Mann seems to fit hand-in-glove with the defensive intensity the Clippers developed this past season. He guards at a high level both on and off the ball and will take on the challenge of stifling an opposing team’s best player.
He’s got a solid 6’6” frame and moves well laterally. For a team with hard-nosed veterans like Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell wreaking havoc last year, Mann will come into a team that understands and values what he brings to the table.
The draft is not the game L.A. is most interested in this summer. The organization has its eyes on the cream of the free agent crop. Still, for a team that’s done well in developing unheralded talent, the Clippers did well in picking up players who fit right into what they’re building.
Grade: C+