NBA Draft 2019: Top 3 options for Los Angeles Clippers to select at No. 48

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Montrezl Harrell #5 high-fives Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers during their game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 24, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Jalen McDaniels /

3. Jalen McDaniels – San Diego State

2018-19 stats: 15.9 ppg 8.3 rpg 2.1 apg

Despite making the playoffs, Los Angeles Clippers will be undergoing a good amount of roster turnover. It’ll happen particularly in the frontcourt, with every forward/center with the exception of Montrezl Harrell an upcoming free agent. Even though this is a later pick, there are still some big men available with high upside.

Jalen McDaniels is one of them, leading San Diego State this past season in scoring and rebounding. He improved his overall scoring and had moments where he looked like a sure pro but there were other aspects that are concerning. One being the 47% overall field goal percentage, including making less than half of shots inside the arc last season. For a 6’10 forward, that’s a red flag.

He’s also very undersized as a power forward, with many wings weighing more than him. McDaniels has to bulk up in order to survive down low in the NBA. The former Aztec is a decent individual and switch defender but isn’t much of a shot-blocker, with just 35 in two seasons. But he showed an ability to stretch out to the three-point line and has enough athleticism to survive.

He doesn’t have the potential as his younger brother Jaden but the Clippers may want to look at him as someone to develop in the G-League and see if he can continue developing on both ends of the court.

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