NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Western Conference franchise
. Los Angeles Clippers. . team. 77. .
Biggest needs: Power forward or center
Projected pick: 57
After being picked by some to win it all, the Clippers fell short in an epic collapse to the Denver Nuggets. What makes it more hurtful is how much of the future Los Angeles mortgaged to have the opportunity for the title. They traded several first-round picks in the Paul George trade, as well as an extra pick for Marcus Morris, who’ll be a free agent.
That’s the reason why the Clippers have only the 57th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and won’t have another first in the near future. But even though the franchise has had its ups and downs with draft success but hopes to find someone as successful as former 2nd round pick Montrezl Harrell. He was third on the team with 18.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg and is an unrestricted free agent, possibly leaving if the price is right.
What the series with Denver showed is that the Clippers not only have a clear defensive weakness inside (Jokic) but also a lack of playmakers on offense overall. With forwards Morris and Patrick Patterson also pending free agents, a frontcourt addition is most likely with a late selection.
An underrated prospect to consider is Nathan Knight, who averaged 20 and 10 last season for William & Mary. The 6’10 forward is a good defender and can provide on offense if Harrell leaves. Kentucky’s Nick Richards and Steven Enoch of Louisville also should be considered.