NBA Draft 2021: 6 selections from the second round with most potential

No. 33 Los Angeles Clippers: Jason Preston, Guard, Ohio

Preston finished No. 32 on my board, so while there isn’t a ton of value here, it was within his range and I absolutely love the fit. Built around two forwards, the Clippers’ biggest weakness has been their guards’ ability to get downhill and create for others. Preston should be able to help them in that regard. He’s one of the better passing prospects in this class, particularly in the pick-and-roll where he uses his height to see over defenses and make the right read time after time.

Preston is also a willing passer and can be a good connector piece when playing with the Clippers stars. His three point percentage didn’t stand out, but he was in the 96th percentile in half court catch-and-shoot jumpers, so he should excel with players that can create for him.

With Reggie Jackson entering unrestricted free agency, the Clippers’ need for more backcourt creation is enhanced. Preston needs to add weight, and he’s not the most dynamic athlete, but he should get better at those things now with an NBA weight program. While they’re different players, Rajon Rondo could serve as a valuable mentor. The Clippers are in win-now mode, and Preston helps them in both the short and long term.

He’s a person who’s faced incredibly steep odds before in his life and has proven that betting against him to succeed is foolish. I think Preston will stick in the league for a long time, which is all you can really ask for from a second round pick.