Josh Cohen’s Analysis (Jan. 26, 2014): While usually there are a handful of teams each season that are “desperate” for a No. 1 pick, there was one team in particular in 1987 that certainly needed it more than any other franchise.
The Los Angeles Clippers were an abysmal 12-70 that season, which is presently tied for sixth worst all-time in NBA history. As a result of some dejected decision making in prior drafts and an inability to elude the Lakers’ storied success, the Clippers were the laughing stock of the league.
But when they missed out on the No. 1 pick in ’87 and the opportunity to grab David Robinson, things didn’t get any better. L.A. ended up selecting Reggie Williams with the fourth overall pick – passing up on Scottie Pippen, Kevin Johnson and Reggie Miller.
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