Pre-Draft Outlook
The Clippers believe their only glaring roster holes are that their star players were sidelined for much of 2021-22. In 2022-23, however, the Clippers expect that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be fully healthy. That leaves the Clippers in a unique position and don’t expect them to follow the old Draft adage of just “selecting the best player available.” Though they plan to thoroughly evaluate potential picks based on talent, performance, workouts and interviews, the Clippers will prioritize players that show exceptional work habits and role flexibility. Since they don’t have any positional needs, the Clippers will likely pursue a long-term project-type player who can blossom over time.
A Stat That Matters
-3.7% — The Clippers saw the league’s second biggest drop in 3-point percentage, but still ranked third at 37.4% and were still one of three teams with two players — Luke Kennard (44.9%, 1st) and Norman Powell (41.9%, 8th) — in the top 10 among qualified individuals.
The Way To Go
UCLA swingman Peyton Watson would become a great fit both because of his L.A. roots and his game. Watson doesn’t have the pressure that a lottery pick would have, so he can view his nearby friends and family as a luxury more than a burden. He also brings some upside as both a backcourt and wing defender because of his length and athleticism. His shooting could stand to improve, but the Clippers don’t need more offense. They can lean on him sparingly for his defense, positional versatility and energy.
Under Contract
G: Brandon Boston Jr.
G: Reggie Jackson
G: Luke Kennard
G: Norman Powell
G: Jason Preston
G/F: Terance Mann
F: Robert Covington
F: Paul George
F: Kawhi Leonard
F: Marcus Morris
Free Agents
G: Xavier Moon (restricted)
G: Jay Scrubb (restricted)
G/F: Nicolas Batum (player option)
G/F: Amir Coffey (restricted)
G/F: Rodney Hood (unrestricted)
C/F: Isaiah Hartenstein (unrestricted)
C: Ivica Zubac (team option)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2021: Keon Johnson (21)*, Jason Preston (33)*
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
— Mark Medina