NBA Draft

[King Glorious]

Everyone assumes the Clippers will select Griffin #1. They more than likely will. I don't think they should. Yes, he's the best player in the draft and there is certainly a school of thought that says draft the best player available regardless of need. But I don't think they should take him. I don't think he fits with their club. Unless they are going to lose Randolph or trade him, they've got their power forward. As good as Griffin is, is he going to be a legit 20-10 man like Randolph is? Say what you will about Randolph but the man produces. And neither he nor Griffin is a center so that option is out. What should they do? I think they should draft Thabeet. The thing is, they can trade down and get him. But how far? Here's what I'd do:

Option #1
Offer the #1 to OKC for the #3 and Westbrook. I know the Thunder loves Westbrook but the chance to bring in the hometown guy and fill a need up front might be enough to let him go. If so, the Clippers just have to hope Memphis passes on Thabeet. I think they will. They are happy with what Marc Gasol gave them last year and I think they'd probably pass Thabeet and go for a guy like Jordan Hill or maybe even the hometown guy Tyreke Evans. That would leave Thabeet for the Clippers and a Thabeet/Westbrook draft would be better than getting Griffin. If the Grizzlies did draft Thabeet, I'd offer up the #3 and a first rounder next year for him.

Option #2
If the Clippers aren't sure they could get Thabeet from Memphis, offer up the #1 in exchange for the #2, Mike Conley, and Hakim Warrick. Memphis would then take Griffin and the Clippers would still get their man plus a good backup point guard and insurance for when Davis goes out and a serviceable backup forward.