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Los Angeles Clippers: The two ideal picks in the 2018 NBA Draft

By Jason Reed

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 04: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks to the referees during their preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on October 4, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 04: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks to the referees during their preseason game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on October 4, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Round one, pick 13: Mitchell Robinson, C, Chalmette High School

Yes, that says high school. Yes, NBA players cannot be drafted out of high school. Let me explain.

If you do not know who Mitchell Robinson is, you better get used to hearing his name as one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft class. Robinson is a naturally gifted athlete that has the perfect blend of size and speed to make him a dominant center in the NBA. He has the shot-blocking prowess of Rudy Gobert and a finishing ability that may be better than DeAndre Jordan.

In his last season played, which came in high school so the numbers are inflated, Robinson scored 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and six blocks per game.

Robinson was granted a transfer from Western Kentucky University but ultimately never transferred away from the college. However, he did decide that he did not want to play for the Hilltoppers and instead wanted to prepare for the NBA Draft.

If Robinson were to play, he probably would have been a top five, if not top three, pick in this year’s draft. He is up there with Marvin Bagley and Mohamed Bamba as the most talented big men in the class. However, with no college experience, Robinson’s stock is that of a late lottery pick.

This is another risk for the Clippers, but it is a risk worth taking. Instead of selecting two guys that they know will be decent role players, the Clippers need to go out and get guys that can turn into stars. If these were early lottery picks I understand not taking the risk, however, it is imperative that these risks are taken this late in the first round.

Robinson will get a year to play behind DeAndre Jordan and learn his craft, serving as a nice transition to the NBA without playing college ball. Then, when Jordan’s contract is up, Robinson will be coming in with a year of experience to serve as the new shot-blocking, lob catching center for the Clippers.

Next: Why the Clippers are the better fit for Kawhi

Trae Young and Mitchell Robinson really could be something special for the Los Angeles Clippers. While it is risky, the Clippers could potentially have two future all-stars in back-to-back picks.

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