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Los Angeles Clippers: Post-Combine 2018 NBA Draft big board

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders attempts to dunk the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders attempts to dunk the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Clippers
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Clippers /

1. Wendell Carter Jr, C, Duke

Jonathan Wasserman Big Board ranking: 9

Wendell Carter Jr. is not the best center in this draft. In fact, his name often gets forgotten in an otherwise stacked class full of big men. However, the centers before him likely will not be available by the time the Clippers’ pick rolls around, so it makes no sense to include them on this big board.

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Carter is the best center with a chance of falling to the Clippers, ranked three spots higher than Williams is by Wasserman. This assessment is completely fair. Carter possesses the size and prowess to succeed down low on the boards as well as in the post. Not only that, Carter has a good shot for a center, similar to DeMarcus Cousins, that could stretch the floor.

And while the Clippers may not have that in DeAndre Jordan, the ability to stretch the floor is becoming increasingly important in today’s NBA. Heck, even Blake Griffin is started to get in on the three-point fun despite being a menace down low.

At six-foot-ten, Carter could play both the power forward and center. However, his rebounding ability and wingspan should put him at center. If Jordan does opt back into his deal, the Clippers could run a frontcourt consisting of Jordan and Carter that could turn some heads.

Carter would learn from Jordan and would actually give the Clippers a really good shot at contending for a playoff spot. While the team would not be title worthy, it would prove to be a valuable experience for a young team.

Next: Why the Clippers have the best value picks in the draft

With Collin Sexton running the point, Austin Rivers at the two, Harris at the three, Carter at the four and Jordan at the five the Clippers would line up nicely. Then, off the bench, the team would still have Beverley, Teodosic, Danilo Gallinari and Sam Dekker to turn to.

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