Los Angeles Clippers 2018 NBA Draft profile: Robert Williams

With DeAndre Jordan’s future in question, the Los Angeles Clippers may look to draft a center in the 2018 NBA Draft. Robert Williams is a solid candidate.

Texas A&M center Robert Williams enters a top-heavy draft class of centers as a potential mid-lottery pick. Thus, Williams is right on line to fall to the Los Angeles Clippers, who own both the 12th and 13th overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The Los Angeles Clippers should be compelled to select a center with one of the two selections. DeAndre Jordan seemingly does not have a long-term future with the Clippers. Even if he does opt back into his contract, the Clippers would only have him under contract for another season.

This is the perfect draft class to select a center. The early stages of the draft are loaded with big men that will result in some solid talent slipping. This year, that will be Robert Williams.

Williams is a lengthy, athletic shot-blocking center that utilized his athleticism to dominant fellow college talent. Last season, which was his sophomore year, Williams averaged 10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

More from LA Sports Hub

• Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
• LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
• LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
• Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
• LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month

Williams lacks the size of a traditional rim protector, coming in at six-foot-nine. However, a wingspan that is nearly seven and a half feet allows him to make up for his lack of height and play much larger.

In other draft classes, Williams would be a premier big man that would have been a lock for the top ten. However, due to his size and over-reliance on his athleticism, Williams is a mid-lottery selection.

Williams’ biggest strength is his biggest weakness. He utilized the immense gap of athleticism between him and his college peers to put up impressive numbers.

However, in the NBA, that gap is going to be significantly reduced, which could lead to a slow start to his career.

Other concerns, such as his leadership or frequency to disappear in big moments, definitely raise a red flag. However, for the most part, these are things that can be built up through coaching and by his teammates. Texas A&M is not necessarily a prestigious college basketball school, after all.

If the Los Angeles Clippers want the closest thing to DeAndre Jordan then Robert Williams is the man for the job. Williams has the same decent scoring ability that will float him around ten points a game and should be able to flirt with double-digit rebounds at his best.

Next: Los Angeles Clippers big board

Thus, Robert Williams would be the safe pick for the Clippers to make. If the team really wants to take a shot at a home run, select elsewhere.

Statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference.com