lcionline Chapter 706: Drafting Two Players
Chapter 706: Drafting Two Players
After observing this year's rookies, Jia Fei had a bold idea in mind. Taking into account both the team's present and future, he felt it was necessary to make some adjustments.
Considering Olynyk's age, injury history, defense, and current contract situation, finding a big man with shooting ability to replace him isn't entirely impossible. In fact, the Clippers' current need for him is only his shooting ability; they don't need his playmaking ability that much, because Jia Fei and Paul George in the starting lineup can handle the ball, and Brunson and Kelly in the second unit can also handle the ball.
Olynyk cannot provide the rim protection and rebounding that the Clippers desperately need, which are Hartenstein's strengths. If Hartenstein is moved to the starting lineup, the Clippers' starting lineup will still be a 5-forward lineup. Although it is not a 5-outside lineup, the defense of this lineup will be very terrifying. The overall height and athleticism of the lineup are almost at their maximum, and all positions except the center have three-point ability, so the offensive spacing is still quite good.
Many people are too fixated on the five-outside game, but in reality, the center's drive to the basket is also a crucial tactic. The Clippers didn't employ this tactic in their starting lineup last season, and their offense faltered when their three-pointers weren't falling. Coupled with their lack of rebounding dominance, they struggled against teams with strong rebounding. Starting Hartenstein at center, sacrificing some spacing to enhance rebounding, shot-blocking, and rim-attacking abilities, would likely further improve the team's defense and alleviate defensive pressure on the perimeter and wing players.
As for a stretch four, Jia Fei already has one in mind. He believes that this move can optimize the team's roster structure, making the roster younger, and at the same time, while making good use of the rookie bonus, further optimize the team's salary structure.
2021年NBA选秀大会将2021年7月30日在篮网主场巴克莱中心举行，于当日8:00正式开始。
The Clippers have three draft picks: one first-round pick (from their own team) and two second-round picks (one from their own team and one from the Cavaliers).
The Clippers' first-round pick was the 30th overall pick, which isn't particularly valuable. But for them, it's unbelievable that a team that has already won four consecutive championships still has a first-round pick and all the future assets in their hands.
Of course, all of this is thanks to the Clippers' excellent management over the years. From the draft to the trades, they have never made a mistake. Especially in the draft, they are even better than the Thunder's Priest, which is truly admirable.
Looking back a few years from now, the success rate of this year's draft is quite average.
Cunningham was selected by the Pistons and became the number one overall pick.
Jalen Green was selected by the Rockets as the second overall pick.
Mobley was selected by the Cavaliers and became the third overall pick.
Many experts and fans are paying close attention to the Clippers' draft picks. In fact, the Clippers' 30th overall pick in the final round of the first round receives more attention than many other teams' lottery picks. It's understandable; Los Angeles, a major city, carries its own prestige, and the Clippers, with four championships, are currently the hottest team in the NBA.
During the first round of the draft, NBA insider Shams Charania dropped a bombshell: the Los Angeles Clippers traded two second-round picks (their own and the Cavaliers') to acquire the Thunder's 32nd overall second-round pick!
This news sparked a heated discussion!
The Clippers essentially traded two late-round second-round picks for one early-round pick. Did they find a suitable candidate?
This makes the second round of the draft even more anticipated, with everyone wondering who the Clippers will select with this second-round pick.
The 32nd pick in the second round is only two places lower than the Clippers' 30th pick in the first round, making it a high-ranking second-round pick. If you're looking for a bargain, this position is a great option.
Ultimately, the Clippers used their 30th overall pick in the first round to select Spanish center Santi Aldama from Loyola University!
The Clippers unexpectedly chose Aldama!
Aldama is 213cm tall and can play both power forward and center. During his college career, he played two seasons for Loyola University, appearing in 27 games, averaging 33.3 minutes, 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
As an inside player, his greatest strength is his excellent offensive ability, with a reliable three-point shot! However, his defense is currently only average, and there is room for improvement.
Clearly, the Clippers' selection of Aldama has led many to speculate that their partnership with Olynyk is coming to an end.
It's amazing that Aldama, a late first-round pick, has received exposure comparable to the number one pick Cunningham.
Everyone is now back to focusing on the upcoming second round of the draft.
The Clippers used their second-round 32nd pick to select wing player Herbert Jones from the University of Alabama!
Herbert Jones is 201cm tall, fast, good at defense, and has a decent three-point shot. He is a very promising 3D player.
His age played a significant role in his fall to the second round. At 23, he's considered an older rookie, and his potential is significantly lower compared to 19- or 20-year-old rookies, which gave the Clippers the opportunity to pick him up.
The Clippers' selection of Herbert Jones raises the question of whether Dillon will leave the team. It's worth noting that both Dillon and Olynyk have expiring contracts this season. Signing Aldama and Herbert Jones would mean making room for two rookies if they were to re-sign them.
The Clippers' draft is over, and they acquired a stretch four with shooting ability and a 3-and-D wing. Jia Fei is very satisfied with the team's moves. Aldama and Herbert Jones are players the team needs; their arrival will increase the team's roster depth, optimize the salary structure, and is an important part of the team's sustainable development.
Two days after the draft, the Chinese men's basketball team faced their final group stage opponent, the Nigerian men's basketball team, at the Saitama Super Arena.
Three NBA players, including Jia Fei, did not take a rest; all of the team's starters played.
Before the game, Li Nan, the head coach of the Chinese men's basketball team, asked Jia Fei if he wanted to take a rest, but Jia Fei declined.
Jia Fei's reasoning was simple: defeating Nigeria and advancing as the top seed in the group would prevent them from immediately facing the USA Dream Team in the knockout stage, thus reducing the team's workload and allowing them to go further.
In this game, the Chinese men's basketball team demonstrated that their victories over the previous two games against the German and Australian men's basketball teams were not accidental or lucky, but rather a testament to their true strength.
In this game, the Chinese men's basketball team dominated the Nigerian men's basketball team. Jia Fei only played for less than 30 minutes before being called off after three quarters. In the end, the Chinese men's basketball team won by 25 points.
After this game, the Chinese men's basketball team ranked first in Group B with a perfect record of 3 wins and 3 losses, advancing strongly to the knockout stage.