Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.The Clippers' 2008 season was derailed before it even got started. Injuries to Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston, along with the mid-season defection of Sam Cassell (ring-chasing bastard) left the Clips with a lot of holes in their roster.
Picks: #7, #35.
Needs: Guards. Dan Dickau was running the point for most of last season, and it was painful to watch. Fortunately, the Clippers seem to know this, and have been working out guards like crazy the past couple of weeks.
Best case scenario: That the team trades up and gets someone like O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless. The Miami Heat are said to be open to trading their number two pick, and the Clippers "secretly" worked out Mayo last week.
More likely scenario: If they stay at seven, then Russell Westbrook or Eric Gordon should be on the board. Either would do fine and provide some immediate help, though I would prefer Westbrook as he seems slightly further along in his development.
Please don't take: Joe Alexander or Brook Lopez. The Clips probably won't do this, considering how depleted they are at guard. But both are thought to be legitimate NBA players, and, well, the Clippers have done stranger things over the years.
Trade possibilities: Working out O.J. Mayo last week makes you think the Clippers are considering trading up, and would have a sign-and-trade player in Corey Maggette to deal. Is that along with the Clippers' seventh pick enough to entice the Heat? Stay tuned.
