Looks like the Athletic agrees: (Law Murray) "In addition to the fifth pick, the Clippers also have two second-round picks: 36th and 52nd overall. The Clippers like this draft and are eager to keep their pick instead of using it in a trade for a veteran. But there is a lot to be done with the draft six weeks away. At least the Clippers know that they are in a position of strength. And perhaps they had the blessing of Jerry West to thank for it."
On the other hand, if we make no move and: If the guard explodes elsewhere, it’s a disaster. If Reed busts here, it’s an absolute disaster for the franchise. That said, I agree with your take that our FO can't be trusted to make the right call.
Yes, they are all potential stars and studs. The question is how they will thrive under Ime's offense when the main duty of the PG is to dribble to the front court and hand the ball over to KD or Alpi. Will any of them even play any significant minutes if FVV is back?
Of the four, the best Rockets fit imo is Mikel Brown Jr. He can play on or off the ball, shoot with range, operate pick-and-roll, and keep the offense organized. He plays with a calm pace, has deep shooting gravity, and can score both off the catch and off the dribble. He can function as either a primary creator or a secondary guard next to another playmaker. His shooting would create more space for Sengun actions and downhill drives, while his pick-and-roll feel would help organize the half-court offense and reduce the over-reliance on KD. My concerns are his physical strength and defensive consistency. He needs to add some weight and improve fighting through screens and defending stronger guards.
We'd still have our assets. Making a move at the cost of assets and failing is a bigger problem then not making a move, failing and still having assets. None of these guys are like clearly steps ahead of Reed as prospects either. They all have their flaws and risks, they are all small guards who are expected to be liabilities on defense, and to have varying levels of difficulty translating their offenses amongst the NBA's athleticism and physicality. If we somehow know that Flemmings, or Acuff or whoever have a very high likely hood of hitting over Reed, and if they are attainable for a reasonable price, sure, I'm fine with us going for it. I'm just laying out why I think it's pretty unlikely at this point, and arguing that we definitely shouldn't attain any of these guys without sending out Reed.
With small guards I look at two important measurables to offset the height disadvantage: 1) wingspan 2) strength/weight Strong, heavier guards tend to hold up better defensively than the Trae Youngs. Think Jamal Shed. Think Fred. 200 lbs. Reed was 181 when he was drafted, and basically the same height as Acuff. Acuff played at 190 this yr (186 at the combine) and has big, long arms. He’s super strong. No knock on Reed, but I’d give Acuff a better chance to hold up defensively against bigger players, especially as he adds more weight. I agree he’s unlikely to be a good defender, but if he can get close to 200 with good defensive anticipation and effort, he might not be a big liability on the court. To be clear I think Reed’s talent with quick hands and steals help offset his defensive issues, but I’d rather have a stronger guard with long arms to disrupt those passing lanes, finish at the rim, and hold up to offensive physicality.
I want to start Reed and Amen and allow Reed to sink or swim. if the small forward is a plus defender thing should not be a problem. you could still move into the top part of the draft take one of these guys and let him come off the bench. No need to start them right away. I am all for moving Sengun to facilitate a move to number five
