Clippers got the center they wanted in Davis
The L.A. Clippers had a very specific need going into Wednesday’s NBA draft. They didn’t have a first round draft pick but still got the player they wanted, Paul Davis. The Los Angeles Times reports that Davis could play a significant role for the Clippers next season as a back up to Chris Kaman. As their first pick in the draft, Davis seems to be in a great position to make the roster.
The Clippers have concerns about veteran center Zeljko Rebraca, sidelined most of last season because of heart and conditioning problems, so they moved to add depth at the position by selecting Davis, who turns 22 on July 21.
“We had to go big, we had to fill a need at 34, and we feel we did that with Paul,” said Neil Olshey, director of player personnel. “He can step in and play right away.”
Davis, who said he worked out for 14 teams, had a good experience in a pre-draft session Tuesday with the Clippers.
“Playing behind [Elton] Brand and Chris Kaman, I think it’s going to be a perfect match,” Davis said in a conference call. “I feel I can contribute.”
In this AP story from the San Francisco Chronicle, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy envisions using Davis on the perimeter as well as in the paint.
Coach Mike Dunleavy said he expects Davis to play in the low post but to make some jump shots as well.
“He’s more of a high-post player,” Dunleavy said. “He’s a player who has some bulk and can knock down open J’s.”
Dunleavy said the Clippers had no real incentive to trade up, with no huge difference between players in the first and second rounds.
“The top part of the draft wasn’t as strong as most years,” said Dunleavy. “But it was considered to have some depth to it. At thirty-four, we felt like we were going to get a pretty good player. We explored moving up of course, but there was nothing there that enticed us.”