Los Angeles Clippers 2004 Draft Preview

With Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, the Clippers have two players who are young and can score. The two Duke products signed lucrative contracts prior to the 2003-04 season and are looked at as the future of the franchise.

The 24-year-old Maggette led the Clippers in scoring (20.7 ppg) this past season, while the 25-year-old Brand averaged 20 points to go along with a team-high 10.3 rebounds per game.

Guard Quentin Richardson had an impressive year for the Clippers, as he was third on the team in scoring (17.2 ppg) and second in rebounding (6.4 rpg). The 24-year-old shooting guard is a restricted free agent and should draw a lot of interest from other teams. LA would be smart to make sure Richardson’s future is with the Clippers.

Brand, Maggette and Richardson makeup a formidable threesome for the Clippers. All this franchise needs now something to bring it all together

The Clippers may look to trade out of the second spot. Acquiring a veteran who can make an immediate impact and help lift LA into the playoffs maybe the way to go. But don’t forget, the Clippers did only win 28 games and finished 15 games out of the final playoff spot.

Key Player(s): Elton Brand (forward), Marko Jaric (guard), Chris Kaman (center), Corey Maggette (guard), Quentin Richardson (guard), Chris Wilcox (forward).

Team Needs: Point guard and more scoring at the forward position.

Draft picks: 1st round (2nd overall).