2018 NBA Mock Draft: March is finally here

The Clippers are in perfect position to grab DeAndre Jordan’s replacement this summer in the draft.

It’s hard to tell whether the Clippers will move on from Jordan this summer — price dictates a lot of that debate. However, those questions should not stop Los Angeles from acting quickly with one of their two picks in the teens to take his replacement. The modern, rim-rolling five is alive and well, and even as the Clippers have transitioned toward a more flowing system since trading Blake Griffin, productivity has not been an issue for Jordan. If anything, he has even more space.

Coach Doc Rivers’ ability to put guys in the best position to succeed has been impressive this year, from his use of 10-day players to the point guard juggling act he’s pulled off. Jordan is involved in the offense at the top of the key, but finishes plays near the rim, where he can hang out to fight for offensive rebounds.

Gafford would be used almost exactly the same way, maximizing his length and protecting the rim. Offensively, those same skills would allow him to be an effective and efficient scorer around the rim.