2018 NBA Mock Draft: If need were all that mattered

Here we see one possibility based on the supply and demand problem at the big man position across the first round. While teams like the Clippers are in the market for a replacement for their veteran center, there are not a ton of options in the middle of the first round, whereas the top ten is stuffed with bigs. There’s a potential that if teams like Orlando, Chicago and New York pass on Carter, he could fall all the way here.

Boy would that be great for Los Angeles. Carter quietly had a great season, posting outstanding rim protection numbers from his spot on the back line of Duke’s zone, making open shots and flexing his athleticism in surprising fashion. He is mobile in the open court, runs the floor in transition, and does just about everything you would hope to make his game more modern despite his undersized frame. While some prospects in this year’s class can leap out of the gym and finish over the top of a defense, Carter is going to be a step ahead of it all.

De’Andre Jordan will face a decision on a $24.1 million player option on June 29 — eight days after the draft. The Clippers don’t currently have much in the way of a replacement, unless Boban Marjanovic or Montrezl Harrell gets unexpected run. It’s a position they will need to address with one of their back-to-back lottery picks this month. This all puts into perspective how lucky they would be if the teams ahead of them prioritized small ball depth ahead of big man upside.

The Clippers are trying to construct a more versatile, modern team. Carter can be a part of that future.