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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Promises, promises

By Brendon Kleen

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Deandre Ayton
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Deandre Ayton /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts to a call in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts to a call in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

77. . G. Kentucky. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 13. player

Gilgeous-Alexander and the player in the next slide are the guys most commonly linked to the Clippers, and for good reason. The Kentucky freshman is a smart, smooth playmaker who will help round out the edges of a disjointed Clippers roster.

But what if they trade this pick?

Toward the end of May, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that the Clippers were interested in using the No. 12 and No. 13 picks in a package to move up and draft Michael Porter Jr., but that was before the latest round of injury concerns and communication gaffes from Porter’s team. He could fall to them now, or drop out of consideration completely based on back and hip problems.

Looking now, there aren’t a ton of incredible fits. Maybe if the Clippers prefer one of the other point guards in the draft, Trae Young or Collin Sexton, they move up a few spots to nab one of them. And it certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea to go all-in on versatility and take both of the Bridges’, trading up for Mikal in the process.

If they elect to play it safe, Gilgeous-Alexander is a solid consolation prize for a disappointing season in Los Angeles.

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