Fri Jun 20 09:36:55 2008

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Los Angeles Clippers 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Clippers are back in familiar territory, as they received the seventh overall pick in the lottery. They should be able to get a player who can step right in and contribute.

Al Thornton was last year's first-round pick and came through with a solid rookie campaign. The Florida State product averaged 12.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games. He should see increased playing time and figures heavily into the Clippers' future.

Elton Brand returned from a ruptured left Achilles' tendon at the end of the season. He posted 17.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in the eight games he played in. A healthy Brand will make the Clippers a much better team than their 22 wins in 2007-08.

Center Chris Kaman registered 15.7 points and a team-best 12.7 rebounds in 56 games, while Corey Maggette led the team in scoring 22.1 ppg. Point guard Shaun Livingston missed the entire season with a knee injury. The team is still hopeful Livingston can resume his career and be an effective player.

The Clippers need help in the backcourt. They will pick the best available guard at No. 7 and will most likely grab an outside shooter with their second- round selection (No. 35).

Jerryd Bayless of Arizona, Indiana's Eric Gordon, UCLA's Russell Westbrook and OJ Mayo of USC are four candidates for the seventh pick. Bayless will most likely be gone, while the Clippers would be thrilled if Mayo slipped to them.

However, Danilo Gallinari of Italy could be the pick if the Clippers decide to gamble. The 6-8 Gallinari can play both spots in the backcourt and small forward.

2007-08 Results: 23-59, did not qualify for playoffs.

Key Player(s): Elton Brand (Forward), Chris Kaman (Center), Shaun Livingston (Guard), Corey Maggette (Forward/Guard), Cuttino Mobley (Guard), Quinton Ross (Forward), Tim Thomas (Forward), Al Thornton (Forward).

Team Needs: Help in the backcourt.

Draft picks: 1st round (7th overall), 2nd round (35th overall).