The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off of a disappointing 2023-2024 NBA season. The season held many positives and negatives for the team, ending with a first-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Following the playoff exit, the Clippers are entering the offseason, which is the perfect time to evaluate and improve on the previous season. Although in a challenging position, the Clippers are ready to make an impact through the draft. Only holding the 46th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Clippers hope to make a selection for the future. With an aging roster, the future starts with the LA Clippers 2024 draft targets.
Los Angeles Clippers: 2024 Draft Targets
KJ Simpson (Colorado)
A skilled scorer and solid defender is exactly what the Clippers need, and KJ Simpson is just that. Standing at 6’3″ and averaging 19.7 PPG on 47.5% as a junior, Simpson was the leading scorer on a Colorado tournament team. Although Colorado lost in the tournament’s second round, KJ Simpson shined with 20 points and seven assists with only two turnovers. Despite this, the junior guard projects to a second-round pick. Simpson has not worked out for the Clippers and has only worked out for the Denver Nuggets, who have the 41st pick. If Denver passes, Simpson could be a steal. Additionally, KJ Simpson received an invite to the NBA Draft Combine.
Simpson has been a two-year starter for the Buffaloes, progressing each season. With three years of college experience and at 21 years old, Simpson is poised to make an impact immediately for the Clippers while still being very young. With James Harden and Russell Westbrook entering free agency, the Clippers need a point guard to lead the second unit. Terance Mann can be used as the bench point guard, and Bones Hyland has not been getting minutes, so Simpson could fight for the role in the event that Westbrook does not return.
Keisei Tominaga (Nebraska)
Nicknamed the Japanese Stephen Curry, Keisei Tominaga is a scorer. Tominaga led Nebraska to the NCAA tournament, where they lost to Texas A&M, 98-83. In the loss, Tominaga shined with 21 points on 41% shooting. He proved to be deadly, hitting five threes in eleven attempts. Tominaga shot 37.% from three across his senior season, which would help the Clippers offense.
Tominaga has worked out for the Clippers, meaning he is an option at 46. Similar to Simpson, Tominaga has the talent to play in the Clipper’s second unit. The flaw in Tominaga’s game is defense, which is why Tominaga is a two-way contract candidiate.
Anton Watson (Gonzaga)
A five-year forward at Gonzaga, Anton Watson has improved every season. Watson‘s work ethic is obvious. As a freshman, Watson averaged 4.9 PPG and shot 11.1% from three. His senior year, Watson averaged 14.5 PPG on 57.8% FG. Additionally, Watson added 41.2% from three.
At 6’8″ and 228 pounds, Watson can play both forward positions. Watson will look to be the next impactful forward from Gonzaga, following Domantas Sabonis and Rui Hachimura. Hachimura and Watson have similar play styles, and Watson would be a great fit on the Clippers’ bench. PJ Tucker is a free agent and will most likely not return. Addtionally, Kobe Brown has been inconsistent, so another young forward would be great for the Clippers.
