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In the 2009 NBA Draft, the LA Clippers picked Blake Griffin with their number one pick, who later went on to become one of the best bigs in the franchise's history. However, the Clippers have also made some terrible draft decisions in the past, which have cost them dearly.
With the 2020 Draft day only a few days away, let's take a look at five of the worst NBA draft decisions made by the LA Clippers in the 21st century.
5 worst NBA draft decisions by the LA Clippers in the 21st century
While it's easy to point out draft mistakes in retrospect, the LA Clippers did miss out on some key opportunities that could have altered the history of the franchise. Without further ado, let us have a look at five such players whom the LA Clippers missed out on since the turn of the century.
#5 Lou Williams
In the 2005 NBA Draft, the LA Clippers had three second-round picks at 32, 37, and 39. They picked Daniel Ewing, Ronny Turiaf and Von Wafer with the three picks while Lou Williams was still available.
All three of the Clippers' picks have now retired from the NBA while Lou Williams is still going strong.
Williams was eventually picked by the Philadelphia 76ers at 45 and has since established himself as one of the best offensive guards in the league. The 35-year-old has won three Sixth Man of The Year awards so far and is probably the best scorer off the bench in the modern NBA.
#4 Amar'e Stoudemire
Amar'e Stoudemire was available for the LA Clippers in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft. However, the Clippers went with Chris Wilcox instead with their 8th pick.
Wilcox went on to have an average career in the league before retiring from the competition in 2013.
On the other hand, Amar'e Stoudemire, who was picked by the Phoenix Suns at number 9, won the Rookie of the Year award in 2003. Stoudemire then went on to have an illustrious career in the league, winning six All-Star and five All-NBA selections.
Also read: NBA Draft 2020: A trade between Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks involving Kelly Oubre Jr. could be a win-win for all parties involved.
#3 Andre Iguodala
In the 2004 NBA Draft, the LA Clippers, who had the number 4 pick, went with Shaun Livingston. While Livingston was a good role player for multiple years in the league, it was a bad pick considering Andre Iguodala was still available in that draft.
Andre Iguodala has had 16 successful years in the league and has won three NBA championships so far. He is one of the most versatile 2-way wings in the league and makes a huge impact on the team because of his high basketball IQ.
#2 Rudy Gobert
The LA Clippers passed up on Rudy Gobert in the 2013 NBA draft and picked Reggie Bullock instead with their 25th pick. Since then, Bullock has changed teams eight times and has failed to establish himself as a starter on a team.
Rudy Gobert was later picked by the Denver Nuggets at 28 and was immediately traded to the Utah Jazz.
Gobert has now made a name for himself as one of the best defensive bigs in the league and has won the Defensive Player of The Year twice. LA Clippers could have put an end to all of their defensive woes in the paint had they chosen Gobert instead.
#1 Paul George
LA Clippers selected Al-Farouq Aminu with their 8th pick in the 2010 NBA draft over Gordon Hayward and Paul George. However, Al-Farouq Aminu was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Chris Paul after just one season.
The fate of the LA Clippers franchise could have been completely different had they chosen Gordon Hayward or Paul George instead. The presence of an MVP-caliber talent like Paul Goerge along with Blake Griffin during the Lob City era could have made the franchise one of the most dominant teams in the history of NBA.
