Los Angeles Clippers 2007 Draft Preview

- The Los Angeles Clippers had a disappointing 2006-07 campaign. They finished 40-42 and failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight year. In 2005-06, the Los Angeles Clippers won 47 games and made to the West semis where they fell in seven games to the Phoenix Suns.

Elton Brand was the Los Angeles Clippers leading scorer (20.5 ppg) and rebounder (9.3 rpg) this past season. The Duke product is the cornerstone of the franchise and is one of the top power forwards in the league.

The Los Angeles Clippers have young talent in center Chris Kaman, point guard Shaun Livingston, who suffered a serious knee injury and missed 28 games in 2006-07, and swingman Corey Maggette. Veterans Sam Cassell, Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas are all solid contributors.

Corey Maggette, who averaged 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 75 games this past season, has been the subject of recent trade rumors. If the Los Angeles Clippers try to trade up from No. 14 in round one, Corey Maggette may be in the deal.

Kansas' Julian Wright and Thaddeus Young of Georgia Tech are attractive names where LA is scheduled to pick. They are frontcourt players and could earn playing time right away.

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

Team Needs: Outside shooting, small forward and help on the boards for Elton Brand.

Draft picks: 1st round (14th overall), 2nd round (45th overall).

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