A Clippers pick is worth next to nothing, given that it's unlikely to be better than the mid 20s.
Simply untrue, particularly considering the new CBA.
Care to explain?
Sure.
The part about late 1st being worthless is a poor generalization. Sully was taken past the lottery. Rondo was taken past the lottery. Bledsoe was taken past the lottery. Jordan was taken in the 2nd round. Perk and Barbosa were taken back-to-back at 27 and 28. All picks are valuable to teams, particularly ones rebuilding. Ainge has commented this year that it's become more difficult to get picks in trade or sale. IMO, this in part due to situations like Rondo from Phoenix where the selling team looks utterly stupid for doing so, but also based on the value of low salaried players vis-a-vis the CBA.
My comment about the new CBA stems from less financial flexibility. Rookie contracts allow teams to fill the back end of their roster with solid role players -- in many cases experienced 4-year college or international guys, either when they're ready or beforehand to stash for a couple of years. San Antonio in particular has mastered this, though other very good organizations like the Celtics have done pretty well late in the 1st (save Giddens). Basically, it's hard to find any quality player for around $1mil a year, and every team needs them.
If late 1st were worth next to nothing, a valuable guy like Redick would have been traded weeks ago. We'll see whether the Magic can pry one away for him before the deadline.