While I agree with you about the lateness of the clippers pick, there have been heaps of great players taken in the 20s of strong drafts. I'd just hate for that guy to be a really solid player and us ending up with the beaze who hasn't exactly shrouded himself in NBA glory so far.
NBA glory, no. But he hasnt been terrible. His first years in Miami he was solid then was sent to pasture for Bosh and James. His first year in Minn he put up good numbers but this really isnt the right team for him. He and love are not a good combo at SF and PF, with the drafting of D williams he really doesn't have a place on that team.
At 23 he could be a acclimation project that makes Danny look like a genius. All Star talent picked up for a late 1st? You really turn that down when your a team with minimal young assets.
To be fair this draft is stocked with guys who should make NBA teams and be contributors off then bench. Sd far as franchise altering talent it looks as of now that there is only one guy. The rest of the top five should hopefully be starter material on a contender. As for the rest you are looking at rotational players. That's how it looks as of now and many have backed off saying this draft is like 84, 96, or 03.
In looking at Beasley I find it hard to think you will find a player in the late 20s that can match his potential, seeing as how is only 23, or his production. You could... And you definitely could find a guy with less character issues, but our locker room as of now can withstand his charter issues. He has 20 ppg ability, is young, and can potentially be a guy we use going forward long term. He has never played with a group of veterans like he would have here in Boston.
I don't want to give up a 1st but I think it unlikely you find a better prospect in the 23 -27 range of this draft then Michael Beasley.