2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers

Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
Jared Butler, NBA Draft. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Los Angeles Clippers get backcourt help with Jared Butler

Another really talented guard who finds his way into the end of the first round, The Los Angeles Clippers have to feel good about getting to draft Jared Butler at 25.

Between Reggie Jackson, Rajon Rondo, and Patrick Beverley, there isn’t much depth in the Clippers’ backcourt, especially long-term.

Jared Butler is a nice fit here as someone who can fill in at a guard spot and give LA’s “Big 2” of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George a good secondary option of playmaking and scoring.

NBA Draft – Jared Butler NBA player comparisons

  • Raymond Felton-level point guard blend of slower but effective passing/shooting/dribbling
  • Landry Shamet
  • Frank Jackson

Jared Butler was a leader on the National Championship Baylor Bears.

Butler is going to find ways to impact the game on offense and defense. A crafty dribbler who has no problem creating his own shot, the 6’3 Louisiana native was an effective scorer in college.

You love to see the steady improvement in his 3 years at Baylor, in his last season he shot over 47% from the field and 41.6% from three. His shooting should translate at the next level.

Whether he can be a high-end point guard remains to be seen. Butler isn’t going to the most explosive athlete and may not an efficient finisher at the rim in the NBA. He definitely fits the mold of a tweener, though is a little undersized for the 2-guard spot. His passing is decent, but enough to make you sure he’s going to be a primary ball-handler.

That’s why this is a nice fit on the Clippers. I have no doubt Butler can be a part of their guard rotation. His ceiling shouldn’t be capped as a role player, he could turn into a really solid starting scoring option in LA.