One Time Potential Lottery Pick, Warren Falls to No. 54 Overall

Willie Warren, Oklahoma’s star guard, was thought to be a possible top five pick this season. He played brilliantly alongside Blake Griffin as a freshman, but couldn’t get things going as a sophomore. He missed games to injury and fell out of favor with Head Coach Jeff Capel, leading to Warren sitting out the season’s final six games. His scoring increased to 16.3 points per game, but he did so with shooting percentages dipping sharply across the board and even worse, Warren was seen as a point guard, but struggled with decision making and turnover problems. Teams defended him to his left, exposing his weak hand and often caused Warren to force things on offense, both shots and passes, leading to an increase of turnovers- averaging nearly 4 per game.

At No. 54 overall, the Clippers may have just gotten great value out of the pick with this one-time potential lottery pick. He has zero pressure to perform right away and with point guards Baron Davis and 2010 1st Round pick Eric Bledsoe on the roster. Perhaps, Warren will find his confidence and push shooting guard Eric Gordon for playing time in 2010-11.

By President Corey Ruff - 6-25-10