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Branden Dawson is a Steal for the Los Angeles Clippers

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Branden Dawson

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2015 NBA Draft without any draft picks, but they may have left with a pick who will wind up being one of the biggest steals of the second round.

Former Michigan State forward Branden Dawson was selected with the 56th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, the Clippers swooped in and acquired the draft rights to Dawson in exchange for cash considerations. While on the surface, this may not appear to be a huge move, Dawson is a perfect fit for the Clippers.

As a senior with the Spartans, Dawson was selected to the All-Big Ten Second Team, after averaging 11.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.

There is quite a bit that Dawson will bring to the table in Los Angeles. His strength is his defensive prowess. Dawson is Michigan State’s all-time career leader in blocks with 142. He has great length, even with his 6-foot-6 frame, so he was able to flourish in the paint in college amongst bigger bodies. Combine that length with Dawson’s athletic ability and that is a player who is capable of defending multiple positions.

Dawson brings a certain toughness that the Clippers have lacked, as evidenced by their second round meltdown against the Houston Rockets. Throughout his career with Michigan State, Dawson was the guy who battled for loose balls and accepted the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best player. Los Angeles needs the type of players in the locker room who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves.

Dawson’s athleticism and defensive ability make him a great fit with the Clippers, who already have two players in that mold in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

Don’t expect Dawson to be a star at the next level, but a do-it-all type of player, similar to his former college teammate Draymond Green. Green turned out to be a player who helped take the Golden State Warriors to the next level. Maybe Dawson can do that for the Clippers.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

 

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