The Clippers got lucky in the draft lottery last June and it allowed them to draft Blake Griffin. Griffin will start at power forward for the Clippers this season and the player he is most compared to is Karl Malone. If the 20-year old Griffin winds up being in Malone’s class the Clippers have a chance to go deep into the playoffs this season and beyond. 25-year old Craig Smith will be the back up at power forward for the Clippers this season. He played in 74 games for the T-Wolves last season and he averaged 19.7 minutes, 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Smith is a very underrated player who could thrive in the City of Lights. 33-year old Brian Skinner is back as the #3 power forward for the Clippers. He played in 53 games for the Clippers last season and he averaged 16.5 minutes, 4.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. Skinner will provide excellent depth for the Clippers as he brings defense and rebounding to the court every single game he plays in.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE POWER FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B