The LA Clippers, armed with the 30th and 51st overall picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, face an intriguing challenge. Historically, the Clippers haven’t heavily relied on rookies for significant playing time. However, this year could be different as they aim to bolster their roster for the 2025-26 season.
With a focus on ballhandling, frontcourt support, and players possessing a ‘dribble-pass-shoot’ skillset, the Clippers are eyeing high-upside prospects who can develop over the next year before potentially contributing meaningfully. This article breaks down the Clippers’ potential draft targets by position, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and fit within the team’s current structure.
From point guards to shooting guards, we’ll examine potential prospects like Ben Saraf, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Nique Clifford, offering insights into why they might be the perfect addition to the Clippers’ quest for an NBA title.
Point Guard: Reliable Ballhandling
The Clippers need reliable ballhandling to reduce turnovers (ranked 23rd in turnover percentage). Although James Harden will likely return, finding and developing a young on-ball guard is essential. They haven’t had one since trading Bones Hyland.
- Ben Saraf (Germany, Rank: 28)
- Kam Jones (Marquette, Rank: 33)
- Max Shulga (VCU, Rank: 47)
- Kobe Sanders (Nevada, Rank: 53)
- Javon Small (West Virginia, Rank: 65)
Saraf, a southpaw, is an international player who could be a solid passer. Jones gives dollarnaire Harden vibes with his assist-turnover ratio. Shulga has the DPS skill set, while Sanders has the juice to get to the line. Small checks a lot of production boxes.
Center: Athletic Size & Rim Protection
Ivica Zubac played a career-high in minutes, and the Clippers need consistent rim protection. The Clippers haven’t had 48 minutes of rim protection since Isaiah Hartenstein left. They need a center to complement Zubac.
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton, Rank: 27)
- Asa Newell (Georgia, Rank: 29)
- Maxime Raynaud (Stanford, Rank: 30)
- Vladislav Goldin (Michigan, Rank: 51)
- Amari Williams (Kentucky, Rank: 75)
Kalkbrenner could play immediately. Newell is athletic but needs development. Raynaud offers a stretch-five option. Goldin is a brute with the largest hands in the draft. Williams is a huge body with long arms.
Small Forward: Big Wing & Defense
The Clippers should target a big wing capable of defending without fouling. While they have solid players like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., they lack rebounding. A wing is valuable if the best player available.
- Nique Clifford (Colorado State, Rank: 25)
- Adou Thiero (Arkansas, Rank: 31)
- Drake Powell (North Carolina, Rank: 34)
- Brooks Barnhizer (Northwestern, Rank: 45)
- Dink Pate (NBA G League, Rank: 71)
Clifford reminds of Josh Hart with his rebounding. Thiero is a plus-athlete with a long wingspan. Powell had the combine’s best vertical leap. Barnhizer has on-ball skills and a nose for the ball. Pate has the frame and theoretical on-ball skills but needs development.
Power Forward: Physical Defender & Size
The Clippers require roster optionality. They need a big man who can play in a rotation for a playoff team. The team need to find a competent big man who can play in a rotation for a playoff team.
- Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s, Rank: 32)
- Johni Broome (Auburn, Rank: 40)
- Bogoljub Marković (Serbia, Rank: 42)
- RJ Luis Jr. (Saint John’s, Rank: 58)
- Grant Nelson (Alabama, Rank: 73)
Fleming has a ridiculous wingspan and can shoot. Broome has outstanding production at Auburn. Marković can shoot and is from Serbia. Luis is a combo forward with scoring ability. Nelson has good height and movement skills.
Shooting Guard: A Catch Shooter
The Clippers need a catch-and-shoot threat. Although they make a high percentage of 3s, increasing volume is crucial. They drafted Cam Christie last year but more shooting would be invaluable.
- Tyrese Proctor (Duke, Rank: 36)
- Alijah Martin (Florida, Rank: 37)
- Brice Williams (Nebraska, Rank: 43)
- Chaz Lanier (Tennessee, Rank: 44)
- Caleb Love (Arizona, Rank: 63)
Proctor can shoot and has point guard potential. Martin is a winning player, especially defensively. Williams checks all the production boxes. Lanier is an athletic shooter. Love has higher upside and was coached by Justin Tatum.
Final Thoughts on the Clippers’ Draft Strategy
The Clippers’ approach to the 2025 NBA Draft hinges on identifying high-potential players who can contribute in the long term. Prioritizing ballhandling, frontcourt support, and versatile skillsets, they aim to add depth and flexibility to their roster. The draft selections will likely focus on players who can develop over time rather than immediate contributors, aligning with the team’s veteran-heavy core.
With potential targets like Ben Saraf, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Nique Clifford, the Clippers have a range of options to address their needs. By focusing on the best available talent and considering positional fits, they can effectively enhance their roster and position themselves for continued success in the competitive Western Conference. The Clippers’ draft strategy reflects a balanced approach, seeking to blend youth with experience in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
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