Clippers Gear Up for NBA Draft with Fifth Overall Pick

The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to make pivotal choices as they prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft, following a less-than-stellar 2025-26 season. With the fifth overall pick set for Tuesday, June 23, this marks the team's lowest selection since they selected Blake Griffin first overall in 2009.

As the Clippers strategize for their future, they are leaning towards acquiring a guard with their first-round pick. Despite adding Darius Garland to their roster before the trade deadline, the team is exploring a wealth of guard prospects available in this draft.

While Kawhi Leonard is expected to return, the team may still contemplate a forward, depending on potential trade scenarios. Leonard’s future remains uncertain, as any interested teams would need to navigate the complications arising from his and the Clippers' involvement in an alleged agreement that could attract NBA scrutiny.

Various analysts have weighed in on the Clippers' draft intentions, with notable predictions including: USA TODAY Sports favoring Kingston Flemings from Houston, while both CBS Sports and ESPN project Keaton Wagler from Illinois. Bleacher Report and NBAdraft.net both highlight Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas as a strong candidate for the Clippers.

As the draft approaches, the Clippers are at a crucial juncture that could define their trajectory in the coming years.