Who Should The LA Clippers Pick?
Who should the Los Angeles Clippers target with the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft? Die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri breaks down the top prospects circling the Clippers’ radar, including Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, and Mikel Brown Jr. He weighs potential upside, positional fit, and key measurables—like max verticals and shooting percentages—while questioning whether current guards like Darius Garland should factor into the pick.
The episode spotlights the risks of prioritizing team fit over best-player-available, especially for a franchise eyeing a future beyond Kawhi Leonard. Discussions cover sleepers like Aday Mara and long-shot grabs like Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson, while highlighting each player’s skillset, injury history, and defensive tenacity. Can the Clippers land a franchise cornerstone, or is another draft miss looming? Join the debate and get the latest insight on the Clippers’ rebuild strategy and NBA Draft buzz.
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Who would you take Clipper Nation?
Gotta take best player available. Darius Acuff.
Cant teach height, wingspan, mobility. Get best available and trade down for a set of studs like Aday and Carr or Brown Jr. Got to have matchup with spurs and thunder for the next 5 years.
Darius Acuff Jr or Nate Amete
I think if Wilson falls, hes a no brainer. Hes very reminiscent of Cooper Flagg. He even glazed Kawhi, so if ‘Whi stays then thats great locker room chemistry. If not Wilson, I say Acuff is a must. Cant pass up on a Kyrie-esque talent. Its not like Wagler is expected to be like an Anthony Edwards, he seems to be more of like a Josh Giddey type player. I think we should prioritize
1) Wilson
2) Acuff
3) Boozer
4) Wagler
5) Mara
Wagler is the Way.
Acuff and Kobe Sanders in that 2nd unit is tough… I will go with the tall PG kid from Louisville.. before he got hurt, he had the college world on 🔥.. he has a dominant game
Keaton Wagler is the best pick
If Caleb Wilson miraculously falls then it’s no question, if not then it’s Acuff Jr. and that’s with me really liking Wagler & he’d likely be the best fit for us but Acuff is a killer/dawg 😤
Even though Yaxel will be 24 by the time next season starts he’s not only the best fit but the best player available at 5. Age adjusted production and all the models show he’s honestly even better than 5th. But he’ll be a player who affects 5 of the 6 factors positively day 1.
The more I think about it the more it makes sense to have Acuff Jr be our backup point guard and sell high after hopefully a good season from DG. Acuff Jr, Mathurin, Miller, Sanders, and Yanic as our bench. Let collins walk and sign Mitchell Robinson. Gives us a 2 timeline type situation with a solid starting 5 in Garland, Dunn, DJ, Kawhi at the 4, and Mitchell Robinson
I would suggest to watch full games of all the prospects and see it by yourself. Mikel brown decision making is an issue hence why you saw him throw a skip pass with his left hand
Darian, I would definitely take Keaton Wagler as the 5th pick.
First of all take his wiry height and the fact that he plays at his own pace. This reminds a lot of people of SGA. He has great range from 3 and is a very cerebral player. He shot 44% from 3 and is willing to be a pesky defender
if acuff is there is think we still take wagler
Whenever u get to have a player like Acuff u get him. Worry about it later. I would have Acuff coming in with second unit.
I definitely want Wagler, not Acuff cause of the bad defense.
If the Clippers want to contend it next year or the year after I believe they would have to keep Kawhi. If they are looking for 2030 and beyond then they should trade him now. I don't think they have any chance of contending before 2030, without a player of Leonard's caliber.
I know about injury history, and it's definitely was a gamble and still is. However I think if they can draft someone who can make an immediate impact and Yannick Oh plays like he did towards the end of last season, I think they have a legit shot to contend
P.S. I'm hoping they take Yaxel Lendenborg
Hey Dime, you really need to watch Lendeborg play. He can shoot from anywhere on the court, post up, rebound, pass, defend, he's a decent shot blocker even. He has very high basketball IQ, an NBA body has height and length and is already pretty polished. I think as long as he stays healthy in the NBA he's a can't miss, and can make an immediate impact 💯
P.S. The ONLY way I'm taking Wagler is if I don't want to win for at least 4 years! I like him, but he needs 3 years before he gets an NBA body.
Also, don't care about fits.
I know you have no faith and hate Kawhi, but I don't think that is what Balmer wants or is thinking, TBF.
P.S.S. Garland needs a leader who holds him accountable for being lackadaisical and not hustling! In fact, if he doesn't play differently this season, they should ship him out ASAP!
Finally, if it's not Lendeborg, we should take Acuff Jr. I cant see Wilson dropping to the #5 pick.
Nice intro Bro!
I'm lost these dudes is hyped up I don't know the extent of how good the top 5 guys are but let's get a franchise guard and build from there and correct the sga loss