Pick Number 1- Keaton Wagler

Keaton Wagler checks a lot of boxes for the Clippers. The 6-foot-6 guard from Illinois shot 40 percent from three last season and has built a reputation as one of the most polished perimeter scorers in the class. His shooting alone would immediately help a Clippers offense that can become cramped when defenses load up on Garland and Kawhi Leonard.

Wagler’s biggest strength is flexibility. He can play on or off the ball, punish defenses that leave him open and create enough offense to keep second units productive. That matters for a Clippers team trying to compete now while also developing younger talent. His high basketball IQ makes him able to do whatever the Clippers would need him to do. He is also a great leader with plenty of intangibles that teams love.

His biggest problem will be adjusting to the physicality of the NBA. For someone like him, who struggled a bit at the rim in college due to a lack of verticality and length, transitioning to NBA defenders will be a struggle. The pace of the game might also get to him a little, as he isn’t used to playing like this. He also will never be a great defender, as he is limited by the size of his frame and overall athletic ability. If he were to develop his defensive skills, he would likely lose some of his shooting capability.

Overall, Wagler is a solid prospect who will bring much-needed shooting and ball-handling to the Clippers. While he may not have an insane ceiling like some other candidates on this list, he will surely end up being a solid rotation player wherever he goes.

Pick Number 2- Aday Mara

The Clippers created a major hole when they moved Ivica Zubac at the 2026 trade deadline. Since then, their lack of size has been impossible to ignore. That is why Aday Mara deserves real consideration. The 7-foot-3 center from Michigan brings rare physical tools with a 9-foot-9 standing reach and the type of defensive presence the Clippers currently lack. He can alter shots at the rim, rebound in traffic, and give Los Angeles an actual interior anchor.

What makes Mara especially interesting is that he is not limited to traditional center responsibilities. He has shown flashes as a perimeter shooter, which could make him far more versatile than most players his size. A center who can protect the rim while stretching defenses would completely change how the Clippers build lineups around Garland. We have also seen him be a great passing hub at center, so while the offense may not run through him, having that option at center is always valuable. He will be a great drop coverage defender, and just his size alone will make him a viable option.

His biggest problem is also one of his biggest weaknesses. When a player is that tall and bulky, they run into two issues: health concerns and lack of versatility. A player that tall and hefty is able to be injured by themselves and other players on the court. Foot and leg injuries are very common for bigs his size. His other problem is his lack of footspeed. Opposing players might not want to drive into the paint at him, but if they catch him at the perimeter, they can pretty easily drive by or create space against him. Granted, this is something a lot of centers have to deal with in the NBA, so it isn't that big of a concern.

Mara will be a solid shot blocker and rebounder in the league. The question is, do the Clippers really want to draft another big man when they already have the promising Yanic Konan Niederhäuser.

Pick Number 3- Darius Acuff Jr.

If the Clippers want pure offensive upside, Darius Acuff Jr. may be the answer. The Arkansas guard is widely viewed as one of the most gifted scorers in this draft class. He creates his own shot at all three levels, thrives in isolation situations and has the confidence of a player who expects to take over games.

That kind of shot creation is difficult to find. Pairing Acuff with Garland would give the Clippers two guards capable of breaking down defenses whenever possessions stall. That becomes especially valuable once Leonard eventually slows down or retires. He is a 6’2 point guard with a solid frame and quick movements. He is an accurate passer, whether it is for a lob or a cross-court pass.

He is also a smart shooter, knowing when to score and when to pass. His three-level efficient scoring has zero question marks around it in this draft.

His main weakness is something almost every small guard deals with. While he isn’t a John Stockton in the athletic department, the lack of explosiveness and pure physical force around the rim might be an issue in his first couple of years in the NBA. The size and switchability of NBA bigs might throw him for a loop, with some big men now being able to guard at a high level on the perimeter. He will also need to try more on defense as his height will make him an obvious target. Thankfully, he has a sturdy frame, so as long as he puts effort into defense, it won't be easy to knock him around.

Overall, Acuff is the most obvious choice for the Clippers. His sheer potential on offense is enough to warrant drafting him over players that might be a bit more complete and NBA-ready. The best news is that the 4 top draft picks in this class are pretty much set in stone, so the Clippers shouldn’t have a problem getting him in the draft.