Clippers 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick

The Los Angeles Clippers did not enter the 2026 NBA Draft as a rebuilding franchise. Instead, they arrived at draft night as a team searching for answers after a frustrating and uneven season. Despite the addition of Darius Garland and flashes of high-level basketball throughout the year, the Clippers never fully solved their issues with secondary scoring, frontcourt athleticism, and overall roster depth. They needed more offensive firepower around Garland, more versatility in the frontcourt, and a pipeline of young talent capable of helping both now and in the future. By the end of draft night, the Clippers had accomplished all three objectives.

Painful lessons

The Clippers entered the offseason carrying the emotional baggage of a grueling run that terminated in the Play-In. It was a campaign defined by resilience and defensive toughness. Los Angeles emerged as one of the NBA’s most balanced teams under head coach Tyronn Lue.

Yet, when the stakes reached their highest point, the cracks became impossible to ignore. The Clippers struggled to consistently generate offense whenever defenses trapped Kawhi Leonard or Darius Garland. Their aging frontcourt rotation struggled to maintain its physical edge. The roster simply lacked enough secondary creators capable of generating efficient offense late in games. Those shortcomings became the guiding principles behind the organization’s draft strategy.

Instead of merely adding depth, the Clippers aggressively targeted players who could potentially alter the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.

Pick No. 5: Keaton Wagler, Illinois

Grade: A

The Clippers’ decision to select Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick was both logical and ambitious. Wagler arrives in Los Angeles following a spectacular collegiate season. He combines elite perimeter shooting with advanced pick-and-roll instincts. That creates the exact kind of offensive versatility that the Clippers lacked.

The fit next to Garland is particularly exciting. Opposing defenses can no longer focus exclusively on containing Garland.. Wagler’s shooting gravity should open additional driving lanes.

The concerns are understandable. His defensive transition to the NBA may require patience. He will undoubtedly face a steep learning curve against elite professional athletes. However, those questions are outweighed by his offensive upside. This selection was about maximizing the playoff window while simultaneously building for the future.

Pick No. 36: Baba Miller, Spain

Grade: B+

After addressing their most immediate need, the Clippers pivoted toward long-term upside with their second selection. Baba Miller represents one of the more intriguing developmental prospects in this draft class.

Standing nearly seven feet tall with impressive mobility, Miller possesses the type of physical profile that modern NBA front offices covet. He can switch onto perimeter players and defend multiple positions. For the Clippers, Miller fills a very real organizational need.

There is work to be done offensively. His jump shot remains inconsistent. He is still learning how to leverage his physical tools on a possession-to-possession basis. But those concerns are exactly why he was available in the second round. The Clippers can afford to be patient.

Pick No. 55: Nick Martinelli, Northwestern

Grade: B

Late in the draft, the Clippers shifted their focus toward proven production. Nick Martinelli may not possess the elite athletic traits that typically generate headlines. However, he knows how to score the basketball.

The former Northwestern standout developed a reputation as one of college basketball’s most polished offensive players. His game projects nicely as a potential second-unit scoring option.

Of course, there are legitimate questions. Can he extend his shooting range consistently to the NBA three-point line? Can he defend well enough to stay on the floor against elite athletes Those questions keep this selection from earning a higher grade.

Pick No. 57: Narcisse Ngoy, France

Grade: A-

The final selection of the night may have been the most creative. By selecting French center Narcisse Ngoy and allowing him to continue his development at Auburn, the Clippers executed one of the more fascinating draft-and-stash strategies in recent memory.

He is a powerful interior presence who rebounds aggressively and protects the rim with impressive instincts. With Lopez entering the later stages of his career, the Clippers needed to begin identifying long-term answers in the middle. Ngoy could eventually become one.

There is virtually no short-term risk. If his offensive game expands and his physical tools continue to develop, the Clippers could emerge from this draft with a future rotation center at minimal cost.

Overall draft grade

Final Grade: A-

The Clippers approached this draft with clear objectives and executed them. They added a dynamic offensive talent in Keaton Wagler who can immediately help Darius Garland. They secured a high-upside developmental forward in Baba Miller, landed a productive scorer in Nick Martinelli, and took an innovative swing on a long-term center prospect in Narcisse Ngoy.

More importantly, every move aligned with the franchise’s broader vision. And after a tough 2025-26 season, this draft class may prove to be exactly what they needed to get back to the NBA’s biggest stage.

The post Clippers 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.