The Clippers have a lot of options in the draft.
The Los Angeles Clippers are in a great place when it comes to the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting fifth-overall after acquiring a pick from the Indiana Pacers and a as a result, they have a lot of options in front of them.
Picking out of such a stacked talent pool like this upcoming draft has will be a huge boost to the Clippers' rapid rebuild and while there are a variety of areas that the teams needs to address offensively, there are targets they should keep in mind to select at fifth-overall.
1. Keaton Wagler
The Clippers should be looking to add more dynamic young guards to their roster, either as a compliment to Darius Garland or a replacement should the Clippers have future trade plans in place with him, and there are few players who fit that description as well as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagner.
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) dribbles the ball against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesNot only does Wagner have an impressive build at 6'6, but his high shooting potential and rebounding ability point toward him being a huge asset on both sides of the court.
2. Darius Acuff Jr.
Darius Acuff Jr. is was one of the best scoring guards in the NCAA this past season and earned an All-American selection for a good reason.
23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game point toward a player who knows how to create shots for himself and his teammates and 48.4% shooting from the field and 44.0% shooting from three show a player that dan make those shots when he gets them.
Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors guard Hunter Erickson (0) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesThe only drawback to Acuff Jr. when it comes to the Clippers is that Los Angeles may be looking for a guard that can do more defensively, particularly if the team is looking to pair someone with Garland, but Acuff Jr's off the charts offensive metrics would make him a huge get should he be available by the fifth pick.
3. Aday Mara
While the Clippers' interests seem to point more toward a guard in the draft than anything else, they also do need to fill a hole at center after trading away Ivica Zubac and Aday Mara could be the right player to do it.
Michigan center Aday Mara (15) looks for a basket around Connecticut guard Solo Ball (1) and center Eric Reibe (12) during the first half of the NCAA national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026. Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesStanding at 7'3, Mara spent two seasons as a role player at UCLA before transferring to the University of Michigan in search of a starting role. He thrived with the Wolverines, winning the 2026 NCAA championship with the team while winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a 2025-26
Mara's size made him a dominant presence in the paint for in the NCAA and he'll likely be able to translate those same skills into the NBA. Adapting to the physicality at the next level is the one major concerns with his game, but with time he could grow to be an imposing figure in the paint.
