The Clippers have a tough decision coming.
The Los Angeles Clippers finished 42-40 and lost in the Play-In Tournament against Golden State, closing a frustrating year that left more questions than wins in Inglewood.
The front office now sits at fifth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft with an aging core led by Kawhi Leonard and a roster that dealt Ivica Zubac at the deadline and badly needs more shooting in the backcourt.
The top four is widely expected to be some mix of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, which leaves Los Angeles choosing between high-upside Michigan center Aday Mara or one of the top guards in the class.
A new report out of ClutchPoints suggests Los Angeles is already leaning one way.
Why Targeting a Guard Makes Sense
"Although Aday Mara's name has come up for the Clippers in draft rumors after they traded Ivica Zubac, multiple sources say the Clippers will be targeting one of the top guards in this class should they keep the fifth pick."
It adds up.
Mara has appeal as a 7-foot-3 center with rare passing and rim protection, but slotting a raw big next to this veteran group feels like a swing they can't afford right now.
After trading James Harden for Darius Garland at the deadline, this roster needs a perimeter scorer who fits alongside Garland from day one rather than another long-term project.
The report then got specific.
"While he is certainly not a lock in this spot, Keaton Wagler is gaining serious momentum to be the Clippers' pick, with the combo guard emerging as the best talent on several teams' draft boards after the top four."
Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting nearly 40 percent from three and dragging Illinois to the Final Four.
At 6-foot-6, he can play next to Garland without giving anything up defensively, and his shooting would open driving lanes that disappear when teams collapse on Kawhi.
Why Acuff Jr. Is the Safer Pick
Wagler is getting most of the buzz, but Darius Acuff Jr. is the safer swing despite the height concerns dropping him in some mocks.
The Arkansas freshman averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists a game, won SEC Player of the Year, and took home the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard.
The knock is his 6-foot-3 frame, which has scared off teams wanting traditional combo guard length, but his on-court production drowned out most of that noise.
Acuff led the SEC in scoring, dropped 49 on Alabama in a double-overtime loss, and carried Arkansas to a Sweet 16 berth before Arizona ended the run.
The Deron Williams comparisons followed him most of the year for a reason worth taking seriously.
Whichever way the Clippers decide to go on June 23, the signal from the war room sounds about right because the Zubac hole can wait, while finding a real shot creator at guard cannot.
