The Clippers would be Darius Acuff's best-case scenario, but it's not likely to happen
Darius Acuff of Arkansas basketball is likely heading to the Brooklyn Nets in June at the 2026 NBA Draft. If he doesn't go to Brooklyn at No. 6, he will probably go to the Sacramento Kings at No. 7. If the Nets are the most likely destination and the Kings are the second most probable landing spot, why are the Los Angeles Clippers a clear third even though they pick before Brooklyn and Sacramento at No. 5? ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo offered an explanation:
"LA doesn't fully control its own draft picks until 2030 -- and continues to await the fallout of the league's investigation into the franchise's involvement with Aspiration and Kawhi Leonard. The Pacers will get to keep their 2031 first instead -- but losing out on what was in essence a coin flip for a top-four pick is a significant sting for Indiana.
"(Keaton) Wagler led Illinois all the way to the Final Four to cap one of the more remarkable prospect rises ever, entering the season as a curiosity for scouts and finishing as a bona fide top talent in an exceptional lottery class. While scouts expect it will take time for him to add strength and adjust physically to the NBA, the fact that Wagler is 6-foot-6, plays with change of pace and adds value at both guard positions points to major long-term upside as his body matures and he gains experience. His unusual trajectory and rapid improvement bode well.
"This pick has been viewed by some teams as where the draft starts, with an array of talented guards expected to be available, presuming the consensus top four players come off the board first. Wagler's versatility makes him a very strong fit with the Clippers, who already have a true point guard in Darius Garland."
Let's be clear here: The Clippers are not an absolute lock to pass on Darius Acuff, but they probably won't go in that direction because of Darius Garland being on the roster as a result of the trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers involving James Harden. Maybe the Clippers will go for the best player available instead of thinking about specific needs. They could still take Acuff, but it would be a stretch to think that's the probable outcome.
It's not as though the Clippers are a model NBA franchise, but compared to the Nets and Kings, the Clippers feel like the Boston Celtics. Acuff going to LA would be so much better than Brooklyn or Sacramento. Alas, it doesn't seem Acuff will get his wish, but perhaps a trade by another team into the No. 5 or No. 6 spot could shake things up.