Nick Martinelli's standout Northwestern career reached its next chapter as the Wildcats forward was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 55 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. After leading the Big Ten in scoring for a second straight season, Martinelli now begins his professional career.
Nick Martinelli’s standout career at Northwestern reached its next chapter on draft night. The Wildcats' forward was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Martinelli becomes the latest Northwestern player to hear his name called on draft night after putting together one of the most productive careers in program history. Following a standout career in Evanston, the forward now gets the opportunity to continue his basketball journey at the professional level.
The selection comes after a dominant senior season, in which Martinelli averaged 23.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, while shooting 51.0% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range and 80.9% from the free-throw line. He appeared in all 33 games for the Wildcats and finished as the Big Ten's leading scorer for the second consecutive season.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Martinelli consistently appeared in national mock drafts and earned positive reviews from scouts. His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his improved perimeter shooting and experience against high-level competition, helped elevate his draft stock entering draft night.
For the Clippers, Martinelli brings a versatile offensive skill set and proven production. His combination of size, shooting and scoring ability gives him the potential to provide depth at the forward position while continuing to develop his game.
The Clippers selected Martinelli with the No. 55 overall pick, adding another accomplished Big Ten player to their draft class after selecting Illinois guard Keaton Wagler in the first round. For Martinelli, Los Angeles presents an opportunity to compete for a role on a team looking to strengthen its roster and return to playoff contention. His scoring ability, shooting touch, and experience could make him a valuable developmental piece as he begins his professional career.
His selection also represents another significant moment for Northwestern basketball. Martinelli developed into one of the most accomplished players in program history, becoming a consistent offensive force and one of the Big Ten's premier scorers.
Jan 16, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) celebrates his game winning basket against the Maryland Terrapins during overtime at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesNow, the focus shifts to the next stage of his career.
Whether he earns immediate minutes or continues his development within the organization, Martinelli will have the opportunity to prove that his success at Northwestern can translate to the professional level. After years of hard work and steady improvement, draft night marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of the Wildcats' all-time greats.
