Los Angeles Clippers closed the 2026 NBA draft by selecting 6‑foot‑7 Nick Martinelli of Northwestern with the No. 55 pick, adding a proven scorer and rebounder to a frontcourt already deepened by Baba Miller and French center Narcisse Ngoy.
Who did the Clippers pick and why?
The Clippers entered the second round with three selections. At No. 36 they grabbed Baba Miller, a 6‑foot‑11 power forward who can protect the rim, handle the ball and find open teammates. The No. 55 pick brought in Martinelli, a two‑time second‑team All‑Big Ten honoree who led the conference in scoring twice. He posted 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in his junior year, then 23 points and the same 6.2 rebounds as a senior. The final pick, No. 57, was French center Narcisse Ngoy, who averaged 10.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for Poitiers Basket 86 in 2025‑26.
How did the picks happen?
The Clippers originally owned the No. 52 slot, acquired after trading 11‑time All‑Star James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland. They swapped that pick to Atlanta for cash and the No. 57 slot, then sent cash to Houston for the No. 55 pick that yielded Martinelli. The maneuver also let them keep Miller, a player whose rights arrived via the 2025 trade that sent Terance Mann to the Hawks. The series of cash moves shows the front office’s willingness to spend draft capital for specific skill sets.
What does Martinelli bring to the roster?
Martinelli’s college résumé reads like a scoring machine. He topped the Big Ten in points per game two seasons running and consistently posted double‑digit rebounds. His 6‑2 feet of length gives the Clippers a versatile wing that can post up, pull up from mid‑range, and crash the boards. General manager Trent Redden praised his basketball IQ and ability to operate as a “hub” in the offense, noting that Martinelli can pass out of the post as well as finish at the rim.
How does this fit the Clippers’ recent form?
The Clippers entered the draft on a hot streak, riding a 4W‑0D‑1L run (WWWLW) that included a 101‑100 win over the Sacramento Kings on April 12, 2025. Adding Martinelli gives coach Tyron Larkin another option to keep that momentum alive, especially as the team looks to blend veteran depth with youthful energy heading into the 2026‑27 season.
What’s next for the new draftees?
All three picks will join the summer league roster in July, where they’ll face NBA competition for minutes. Miller is expected to battle for a backup power‑forward role, while Ngoy will likely develop in the G‑League before earning a two‑way contract. Martinelli, with his scoring pedigree, could see early minutes off the bench, especially in stretch‑four situations that demand floor spacing and rebounding. The Clippers’ front office appears set on turning these assets into immediate contributors, hoping the blend of size, skill and recent winning form translates into a deeper playoff run.
What does this mean for the Clippers’ future?
By securing a high‑scoring forward, a versatile big man and a defensive anchor, the Clippers have addressed multiple frontcourt needs in one draft. If Martinelli adapts to the NBA pace, his scoring could relieve pressure on star forward Kawhi Leonard and give Larkin more lineup flexibility. The draft night moves, combined with the team’s recent 4‑win stretch, suggest a franchise intent on staying competitive while building a younger core for the long term.