IT WAS another premature ending to the NBA season for the Los Angeles Clippers throughout 2024/25, with the team still in search of an elusive first title after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Moving to the new Intuit Dome and not sharing an arena with their cross-town rivals for the first time in team history, the Clippers overcame an early season absence from star forward Kawhi Leonard to clinch the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

Coming up against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, the Clippers were eliminated in seven games in a thrilling series, ultimately falling short of contending for a title once again after showing promise throughout the regular season.

Now having traded away and swapped their top draft selections, the Clippers will have to wait until the end of the first round to make their opening pick of 2025, but may find a diamond in a deep draft class next month.

Los Angeles Clippers

Draft Selections

30, 51

Contracted Players

Kawhi Leonard, James Harden (player option), Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Ivica Zubac, Derrick Jones Jr, Kris Dunn, Drew Eubanks (non-guaranteed), Nicolas Batum (player option), Kobe Brown (team option), Cam Christie (non-guaranteed), Jordan Miller (non-guaranteed)

The Clippers have been perennial contenders over the past five years, but have consistently fallen short of their ultimate goal of winning their first NBA championship. With plenty of stars entering the twilight of their respective careers, finding gems at the draft may prove crucial in regenerating the list in coming years.

Although the current NBA finalists in the Oklahoma City Thunder currently control their first round draft pick, the Clippers kept OKC’s first rounder as well, so they will select first at pick 30 in June, looking to find a young piece in a class that is looking deep.

With Harden proving the main source of playmaking and yet to accept his player option, adding some shot creation off the bench could be a solid move for the Clippers, and National Champion Walter Clayton Jr. fits the bill here.

One of the biggest draft bolters thanks to a herculean performance in the National Tournament over recent months, Clayton Jr. has proven himself as a microwave scorer who can turn a game on its head if he gets his shot going. Although limited as a defender, he could provide some instant offence for the Clippers off the bench, something that lacked throughout the 2024/25 season at times.

Another player who fits this bill is Kam Jones, who would provide plenty of production in the next few years at 23 years of age. He showcased his ceiling with a strong run of form heading into Marquette’s final game, and although he did not have his best performance in that outing, it is hard to deny his production in the prior games.

He was able to showcase his improved playmaking in his most recent NCAA campaign, and although his upside is hindered by his age slightly, he is more likely to be able to make an impact immediately due to progressed development coming into the draft.

With the team in win-now mode, Los Angeles also has the opportunity to take a gamble on a raw prospect that has high potential, given the amount of talent already on the roster. One of the most hyped prospects in recent months is Cedric Coward, who could be the play at small forward.

Although his court time has been limited due to a season-ending shoulder injury, Coward has an impressive wingspan and has improved as a shooter over recent months. If the Clippers look to add more of a long-term prospect, the wing may reward the move down the line.