THE LOS Angeles Clippers got a much-needed injection of youth with their two selections at the 2025 NBA Draft last week in Chicago, adding a pair of pieces that can be crucial in the pursuit of their first championship.

The Clippers were unable to go deep into the playoffs once again after being eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in seven games during the first round of their postseason campaign. They seem destined to run it back with the same core, with stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden reaching the final years of their storied careers.

Now, the Clippers used their two draft picks to add a big man who is capable of developing into a key piece in the frontcourt, and a wing who has a high floor and could prove a valuable rotational piece in the coming years.

Los Angeles Clippers

Drafted Players

Yanic Konan Niederhauser (pick 30), Kobe Sanders (pick 50)

Still considering themselves in the championship window, the Clippers used their selections to fill gaps in their roster, with their first round selection addressing a key need currently in their rotation.

Niederhauser is a two-way threat with his ability to score inside as well as protect the paint down the other end, and could compliment the team’s current center in Ivica Zubac, who is currently the only player contracted beyond next season, so is clearly in the Clippers’ long term plans.

The Swiss draftee has an excellent nous for having an impact defensively, using his impressive wingspan to contest shots at the rim as well as making the right plays when rotating over to help at the ideal time to make life as difficult as possible for the opposition.

Offensively, he is a constant lob threat with his height, and should he get any early minutes in the first season of his NBA career, he will likely only get better if paired with Harden, who has done so for other big men in the past.

With their second selection, the Clippers selected Sanders, after moving up by trading with the New York Knicks to ensure they left the draft with the Nevada wing, who they clearly rate very highly internally.

At six-foot-six, he is a solid build for the small forward position, and is viewed as an excellent defender, perfectly capable of defending the opposition’s primary ball-handler. This area of his game will benefit from being around the likes of Leonard and Kris Dunn, both elite perimeter defenders.

Offensively, he uses his impressive athleticism to slash inside and finish at the rim, and although this side of his game is a bit more raw, there is certainly potential to develop into a three-level scorer as his time in the NBA increases.

Los Angeles added two impressive pieces for the future, making their second first-round selection since 2019, as these have been a luxury over the past five years to due aggressive trading. However, both Niederhauser and Sanders both seem to have key roles to play in the future.