New NBA Draft Rumors on Clippers' Preferred Targets at No. 5 amid Acuff Jr., Wagler Links

Less than a week before the start of the 2026 NBA draft, it sounds like there's still some debate over who the Los Angeles Clippers would select with the No. 5 pick.

The Clippers lucked into the fifth pick, as the selection would've stayed with the Indiana Pacers if it had landed in the top four. The 2026 draft class is chock-full of talent, but Los Angeles will have to make the right pick for its roster.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the presence of veteran point guard Darius Garland and his lack of size have "prompted various rival teams to forecast" that Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. won't be the Clippers' selection at No. 5. If they hold onto the pick, Fischer stated that "such deductive reasoning has likewise sparked a belief that Illinois' Keaton Wagler or Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. is the Clippers' likely choice."

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his latest mock draft that the Clippers would select Wagler, noting that the 6'6" combo guard "should look like the best fit alongside Darius Garland in Los Angeles, with Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. lacking height for a 2-guard/secondary ball-handler."

During his freshman season at Arkansas, Acuff showed an impressive offensive skillset that could translate to the NBA immediately. However, his 6'3" frame would create an undersized backcourt for the Clippers alongside Garland, who is listed at 6'1".

The Clippers could have the chance to land a future star with the No. 5 pick, but it's important that they select the player who would fit seamlessly with the veterans on their roster.