Baba Miller Is Built for the Clippers’ New Era

With the 36th pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the LA Clippers select… BABA MILLER!

Baba Miller is a 22-year-old, 7-foot power forward coming off his senior season in college averaging 13.0 points on 53/19/66 shooting splits, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He drew comparisons to a young Serge Ibaka in terms of their similar motors, defensive bursts, and underrated shooting.

Moments before making his summer league debut, it was announced that Baba Miller had signed a 4-year, $9.6 million rookie contract. In the summer league, Miller averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in five games. The most impressive part of Miller’s game over the summer was his willingness to take and make threes. He was a natural spotting up and spacing the floor for his guards, allowing more versatile basketball to be played on offense with Miller knocking down 4/8 threes overall.

Upon watching Baba Miller’s summer league debut, I was very impressed by his game. A player with a high motor that can shoot and defend, it was like I was watching a 7-foot Derrick Jones Jr! Among all forwards at the NBA draft combine, Baba Miller was the tallest and had the highest standing reach. Among all players overall at the combine, Miller came in third for the fastest time in the shuttle run. A player of his size being able to play the forward position while moving the way he does is very uncommon. When comparing strictly their motors, I would confidently put Baba Miller’s motor up there with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Clippers are in an interesting spot right now roster wise with the Kawhi Leonard trade still pending. With the departure of John Collins and likely retirement of Nicolas Batum, regardless of the trade going through or not, the Clippers currently only have one true power forward on the roster in Rui Hachimura. There may be a pathway here for Baba Miller to be inserted into the backup power forward spot and a player with his skillset may be able to immediately be inserted without being a liability despite his inexperience at the NBA level.

The Clippers got an absolute steal that they already financially committed to for the next four years. Regardless of when Baba Miller may be inserted into the rotation, fun basketball is awaiting the future with a 7-foot baby Giannis ready to be unleashed!