The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be narrowing their focus ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, with Arizona guard Brayden Burries emerging as a serious candidate for the fifth overall pick.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Wednesday that Burries impressed Clippers personnel during a workout in Los Angeles on June 16 and is “very much under consideration” at No. 5. Fischer added that Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., another prospect linked to the selection, is scheduled to work out for the organization this week.
The Clippers enter the draft in an unusual position. Despite finishing 42-40 and earning a Western Conference Play-In berth, Los Angeles controls Indiana’s lottery pick and owns the fifth selection in a draft widely viewed as one of the deepest in recent years. That gives the franchise an opportunity to add a premium young talent while still attempting to compete around veteran stars.
Burries’ freshman season at Arizona offers a glimpse of why the Clippers are interested. The 6-foot-4 guard started all 39 games and averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 29.8 minutes per contest. He shot 49.1% from the field, 39.1% from three-point range and 80.5% from the free-throw line, combining efficiency with volume against Big 12 competition.
His offensive profile stands out. Burries connected on 1.8 three-pointers per game while shooting 56.2% inside the arc, demonstrating an ability to score both on the perimeter and at the rim. Rather than operating as a ball-dominant creator, he thrived as an off-ball scorer capable of fitting alongside established playmakers.
That skill set could appeal to a Clippers roster built around experienced stars. Kawhi Leonard remains the team’s centerpiece after averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 50.5% from the field during the 2025-26 season.
The Clippers’ need for young talent became more apparent throughout the season. Leonard was the only player on the roster to average more than 20 points per game, while several key rotation players are either in their 30s or approaching that stage of their careers. Adding a 20-year-old prospect with Burries’ scoring efficiency would help address both present and future roster concerns.
With the draft scheduled for June 23-24, Burries has reportedly strengthened his standing in Los Angeles.
