Heading into the 2026-27 regular season, not much is expected of the LA Clippers. They don’t necessarily have a superstar on the roster, and assuming the trade involving Kawhi Leonard goes through, a ton of the focus will be on the fifth overall pick, Keaton Wagler.
However, the Clippers could make the play-in tournament in any of the four spots and win their way into the playoffs, or even shock the world as a top-six seed, if these three players take a massive leap next season under head coach Tyronn Lue.
3. Jordan Miller
Last season, Jordan Miller balled out. He didn’t start off getting the minutes he deserved, but one thing led to another, and Miller eventually saw himself getting more playing time, and he did not disappoint.
In 60 games, the 26-year-old averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 53.1% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc.
While these year-three numbers are phenomenal for a player once drafted in the second round, the Clippers will need him to elevate his game to change their trajectory.
If Miller can consistently score 15+ points efficiently and defend at a high level, the Clippers will be in position to do the unthinkable.
2. Kobe Sanders
Following players who had a promising rookie season, like Kobe Sanders, everyone is always raving about the sophomore leap. This is when they take everything they’ve learned in their young careers, apply it to their game over the summer, and take over in their second year in the NBA.
That’s exactly what the LA Clippers will need from Sanders to go from a team with low expectations to one that is raising eyebrows.
In fact, he’ll probably have to double his scoring average of 7.3 points, shooting 46.6% from the field and 40.8% from three, in an increased bench role, which he is certainly capable of doing considering all of the potential he flashed as a rookie.
1. Darius Garland
Although next season’s first option, from the jump, assuming the trade with the Toronto Raptors ends up as successful, will be Brandon Ingram, Darius Garland will soon have to take over that spot from him.
The Clippers’ potential ultimately rides on Garland’s shoulders next season.
If he puts together another year of averaging around 20 points and eight assists, arguably the best possible outcome for LA is the ninth or tenth seed.
Now, if Garland takes the league by storm next season and consistently drops 25 to 30 points efficiently, the Clippers will have a real shot at the sixth seed.
That’s the cold, hard truth, as Garland will have the ball in his hands for a significant amount of time while he’s on the court.
Add us as a preferred source on Google