Within the LA Clippers fanbase, everyone and their mother is anxious about the day of the lottery. They are worried the Indiana Pacers’ first-round pick will not convey in LA’s favor, which would ultimately take away much of the happiness from the summer. But, what if there was a way that the Clippers could still have an exceptional class of rookies without Indiana’s rights?
Yes, that’s correct, and it'll be if the Clippers select Maleek Thomas from the Arkansas Razorbacks with the 37th pick on day two.
Thomas had a strong season for Arkansas, but with a series of excellent performances within the March Madness tournament, the 19-year-old’s stock rose all the way up to the end of the first round, and early second.
If the Clippers land Thomas, the entire organization should be ecstatic and jumping with joy. Though it would be a bummer that the trade regarding Ivica Zubac, a fan favorite, didn’t necessarily work out, rostering a young and potential-heavy guard like Thomas would make every bit of sadness disappear.
Maleek Thomas has the tangibles to become a star at the highest level
In any other draft class, Maleek Thomas would easily be projected to go in the lottery, likely the end of it. He demonstrated such strong, winning characteristics alongside Darius Acuff Jr., and without Thomas’ help, there is no way the Arkansas Razorbacks would have even sniffed the Sweet 16.
On the season, through 37 games, Thomas logged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 43.5% from the field and 41.6% from a distance.
Not impressed yet? Well, Thomas scored 17 or more points in the three rounds of the tournament Arkansas survived in, doing so efficiently while also totaling eight steals.
Overall, though, Thomas has a six-foot-five, 185-pound build and no serious weaknesses in his game. He can score at all three levels, understands how to read the passing lanes, crashes the glass with excellent effort, and uses every pound and inch he has to defend relentlessly.
Thomas is easily one of the most undeniable up-and-coming stars in the 2026 class, and if drafted by the Clippers, the team’s future would instantly be elevated from good to great.
So, Clipper Nation would have every right to be upset that LA did not end up receiving the Indiana Pacers’ pick, but with Thomas, excitement is the only emotion.
That’s how great a prospect he is.
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