The LA Clippers’ 23 losses will equate to a relatively high second-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the only selection Lawrence Frank has, with the first in the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. In FanSided.com’s latest mock, Christopher Kline underlined the pressure on the Clippers trading Ivica Zubac by opting for a center, Zuby Ejiofor, from the well-regarded St. John’s Red Storm 36th overall.
Furthermore, there is heightened curiosity in the air regarding Zubac. The Clippers seem fifty-fifty on holding on to him or letting go. By the summer, if they are firm with Yanic Konan Niederhauser and a youngster coming into the league to fill in the front-court, the Croatian big man would be all but gone; they do not need three competent centers in one rotation.
Thus, it would be an intelligent decision to bring in Ejiofor. He is one of the best big men in the 2026 class, and from a Zubac trade, the Clippers could receive a much-needed draft haul.
Zuby Ejiofor would fit like a glove on the Clippers
With the LA Clippers showing extra priority and value to experienced prospects, Zuby Ejiofor will immediately have the attention on draft night. He was once a four-star recruit at Kansas, then hit the transfer portal and spent his remaining three seasons at St. John's.
As a senior starter, Ejiofor has averaged 16.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 28.8 minutes. This is an excellent stat line, particularly because he has improved in these categories as a college athlete like a ladder, with new career-bests each season.
In fact, Ejiofor recorded eight blocks in consecutive contests, which is absurd at six-foot-eight.
Moreover, the Clippers would have two two-way forces in the primary lineups next season. Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Ejiofor are young, open-minded learners, and capable of adapting to any duty. Why? They have a three-point jumper, which is becoming increasingly important for big men in the new era.
Regarding Ivica Zubac, the front office must accept the offer with the most chipped-in draft capital. The stock rooms must have the utmost amount of first-round picks, and the best will be lured from LA’s top asset.
That said, the guaranteed trade confirmation on Zubac’s exit would be the announcement of the Clippers’ second-round pick being Ejiofor. Both decisions will have a correlation once it is time to draft the best players in the nation.