In the latest mock draft from “The Athletic”, Sam Vecenie has the LA Clippers selecting Keaton Wagler from Illinois. This is a home run pick that’ll surely have fans intrigued, excited, and eager for the next era, but the celebration does not end there. In the second round, at 37th overall, Vecenie has the Clippers taking Luigi Suigo, then at 53rd, Duke Miles.
Suigo, in particular, is why the draft joy doesn’t end with Wagler. He is just a 19-year-old center who solves an immediate need, standing 7 feet 3 inches tall with an absurd near-89-inch wingspan.
These are the types of frames that don’t come around often, and when factoring in how great he already is, and the potential he has for the future, Suigo is as no-brainer a choice.
Luigi Suigo could turn into someone really special at the NBA level
On Sam Vecenie’s board, with the LA Clippers on the clock at 37, prominent names outside of Luigi Suigo like Ryan Conwell, Braden Smith, and Richie Sanders are still available. However, even with these names present, Suigo is most definitely the right pick.
During the 2025-26 season, in 32 games overseas, Suigo averaged 8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in just 18.1 minutes, shooting 55.8% from the field and 30.0% from beyond the arc.
Though nothing instantly stands out, what must be noted is that Suigo is a developmental pick.
The young and talented prospect has a great feel for the game, significant growth potential in three-point shooting, and can evolve into a legitimate building block; he just needs to be given the time and attention to the utmost extent. That’s the only way the Clippers will get the most value out of this selection.
But about his skill set, which cannot be taught, is his presence on the offensive glass and interior defense.
2.2 of his 5.3 rebounds overseas were offensive, and on the eye test, the 250-pound center possesses quickness, instincts, and proper decision-making on the defensive side of the ball that are guaranteed to translate to the league.
Overall, Suigo at his best looks a lot like Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. He’s drawn a ton of these comparisons, and that’s a compliment to various degrees. It also hints at who Suigo can become.
That said, drafting Suigo is worth being hyped about. He’s a first-round talent, and if you pair that with Keaton Wagler and Duke Miles, the Clippers did a phenomenal job on draft night.
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