The update regarding Mikel Brown Jr. finally arrived: per Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, the Louisville standout is fully cleared following the back injury that ended his freshman season. This is music to the LA Clippers’ ears, as, for the right reasons, doubts surfaced on Brown Jr.’s back, given the severity of the setback he faced, but they can finally be put to rest. He’s good to go.
Mikel Brown Jr. tells me he’s been fully cleared of the back injury he suffered at Louisville, per medicals at the NBA Draft Combine. His first workout is this week with the Utah Jazz. Brown is a projected top 10 pick in the 2026 draft. pic.twitter.com/jBtzkMoBKp
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 26, 2026
What’s left for the Clippers to do is bring him in for a workout, then, once they see for themselves, firsthand, how talented and skilled he is, submit his name for Adam Silver to call it on the draft stage at fifth overall.
This is one of the perfect scenarios, as those who kept a keen eye on Brown Jr. during his time at Louisville know he is bound to become a superstar in the NBA; it’s just a matter of time.
The Clippers should not let Mikel Brown Jr. slip out of their hands
It would be the epitome of having butterfingers if Mikel Brown Jr. is available to be selected with the fifth pick, and the LA Clippers allow him to slip past them. He is young, full of potential, and has such a positive mentality, as seen during his interview with Kevin O’Connor, where the good news was shared.
In addition, though, the film is Brown Jr.’s best friend. It truly elevates the idea of how good he is and who he can become.
At first glance, the athleticism stands out. He gets to the rim with ease, can finish the rock at ridiculously challenging angles, and uses his first step, as well as his bounce, to make plays for those around him.
Then, if you keep watching, Brown Jr.’s excellent three-point shooting goes without saying. Sure, he shot just 34.4% from beyond the arc on the year, but when looking at his gamelog, he drained six threes at North Carolina, 10 versus NC State, and a handful of other efficient nights that resulted in wins.
Overall, Brown Jr. is the type of scorer the Clippers should aim to place next to Darius Garland, and unless a team with a top-four pick shocks the world and takes him, he could easily become a member of the Clippers.
It’ll all depend on Lawrence Frank’s wants, and if he’s smart, he won’t worry about the injury concern and trust Brown Jr. to be the next superstar in LA.
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