The Summer League is often the first time NBA fans get to see the teams’ latest draft picks on the basketball court.
Before preseason starts in early October, the rookies can make a good first impression against lesser opposition.
The Summer League provides recent draft picks, undrafted free agents, and G League stars the opportunity to compete against each other for the remaining spots on NBA rosters.
Well, for one Los Angeles Clippers player, the step up from college basketball has been more challenging than he would have liked.
The LA Clippers selected big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser with the last pick in the first round (#30) of the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Clippers had swapped picks with the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the infamous Paul George trade, so they had to give up number 15 for 30.
Of course, this made it a lot tougher for general manager Trent Redden and head coach Tyronn Lue to find a quality player, but not impossible.
And, it seems at this early stage that the Clippers made a mistake. Niederhauser has struggled in both Summer League games so far.
His 10 rebounds and four blocks against the Houston Rockets on Friday night were impressive, but he only scored one point and committed four fouls.
Then, on Sunday, he only managed two points and three rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks, as his opposing center (Pete Nance) put up 18 and eight.
Niederhauser is clearly physically gifted, but his game is still so raw, which is particularly concerning for a 22-year-old with three years’ experience in college
The good news for the LA Clippers is that Niderhauser will not be needed in the 2025-26 season, barring an injury crisis.
Ivica Zubac proved last year that he’s an excellent starting center, and the offseason acquisition of Brook Lopez provides great depth.
| Position | Starter | Bench | 3rd |
| PG | James Harden | Bogdan Bogdanovic | Kobe Sanders |
| SG | Kris Dunn | Cam Christie | Trentyn Flowers |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard | Nicolas Batum | Patrick Baldwin Jr. |
| PF | John Collins | Derrick Jones Jr. | Kobe Brown |
| C | Ivica Zubac | Brook Lopez | Yanic Konan Niederhauser |
The Clippers also now have power forward John Collins, who can play at the five spot if necessary.
Niederhauser will probably only be called upon in garbage time, where he will have the freedom to make mistakes without much consequence.
