What awaits Baba Miller at the Los Angeles Clippers? This is how the Spanish player fits into his new team

Baba Miller is now a player for the Los Angeles Clippers. The Spanish forward was selected with the 36th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, becoming the third national representative chosen this year after Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea. Now, the real challenge begins: carving out a place in one of the most competitive franchises in the Western Conference and demonstrating that he can become an important player in the NBA.

Although not drafted in the first round, there is a sense that Miller lands in a fairly favorable context. The Clippers have been following him for a while, know his profile perfectly, and believe that he possesses characteristics that are hard to find in a player of his size. From now on, everything will depend on his ability to adapt to the pace of the competition and convince a coaching staff that tends to demand a lot from young players before giving them playing time.

A Profile That Fits Well with What the Clippers Are Looking For

Lawrence Frank, the President of Basketball Operations for the franchise, highlighted post-Draft what sets Baba apart as a different player. The Clippers greatly value his ability to defend multiple positions, his ball movement intelligence, his court vision, and versatility that align perfectly with modern basketball. They are not seeking a prolific scorer but a player capable of doing many things well and enhancing the team's collective performance.

This has indeed been one of the hallmarks of the Majorcan throughout his entire college career. At Cincinnati, he became the first player since Oscar Robertson to lead the program simultaneously in points, rebounds, and assists during a season, a clear indication that his impact goes far beyond traditional statistics. His combination of 2.11 meters in height, ball handling skills, and court vision allows him to act almost as a guard in numerous situations, something that NBA franchises increasingly value.

However, there are still areas to refine. His outside shooting remains the primary area for improvement and will likely be the aspect that requires the most work during his initial months as a professional. If he can stabilize his three-point shot, his chances of solidifying his spot in the rotation will significantly increase.

Competition for Playing Time Will Be Tough

Joining the Clippers means landing in a team designed to compete from day one. This implies that Baba is unlikely to have a significant role from the start of the season, but also that he will have the opportunity to develop surrounded by highly experienced players.

The positions of forward and power forward still feature important names within the team, although there are several uncertainties that could open up opportunities. John Collins' future remains unresolved, Nicolas Batum is approaching the twilight of his career, and Kawhi Leonard's situation continues to generate uncertainty after a particularly turbulent summer. This context could favor the Clippers opting to gradually give playing time to young profiles like the Spaniard.

Moreover, Baba has a significant advantage over other rookies. He doesn't need to dominate the ball to contribute. He can defend, rebound, run the floor, facilitate through passing, and fulfill various roles according to the team's needs. This adaptability is often one of the key factors that help a second-round player earn minutes in a competitive roster.

The G League May Be Part of the Process

It is highly likely that the Clippers will devise a progressive development plan for Baba Miller. The franchise has successfully used its affiliate team in the G League as a bridge between college basketball and the NBA for years, allowing many players to accumulate minutes and confidence before permanently joining the rotation.

It would not be bad news at all.

In fact, several key players in the current Los Angeles roster followed exactly that path. For instance, Jordan Miller was selected with the 48th pick in the 2023 Draft and spent a significant portion of his early years alternating between the NBA and the G League before establishing himself as a valuable player in the rotation. This type of development is precisely what the Clippers aim to replicate with Baba.

The organization does not seem to be in a rush. They prefer the Spanish player to arrive prepared rather than hastening a process that could be decisive for his career.

The 36th Pick Shows There Is Still Plenty of Room for Success

There is a fairly widespread tendency to believe that being drafted in the second round significantly reduces the chances of making it in the NBA. History proves exactly the opposite.

For example, players like Herb Jones, chosen with the 35th pick in 2021, have become undisputed starters and some of the best defensive specialists in the entire league. Jalen Brunson, selected with the 33rd pick in the 2018 Draft, has ended up being one of the top point guards in the NBA and a regular contender for All-NBA honors. Even Leonard Miller, picked at 33rd in 2023, has managed to stay in the league and continues to develop an intriguing career.

All of them serve as examples that the real work begins after the Draft. The difference between being chosen at pick 28 or 36 is often much smaller than it seems, especially when we're talking about players with college experience and an adaptable profile like Baba.

An Ideal Environment for Establishing Himself

There might not be a perfect franchise for a young player, but the Clippers bring together several elements that inspire optimism. The organization has been monitoring him for a while, knows exactly what his strengths are, and seems to have a fairly defined development plan in place. Additionally, Baba arrives with a profile highly appreciated by the coaching staff: an intelligent, team-oriented player who can defend multiple positions and elevate his teammates without monopolizing the ball.

His goal for the upcoming season should not be to immediately become a significant player in the rotation. The priority is to adapt to the physical pace of the NBA, improve his outside shooting, and seize every opportunity he gets. If he can make progress in these aspects, the 36th pick could end up being one of the great successes of the Draft.

After Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea were first-round picks, Baba Miller completes an extraordinary year for Spanish basketball. While he may have had to wait a few more picks to hear his name, his future suggests that he has a very favorable setting to build a long and successful career in the world's best league.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Qué le espera a Baba Miller en Los Angeles Clippers? Así encaja el español en su nuevo equipo