Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Clippers Predicted to Take 7-foot-1 Star in 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 12:59 PM ET

The LA Clippers finished their 2024-25 campaign with a disappointing first-round exit against three-time NBA MVP center Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Now, heading into the offseason, the Clippers could be looking to make some moves.

In typical fashion, Jokic dominated the Clippers in their first-round series, averaging 14.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game with 50.0/45.2/70.3 shooting splits, and now, LA could be looking to bolster their frontcourt depth to make sure that does not happen again.

Of course, Ivica Zubac has turned into one of the NBA's top centers, but LA could certainly use a defensive-minded anchor to back him up.

Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of the most impactful prospects in this class that people are undervaluing.

Exceptional rim protector (2.7 BPG + 7.3% BLK) that utilizes his 9’4 (!) reach to disrupt any offense — uber efficient interior scoring (78.5% FG) with shooting/connective upside. https://t.co/GmK1s3aAcA pic.twitter.com/ecHJJXfuzK
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 29, 2025

With the NBA Draft less than a week away, the Clippers are certainly looking to add a difference-maker with the 30th overall pick. In a recent mock draft from Nick Crain of NBA Draft on SI , he predicted the Clippers would select Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Kalkbrenner is a 7-foot-1 phenom and was consistently one of the best defenders in college basketball over the past four years with the Creighton Bluejays. The four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year is a force on the inside, and his 2.6 blocks per game and 65.9% shooting from the field over the past four years certainly show for it.

7'2 Ryan Kalkbrenner drilled 17-of-23 threes during this 3-point shooting drill at the NBA Draft Combine

Kalkbrenner was a 4x Big East Defensive Player of the Year at Creighton

(via @DraftExpress)pic.twitter.com/8Whk010pA7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 15, 2025

At 23 years old, Kalkbrenner is the ideal late first-round prospect for the Clippers to take a chance on, as he has all the tools to be an effective backup center immediately. With a 7-foot-5 wingspan, a touch from beyond the arc, and a knack for blocking shots, Kalkbrenner is an incredible prospect and one that most teams could regret passing on.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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