Baba Miller Could Become the Clippers' X Factor in His Rookie NBA Season
Baba Miller of Spain seen in action during the second round ATHENS, GREECE - 2026/08/31: Baba Miller of Spain seen in action during the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers between Greece and Spain at Telekom Center. Final score; Greece 108 : 106 Spain. (Photo by Nicholas Muller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers will enter the 2026/27 NBA season with several new faces on their roster, but one of their most interesting additions may be second-round pick from Spain Baba Miller.
The 22-year-old Spanish forward was selected by the Clippers with the 36th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft following an impressive final college season at Cincinnati.
At 6'11", Miller brings a unique combination of size, length and playmaking ability that could give the Clippers another versatile option off the bench throughout his rookie season.
And after his performances during NBA Summer League, the Spanish forward may be ready to contribute sooner than expected.
He also made his senior debut with the Spanish national team this summer.
College career at Cincinnati
Miller arrived in the United States as one of the most interesting international prospects in college basketball after previously developing in Real Madrid's youth system and making his EuroLeague debut at just 17 years old.
His college career included stops at Florida State and Florida Atlantic before eventually transferring to Cincinnati for his final season.
The Spanish forward averaged 13.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors.
He also became the first Cincinnati player since Oscar Robertson to lead the program in points, rebounds and assists per game in the same season.
Summer League with the Clippers
Miller continued to show his versatility during his first Summer League with the Clippers.
He averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists across five games while shooting over 60 percent from the field.
Miller also recorded 15 points against the Utah Jazz before finishing Summer League with another 15-point performance against Minnesota.
A potential X factor
Miller will still have to earn his role during his first NBA season. As a second-round pick joining a Clippers organization looking to return to the playoffs, there is no guarantee that he will immediately receive significant minutes.
However, his versatility could be exactly what gives him an opportunity. Miller can play multiple positions, rebound, defend and create with the ball.
His outside shooting remains one of the biggest areas of his game to monitor after shooting 19 percent from three during his final college season.
If that part of his game continues developing, Miller could give the Clippers a different option within their rotation.
The expectations surrounding a second-round pick are usually limited during a rookie season, but Baba Miller may have an opportunity to become one of the Clippers' most interesting young players in 2026/27.