Clippers Exercise 1st-Rounder’s Option Despite Long-Term Injury

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The Los Angeles Clippers picked up center Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s third-year team option during his recovery from surgery on his foot.

Niederhauser suffered his foot injury towards the end of last season, tearing his Lisfranc ligament to end his rookie season early. The injury cost him his offseason and preseason, but he is likely to return fairly soon.

The Clippers drafted Niederhauser in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, and he saw the floor 41 times in his rookie season in a limited role. He averaged 10.3 minutes per game last season, posting 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-11 big man scored 10 or ore points in seven appearances last year, playing more than 20 minutes in six of those games.

What Will Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s Role Look Like When He Comes Back?

While the Clippers clearly have their eyes on Niederhauser, he probably won’t command a huge role when he returns to action.

The Clippers have two serviceable NBA centers in Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson, both of whom are averaging more than 20 minutes per game on the year. Lopez has been especially impressive in his age-38 season, averaging 14 points per game with 4.8 rebounds.

Rookie Baba Miller, who the Clippers selected in the second round of the most recent draft, is also getting some playing time, playing a similar role to Niederhauser before his injury last season. Miller is averaging 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 points per game in 9.7 minutes per night.

That being said, Niederhauser could still be important part to the team when he returns. The Clippers have struggled grabbing boards so far this season, ranking 27th in the league in rebounding through their first four games of the season. Adding a presence like Niederhauser in the paint could help them in that area and give the second-year player some increased opportunity.

Niederhauser didn’t join the Clippers on their two-game road trip, as the team prioritized his recovery over travel, but they’ll hope to have some good news regarding his status when they return. Their next game comes against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game of the 2026-27 NBA Cup on Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT.