The Los Angeles Clippers picked up Yanic Konan Niederhauser’s third-year team option despite their first-round center still recovering from foot surgery. This isn’t just a minor tweak either: Niederhauser tore his Lisfranc ligament late last season, an injury that killed his rookie year, wiped out his entire offseason, and kept him off the court through preseason. Talk about a vote of confidence in a guy who’s still on the mend.
The Rookie Who Got Sidelined
Remember, the Clippers nabbed Niederhauser in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. He got into 41 games as a rookie, mostly in a limited role, averaging 10.3 minutes, 4.3 points, and 2.9 boards a night. But when he *did* get chances, he showed flashes: the 6-foot-11 big man scored 10 or more points in seven games, logging over 20 minutes in six of those. He was just finding his rhythm when that Lisfranc tear hit and cut his rookie campaign short. The team clearly saw enough from those limited appearances to believe in his long-term potential, even with a serious injury in his rearview mirror.
Why They’re Banking On Him: A Rebounding Crisis
So, what’s the plan when Niederhauser is actually back on the court? Don’t expect him to instantly command a massive role. The Clippers already roll with two serviceable bigs, Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson, both clocking over 20 minutes a game. Lopez, even at 38, is still putting up 14 points and 4.8 rebounds, which is impressive. And they even have rookie Baba Miller, a second-rounder, filling a similar limited role Niederhauser had before his injury, averaging 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 9.7 minutes.
But here’s the kicker, the *real* reason this option pickup feels urgent: the Clippers are straight-up struggling on the boards. They’re ranked a dismal 27th in the league through their first four games this season! That’s unacceptable for any team trying to compete. Adding a legit paint presence like Niederhauser could seriously boost their rebounding and give the second-year player a real opportunity to impact games once he’s healthy. They need help, and they’re looking to their injured first-rounder to provide it.
Niederhauser wasn’t even with the team on their recent two-game road trip, with the Clippers prioritizing his recovery over travel. But you can bet they’re hoping for some good news on his status real soon. Their next test is against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT, as they kick off their 2026-27 NBA Cup campaign. They’ll need all the help they can get, even if it’s from a limping big man on the mend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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