After cutting ties with the veteran center Ivica Zubac, the Los Angeles Clippers ended up with a late gift. The protected pick from the Indiana Pacers fell outside of the top four, giving LA a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The immediate wave of mock drafts all say the same thing: the Clippers are going to roll with a guard selection–with most projecting Illinois’ Keaton Wagler as the pick.
CBS Sports did it differently. Rather than a guard, Cameron Salerno went for a Zubac replacement in the Michigan center, Aday Mara.
Why Would The Clippers Take A Chance On Aday Mara?
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to pass during a game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on January 05, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“This is the bold move. The Clippers seize the opportunity and take lengthy Michigan big man Aday Mara at No. 5,” Salerno wrote.
“A shot-blocking specialist, Mara led the Big Ten with 2.6 blocks as the starting center for the National Champion Wolverines. Mara is athletic, versatile, can pass the ball and is a tremendous finisher around the rim.”
The Zubac-Mara Swap
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines and Jack Benter #14 of the Purdue Boilermakers battle for a rebound during the second half of the 2026 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship game at the United Center on March 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Zubac trade stung for the Clippers. The veteran center was versatile and productive, but LA decided to get younger and get rid of some pricey deals as their trade deadline strategy in February.
If Mara turns out to be as productive or better than Zubac, then great! But the Clippers should certainly take the best player on their board, rather than going for the direct replacement just to do it.
That’s not a knock on Mara, who enters the NBA with three years of college experience. He is 7’3″ with 101 games under his belt. His first two college seasons took place at UCLA, before Mara made the switch to Michigan last year.
GettyAday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines should be a riser in the 2026 NBA draft.
During his first and only season as a full-time starter, Mara produced averages of 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.4 assists.
Taking the center at five might go down as a reach if that was the true pick. Considering the Clippers have enough win-now talent on board to at least compete for postseason play as-is, trading back and selecting Mara in a different slot might be the more realistic move for LA.