Yanic Konan Niederhauser was sitting in the suite level during the NBA draft at the Barclays Center last Wednesday. At the end of the night, he was instructed to head down to the stage.
The Los Angeles Clippers had just selected him No. 30 overall, and the official announcement was about to happen. While he ran down a hallway toward the stage, the joy on his face was evident as his goal of making the pros came to fruition.
After NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement, Konan Niederhauser walked up to the stage with a smile still on his face. He grabbed the Clippers hat waiting for him and shook hands with Silver.
Now headed out west to Los Angeles, Konan Niederhauser should also be thrilled about his landing spot, and here’s why.
Forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) dribbles the ball during the Penn State men’s basketball game versus Purdue at the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions defeat the Boilermakers 81-70. The Nittany Lions defeat the Boilermakers 81-70.
Katelyn Supancik
Sitting behind center Ivica Zubac
Heading into the draft, the main knock on Konan Niederhauser was his need for some more time to develop, mostly due to his lack of a mid-range shot.
However, Konan Niederhauser won’t be heavily relied upon immediately, as the Clippers feature standout center Ivica Zubac, who’s under contract until the end of 2027-28.
The veteran 7-footer averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 80 starts last season.
With the chance to put more of his initial focus into development, Konan Niederhauser could spend more time working on his shooting. He mentioned that was a goal of his back in March, and he now has a prime opportunity to make that happen.
If he successfully brings a mid-range shot into his playing style, the Fraschels, Switzerland, native can become a dangerous player at the next level.
He’ll likely have opportunities to work on that skill in real game action as well. Zubac played for 32.8 minutes per game last season, so the majority of playing time at the five will likely be taken up in 2025-26. However, some will be available, and those minutes will likely go to Konan Niederhauser, who should get some experience in his rookie year.
Forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) goes to shoot the ball during open media practice at the Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday October 23, 2024 in University Park, Pa.
Katelyn Supancik
Paired with James Harden
Konan Niederhauser was fortunate to have point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. during his lone season in the blue and white. Baldwin averaged 7.1 assists per game, which helped Konan Niederhauser succeed on the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat.
With Los Angeles, the big man will get to work with guard James Harden when he sees the floor. Harden is one of the best guards in the NBA when it comes to the pick-and-roll and dishing out lobs, averaging 8.7 assists per game last season.
Thus, Konan Niederhauser can keep the two traits on the offensive end that skyrocketed his draft stock. He might only be on the floor for roughly 10 minutes per game, but he should see a couple opportunities to make impact plays down low.
Even if Konan Niederhauser doesn’t develop a mid-range shot into his game, continuing his skills as a dominant paint presence can allow him to carve out a solid NBA career. Paired with Harden this early on, Konan Niederhauser can lay the foundation of that as soon as this upcoming season.
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Penn State announced a new addition to its roster on Saturday morning.
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