The Los Angeles Clippers are projected to make a bold swing with the final pick of the first round in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to Yahoo Sports, they are expected to select Auburn’s 18-year-old point guard Tahaad Pettiford with the No. 30 overall pick, a move that signals their commitment to youth and backcourt creativity as they prepare for a post-Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era.
Pettiford, a 6-foot-1 left-handed guard, played just one season at Auburn, coming off the bench for most of the year but making a significant impact. He averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 37% from beyond the arc on five attempts per contest.
His offensive skill set was particularly eye-catching, combining smooth perimeter shooting with a lethal floater game and fearless drives to the basket.
Though undersized, Pettiford earned a reputation as a dynamic shot-creator. Per Synergy Sports, he shot over 40% on catch-and-shoot threes and an exceptional 45% on handoff or screen actions.
His ability to shift gears, change direction with ease, and hit shots on the move makes him one of the most exciting microwave scorers in this class. Despite limited minutes, only 22.9 per game, he earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors and regularly closed games for the Tigers.
From a stylistic standpoint, Pettiford’s game has drawn comparisons to a young Mike Conley or Brandon Jennings. He’s quick, creative, and incredibly confident, with a surprising amount of poise for his age.
While his offensive upside is undeniable, Pettiford still has key areas of development. His small frame often made him a target on defense, and he struggled finishing through contact at the rim, converting only 43.5% of his layup attempts.
His shot selection could also be erratic, and he occasionally forced tough attempts rather than finding open teammates. But those are coachable habits, and with NBA-level training, Pettiford has the potential to grow into a reliable two-way floor general.
For the Clippers, this pick represents a long-term investment. With aging stars and uncertain future cap flexibility, adding a young, explosive guard like Pettiford gives them a developmental prospect who could eventually blossom into a sixth man or even a starting guard.
He won’t be expected to contribute immediately on a veteran-heavy roster, but given his pace, scoring instincts, and fearless mentality, he could become a key piece in the Clippers’ next era.
Besides the Clippers’ selection, we’ve also projected that the Chicago Bulls will select skilled combo guard Jase Richardson at No. 12, the Los Angeles Lakers will take 7-foot-3 Australian center Rocco Zikarsky at No. 55, the Golden State Warriors will add Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier at No. 44, and the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to take Ace Bailey, the versatile 6-foot-10 forward out of Rutgers, with the No. 3 overall pick.
At just 18, Pettiford is one of the youngest players in the draft. But with his confidence, elite shooting upside, and competitive fire, the Clippers may have found a diamond at No. 30, someone who could eventually shake up their backcourt and inject energy into the franchise’s evolving future.
