The LA Clippers have been described as the deepest team in the league since before the season even began. But do they have too much depth for their own good?

In this episode, Clippers Fan and Host Darian Vaziri talks about if the team's depth around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has too many good players to allocate their minutes fairly, if they should make Ty's job easier by moving a guard, and takes a look at the big championship picture.

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DoorDash

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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LA Clippers’ new star pairing: Can Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland form the NBA’s next elite duo? Early stats show promise, but is this partnership enough to break the Clippers’ postseason drought?

Die hard Los Angeles Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri breaks down why Garland’s pick-and-roll prowess complements Kawhi’s scoring, making them a better fit than the Leonard-Paul George era. Key topics include their 12-5 record, impressive offensive rating, and what the Clippers must add—like a defensive big man—to take the next step. The conversation tackles defensive concerns with Garland, the importance of the upcoming draft pick, and tough roster decisions ahead. Will the Clippers pivot from “win-now” moves and focus on building for the future, or risk it all for one last playoff push?

Get the insight you need on the LA Clippers’ evolving strategy and the real potential of their new star backcourt.

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5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Los Angeles Clippers face a franchise-defining crossroads as rumors swirl about trading the No. 5 pick for Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown. Would sacrificing a rare top pick and precious role players for a “big three” of Brown, Kawhi Leonard, and Darius Garland actually push the Clippers past Western Conference powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs—or cripple their future potential?

Die hard Los Angeles Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri breaks down why holding on to this draft blessing is vital, questioning if doubling down on the Kawhi Leonard era is wise after years of depleted assets and win-now gambles. He dissects salary cap challenges, injury risks, and the allure of building around prospects like Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., and Mikel Brown Jr. Plus, Darian Vaziri highlights key organizational pivots and what the next chapter could look like for Clippers Nation. Will LA finally trust in youth, or repeat past mistakes?

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5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Los Angeles Clippers prepare for a franchise-defining NBA Draft decision as Mikel Brown Jr. emerges as the top target at fifth overall. Could Brown's superstar potential and explosive athleticism reshape the Clippers’ future, or is Darius Acuff Jr.'s scoring prowess the safer bet? Die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri ranks Brown, Acuff, Keaton Wagler, and Kingston Flemings, weighing player fit, defensive upside, draft ceilings, and recent NCAA performances to identify the ideal addition.

Breakdowns include insights from Locked On college basketball hosts, analysis of defensive red flags, and why Brown’s playmaking and size set him apart. Vaziri challenges long-held narratives about small guards, referencing Jalen Brunson's ascent and John Calipari’s guard legacy, while pondering whether the Clipper front office will gamble on high-upside talent or opt for immediate reliability. Will Caleb Wilson, or Cameron Boozer fall and change everything on draft night? Don’t miss this deep dive into the Clippers’ future.

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5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Should the Los Angeles Clippers take Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 pick? Wagler’s high basketball IQ, elite shooting range, and ability to thrive on and off the ball set him apart from fellow prospects Kingston Flemings, Darius Acuff Jr., and Mikel Brown Jr. Die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri sits down with Locked On Illini’s Sonny to debate Wagler’s upside, versatility, and the persistent concerns about his athleticism and defensive capability.

The conversation spotlights how Wagler’s unique game controlled Illinois’ offense, his impressive performances under pressure, and whether his unorthodox strengths will translate to the NBA. Comparisons to stars like Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves spark discussion about NBA adaptability and ceiling. Don’t miss this strategic breakdown of the 2026 NBA Draft class, insider insight from college experts, and what the future could hold for the next era of Clippers basketball.

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5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Darius Acuff Jr. draws bold praise as the greatest Arkansas Razorback basketball player ever—should the Los Angeles Clippers make him their No. 5 NBA Draft pick? Locked On Clippers host Darian Vaziri and Locked On Arkansas guest John Nabers break down Acuff’s explosive freshman season under John Calipari, his SEC-leading stats, and why his scoring and playmaking could translate to NBA stardom.

Is Acuff’s defense a real concern, and can he coexist with Darius Garland in the backcourt? The episode compares Acuff to fellow draft prospects Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, and Mikel Brown Jr., evaluating each player’s fit and long-term NBA potential. With the Clippers holding their highest draft position since Blake Griffin, this episode weighs the pressure and excitement of landing a potential franchise changer in Acuff.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.

Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.