Los Angeles Clippers rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser continued to gain valuable experience during All-Star weekend, scoring 11 points in Friday’s Rising Stars competition.
The young big man said a big part of his early development came from the guidance of veteran centers Ivica Zubac, who was traded to Cleveland last week, and Brook Lopez, both of whom were instrumental in helping him adapt to the NBA level.
“With this guidance from these vets, man, they’re going to help me and knowing that they have my back, knowing that they’re going to teach me every day, gives me a lot of confidence,” Niederhauser told Janis Carr of the Orange County Register.
Penn State’s No. 30 pick played in 34 games this season, averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 9.0 minutes per game while coming off the bench.
Overall, the season has been anything but smooth for the Clippers, marked by an ongoing league investigation, a rocky start in the standings and significant roster moves at the trade deadline.
Guard Kris Dunn acknowledged the challenges the team has faced during a conversation with Greg Beacham of the Los Angeles Times.
“We have been through a lot this year,” he says. “Our whole mentality all year has been to try to find a way. It’s been hard.”
Los Angeles Notes: James, Doncic, Niederhauser, Dunn https://t.co/ZQW7QIMNm8 pic.twitter.com/nO4DpTMW4U
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 14, 2026
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