The LA Clippers signed former Cincinnati forward Baba Miller to a four-year contract in July 2026, a deal that signals a rare vote of confidence for a rookie outside the lottery. Financial terms were not disclosed, but multi-year commitments for non-lottery picks are uncommon. The move reinforces the NBA’s underdog culture, where overlooked players often find their footing.
Miller, 22, told Sports Illustrated he is “really happy” in a system that “understands” his game. The Clippers have a history of developing raw talent. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard arrived as stars, but the franchise has also nurtured undrafted guards like Reggie Jackson and Amir Coffey. Miller fits that mold.
The four-year deal is a strategic bet. According to Hoops Rumors, the Clippers used cap flexibility to lock in Miller. Most second-round picks or undrafted players receive two-way contracts or one-year minimums. The Clippers chose stability. Miller gets long-term security, which is rare for players not in the lottery. The NBA’s transactional nature often discourages loyalty. This deal counters that narrative.
Miller looks up to Luka Doncic, per Yardbarker. He studies Doncic’s crafty, high-IQ style. “He’s not the fastest or the strongest, but he’s always two steps ahead,” Miller said. This admiration shapes his own game. As a 6-foot-10 forward, Miller relies on footwork, court vision, and patience—traits Doncic embodies. The Clippers’ system values creativity and adaptability, qualities Miller sees in Doncic.
The underdog story resonates with fans. Three pain points drive interest:
| Pain Point | What It Addresses |
|---|---|
| Validation for overlooked talent | Miller’s deal proves hard work earns long-term security. |
| Transactional nature of NBA | Multi-year commitment counters short-term thinking. |
| Career longevity uncertainty | Four-year contract provides stability for a rookie. |
Miller’s path mirrors the Clippers’ organizational ethos. The franchise has thrived on second chances and resilience. Other teams might not offer the same patience. “They understand what I can become,” Miller told SI. This alignment is rare.
The Clippers gain a high-reward asset. Miller averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his lone season at Cincinnati. He shot 36% from three. His length and versatility project well as a modern forward. Miller gets a platform to prove himself. The NBA’s underdog culture gets a new hero.
Expect Miller to develop into a fan favorite. His game mirrors Doncic’s, but with an underdog flair. The four-year deal is a masterstroke. For the Clippers, it’s a low-risk, high-upside gamble. For Miller, it’s a home that understands him.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What makes Baba Miller’s four-year deal with the Clippers unusual?
- A: Multi-year contracts for non-lottery picks are rare in the NBA, as most second-round or undrafted players receive two-way deals or one-year minimums. The Clippers used cap flexibility to provide Miller with long-term security, a strategic bet on his development.
- Q: How does Miller’s playing style fit the Clippers’ system?
- A: At 6-foot-10, Miller relies on footwork, court vision, and patience—qualities that align with the Clippers’ emphasis on creativity and adaptability. He models his game after Luka Doncic, focusing on high-IQ, crafty moves rather than raw athleticism.
- Q: What does this deal say about the NBA’s underdog culture?
- A: The Clippers have a history of nurturing overlooked talent, like undrafted guards Reggie Jackson and Amir Coffey. Miller’s contract counters the NBA’s transactional nature by investing in a player outside the lottery, reinforcing the league’s tradition of giving underdogs a chance to prove themselves.
Extended Reading
Hoops Rumors reported the Clippers’ signing on July 8, 2026. Yardbarker covered Miller’s admiration for Doncic. Sports Illustrated detailed Miller’s fit with the Clippers’ system.