Los Angeles Clippers select Nick Martinelli with 55th pick in NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Clippers selected Northwestern forward Nick Martinelli with the 55th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 25. After trading up with the Houston Rockets, the Clippers secured Martinelli, a two-time All-Big Ten selection who averaged 23.0 points and set a Northwestern single-season record with 759 points in his senior year. This marks back-to-back years in which a Northwestern player has been drafted, following teammate Brooks Barnhizer's selection in 2025. Martinelli's selection highlights the developmental success of head coach Chris Collins, who has cultivated talent in a program that has seen significant growth since its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017.

• 2:19 AMYahoo Sports — BREAKING: Northwestern forward Nick Martinelli selected No. 55 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2026 NBA Draft