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2025 NBA draft: Clippers select Penn State center Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Yanic Konan Niederhauser poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 30th by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Yanic Konan Niederhauser poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 30th by the Clippers. (Adam Hunger / Associated Press)

Some three hours before the Clippers used the 30th and final pick in the first round of the NBA draft to select Penn State’s Yanic Konan Niederhauser, the two top choices went as predicted and then the rest of the order was all over the place Wednesday.

In Konan Niederhauser, the Clippers got a 7-foot center and that was one of the positions they needed help to back up starter Ivica Zubac.

“We always go into the draft board looking for the best available player, and it also coincides this time with a need,” said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations. “We’ve kind of looked over the years for a center that complements Zu, that does something different than Zu does. Sometimes it’s resulted with guys being undersized where we haven’t been able to maximize it. Yanic has legit positional size and I think the rim-rolling threat, combined with what Zu’s play is, I think in due time will be really, really good.”

As expected, Duke’s talented Cooper Flagg was taken first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Rutgers' Dylan Harper, the son of former NBA star and former Laker Ron Harper, was taken second by the San Antonio Spurs.

The rest of the lottery started to take shape with a change, when Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe was taken third by the 76ers.

Duke’s Kon Knueppel went fourth to Charlotte; Rutgers’ Ace Bailey went fifth to the Jazz; Texas’ Tre Johnson went sixth to the Wizards; Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears went seventh to the Pelicans; BYU’s Egor Demin went eighth to the Nets; South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles went ninth to the Raptors; Duke’s Khaman Maluach went 10th to the Rockets (but he was traded to the Suns); Washington State’s Cedric Coward was taken 11th by the Trail Blazers (he was traded to the Grizzlies; France’s Noa Esse went 12th to the Bulls, Maryland’s Derik Queen went 13th to the Hawks (he was traded to the Pelicans); and Arizona’s Carter Bryant was taken 14th by the Spurs.

Read more:2025 NBA draft: Pick-by-pick coverage and analysis

Flagg was at the top of his draft class, a player the Mavericks really needed to take after trading fan favorite Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, a trade that upset many of Dallas’ fans.

But they now get Flagg, who averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his only season with the Blue Devils.

Konan Niederhauser, 22, who grew up in Switzerland, has been dealing with an ankle injury the Clippers don’t think will be a problem.

He averaged 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds last season at Penn State.

“I think the reason we decided with Yanic is that he’s got great positional size,” Frank said. "He also has some definite traits in the short term that will carry over, like his ability to run the floor, his ability to play behind the defense in the dunker spot, his ability to play screen-and-roll and be a vertical threat. Those are things that will carry over pretty much on day one.”

The Clippers are a veteran-laden team led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, and because of that, Coach Tyronn Lue said any young player they take should follow their lead.

“I think the biggest thing is, coming into the draft, if you’re not a Cooper Flagg, a one, two or three pick, you got to find your way, find your niche to get on the floor,” Lue told a group of fans at the team’s draft watch party at Intuit Dome on Wednesday. “Playing without the basketball, because when you come to this team, or any other team, with Kawhi Leonards, James Hardens on the floor, you’re not going to [get a lot of time]. You have to learn how to play the game and make your teammates better and things like that. And then the most important thing is your attitude.”

When the NBA draft continues Thursday with the second round, the Clippers will pick 51st.

Read more:James Harden still has the support of Clippers' front office despite dismal playoffs

The Lakers didn’t have a first-round pick, but they have a second-round pick at No. 55.

For the Clippers, they have a few things to get worked out.

Harden, who averaged 22.8 points per game, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds and was third-team All-NBA, has a player option for $36.3 million and he has to inform the Clippers of his decision by Sunday.

The consensus around the NBA is that Harden will opt out and seek a two-year extension from the Clippers.

Nicolas Batum has a player option for next season that pays him $4.9 million and he has to let the team know by Sunday of his decision. Norman Powell has one more year on his deal that pays him $20.4 million next season and he also is looking for an extension.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Aroldis Chapman is dominating in 16th season

In this week's Closer Report, Aroldis Chapman has been dominant in Boston as the 16-year veteran is turning in one of his best seasons yet. Dylan Lee has worked his way into a share of the save chances in Atlanta. And there's a pair of relievers to keep an eye on in the NL West. That and more as we run down the last week in saves.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings

Tier 1: At the Top

Josh Hader - Houston Astros

Hader took the mound five times in the last week. He surrendered a solo homer to take the loss against the Athletics last Thursday, then picked up a win and three saves. The 31-year-old left-hander has converted 21 saves with a 1.73 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and a 56/7 K/BB ratio across 36 1/3 innings. Hader is in the midst of one of his best seasons yet.

Tier 2: The Elite

Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners
Edwin Díaz - New York Mets
Robert Suarez - San Diego Padres
Jhoan Duran - Minnesota Twins
Emmanuel Clase - Cleveland Guardians
Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox

Muñoz made only his second appearance in two weeks on Tuesday as save chances just haven't come for Seattle. He tossed a clean eighth inning with two strikeouts in a tie game before falling in line for a win. Matt Brash pitched the ninth for his first save of the season. Brash has yet to allow a run over 14 1/3 innings.

No save chances for Díaz this week. He tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Braves on Monday in his only appearance. The 31-year-old right-hander has recorded a 2.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 45/12 K/BB ratio across 30 1/3 innings.

Suarez surrendered a run against the Dodgers on Thursday, then tossed a pair of scoreless frames against the Royals and Nationals, picking up a win and a save. He's serving a two-game suspension starting Wednesday for hitting Shohei Ohtani during last week's heated contest against Los Angeles. Adrian Morejon stepped in for a save on Wednesday in Suarez's absence.

Three of Duran's seven runs he's allowed this season have come over his last six outings. He gave up one run on a walk and a hit on Tuesday to take the loss against the Mariners, then bounced back with a clean save with one strikeout Wednesday. Meanwhile, Clase picked up two saves against the Athletics with a pair of scoreless outings.

Chapman is probably overdue in joining the elite tier with his performance this season. The 37-year-old veteran left-hander struck out two in a clean inning against the Giants for a save on Friday, then struck out the side against the Angels in a tie game Tuesday. Chapman is 14-for-15 in save chances with a 1.36 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and a 48/10 K/BB ratio across 33 innings.

Tier 3: The Solid Options

Tanner Scott - Los Angeles Dodgers
Mason Miller - Athletics
Trevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers
Félix Bautista - Baltimore Orioles
Devin Williams/Luke Weaver - New York Yankees
Camilo Doval - San Francisco Giants
Will Vest - Detroit Tigers
David Bednar - Pittsburgh Pirates
Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs
Emilio Pagán - Cincinnati Reds
Ryan Helsley - St. Louis Cardinals
Carlos Estévez - Kansas City Royals
Jeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue Jays
Pete Fairbanks - Tampa Bay Rays
Kyle Finnegan - Washington Nationals

Scott gave up a solo homer against the Nationals on Friday before holding on for the save. He then converted a four-out save in Colorado against the Rockies on Tuesday. The 30-year-old left-hander is up to 16 saves with a 3.65 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 40/4 K/BB ratio across 37 innings.

Miller, the top closer to start the season, falls into this tier after taking his third blown save against the Astros on Thursday. It's been an odd season for the 26-year-old right-hander. It's hard to blame the venue in Sacramento when he has a worse ERA on the road. Miller is still throwing 101 mph and generating an elite 19.9% swinging-strike rate, both in line with last season. The issue has been a bloated walk rate and more hits allowed. But with his velocity and whiff rate intact, he can still right the ship and return to form over the second half. He had a better outing Wednesday, striking out two in a perfect inning for his 15th save against the Tigers.

Megill continues to pitch well. He secured three saves this week. The 31-year-old right-hander is up to 18 saves with a 2.60 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 33/14 K/BB ratio across 27 2/3 innings. Abner Uribe has been stellar behind Megill in a setup role, he leads the majors with 21 holds while posting a 2.11 ERA over 38 1/3 innings.

Bautista struck out two batters in each of his three appearances this week, giving up just one hit over three innings of work while converting two saves. The 30-year-old right-hander has converted 16 saves with a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 38/17 K/BB ratio across 27 2/3 innings.

Williams locked down a save against the Orioles on Sunday. He's up to 10 saves and has made seven consecutive scoreless appearances. Weaver made his return from the injured list after missing three weeks with a hamstring strain. He gave up two runs in his first outing, then struck out two batters in a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone has stated both Williams and Weaver will split save chances. Though Weaver may need to work his way back into those opportunities while Williams hasn't done much to warrant a step back.

Doval worked a clean inning for a save against the Guardians last Thursday, then gave up two runs before holding on for his 12th save against the Red Sox on Saturday. Pitching in a tie game Wednesday in the tenth inning, he surrendered four runs, three earned, on two hits and two walks. It's not always easy for the 27-year-old right-hander, but he's generally done a good job with a 2.78 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 33/17 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings.

Vest returned to the mound following his exit with a finger issue on June 15. He struck out the side against the Pirates in his only appearance of the week. Vest has taken hold of the primary closer role with seven of the last nine saves for the Tigers.

Bednar recorded the final five outs against the Tigers last Thursday and fell in line for the win. He then tossed a pair of scoreless innings against the Rangers and Brewers, recording his 11th save on Monday in Milwaukee. The 30-year-old right-hander has been outstanding after a rough start. He's posted a 2.93 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 39/8 K/BB ratio across 27 2/3 innings.

Palencia made one appearance this week, giving up one run in a non-save situation against the Mariners on Saturday. Porter Hodge was activated from the injured list after missing over a month with a hip injury. Palencia should continue to work as the team's closer as long as he's effective.

Pagán blew a save chance trying to convert a four-out save on Saturday against the Cardinals, giving up a solo homer. He bounced back on Sunday with a clean inning for his 18th save of the season. Meanwhile, after giving up runs in four consecutive outings, Helsley recovered with three scoreless appearances, converting two saves.

Estévez tossed a clean inning for a save against the Rangers last Thursday, then gave up a run before holding on for his 22nd save against the Padres on Friday. The underlying metrics don't exactly support his 2.14 ERA, but Estévez continues to get the job done for the Ryals.

Hoffman tossed a scoreless inning in a non-save situation against the White Sox on Friday, then was charged with a blown save with one unearned run allowed against Chicago on Sunday. And in Tampa, Fairbanks made his only appearance of the week on Wednesday, pitching a clean inning against the Royals for his 14th save.

Finnegan made two scoreless appearances this week but saw no save chances. With the trade deadline a month away and the Nationals falling further out of contention, the 33-year-old right-hander may finally see himself on the move this summer.

Tier 4: Here for the Saves

Kenley Jansen - Los Angeles Angels
Shelby Miller - Arizona Diamondbacks
Dylan Lee/Raisel Iglesias - Atlanta Braves
Matt Strahm/Orion Kerkering/Jordan Romano - Philadelphia Phillies
Robert Garcia/Luke Jackson - Texas Rangers

Jansen was removed from Monday's contest against the Red Sox with cramping in his right pectoral but was good to go Tuesday as he returned to toss a scoreless inning in a tie game. With Jansen getting the day off Wednesday, Ryan Zeferjahn converted a two-inning save against Boston.

Miller picked up two more saves this week as he operates as Arizona's primary closer. A.J. Puk underwent Tommy John surgery last week, joining Justin Martinez as both relievers will be sidelined into 2026. Expect Miller to continue to get most of the Diamondbacks' save chances.

Lee is emerging as a trusted option in Atlanta. He converted a clean four-out save with two strikeouts against the Mets on Monday. With Lee off on Tuesday, Iglesias stepped in for the final two outs against New York for his ninth save. Lee could be splitting save chances with Iglesias going forward and should be added in deeper leagues for teams looking to supplement some saves. The 30-year-old left-hander is having an excellent season, posting a 1.77 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a 37/8 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings.

The committee continues in Philadelphia. Kerkering converted the team's last save on Thursday. The 24-year-old right-hander has been outstanding since the start of May, allowing just one earned run over his last 19 1/3 innings.

With Garcia off for the day, Chris Martin converted a save for the Rangers on Saturday. Garcia stepped back in for a save against the Orioles on Tuesday for his sixth of the season.

Tier 5: Bottom of the Barrel

Calvin Faucher - Miami Marlins
Seth Halvorsen - Colorado Rockies
Brandon Eisert/Steven Wilson - Chicago White Sox

Relievers On The Rise/Stash Candidates

Juan Morillo could be a name to watch in Arizona. Anyone who can regularly hit 100 miles per hour should be on our radar. The 26-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks this season and has settled in nicely after giving up ten runs over 15 1/3 innings through May. Morillo has made nine consecutive scoreless appearances. While Shelby Miller works as the primary closer, Morillo has a chance to climb the bullpen hierarchy behind him. Elsewhere in the NL West, Michael Kopech has tossed six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in his return to the Dodgers after missing the first two months with a shoulder injury. With Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips on the injured list and Kirby Yates producing inconsistent results, Kopech could vault himself into the late-inning mix with a lack of right-handed options in Los Angeles.

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Max Muncy gets help from the rain, then hits a grand slam to lead Dodgers past hapless Rockies

Los Angeles Dodgers' Max Muncy circles the bases after hitting a grand slam off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Tyler Kinley in the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Max Muncy circles the bases after hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

The rain came out of nowhere. So too, it seemed, did Max Muncy’s infield pop-up.

In the top of the sixth inning at Coors Field on Tuesday night, Muncy was at the plate with two out and two runners aboard when a sudden rainstorm opened up from overcast skies. Within moments, sheets of rain were pouring down. But as fans scattered for cover, umpires let the at-bat roll on.

“My glasses were pretty full of water at that point,” Muncy said. “Was just kind of praying to put the ball in play.”

In a full count, Muncy did, launching a sky-high pop-up down the first base line.

In clear conditions, it would have been a routine catch to end the inning.

But this time, neither Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia nor second baseman Thairo Estrada could locate the blur of leather as it came hurtling back to earth.

“When rain is falling that thick,” Muncy said, “it’s really hard to look up and find a baseball.”

Indeed, as Muncy pulled into first base, and teammates Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing came trotting across the plate, Toglia looked toward Estrada, who initially appeared to be calling for the ball. But then, Estrada looked back at Toglia in confusion, neither appearing certain exactly where the pop-up went. At the last second, both instead ducked for cover, turtling with their arms around their heads. The ball landed between them, seemingly startling Toglia after dropping a few feet to his right.

In the scorebook, the play went down as a two-run single, representing the first runs in a game the Dodgers went on to win 8-1 — with the help of a victory-sealing grand slam from Muncy in the top of the seventh.

But in reality, it was another example of the Rockies’ helplessness in this historically hapless season — and a comical stroke of luck the Dodgers were more than happy to take.

“At first, I was just happy I made contact,” Muncy said. “Then you’re upset you pop it up. Then you see them kind of scrambling around and you start getting a little excited. Then it drops and obviously you’re happy about it.”

Read more:Barabak: You can't separate sports from politics. Just ask the L.A. Dodgers

Entering this week’s trip to Colorado, manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of stacking wins against a Rockies team on pace to set an MLB record for losses in a season. He noted how it was part of a softer overall stretch in the team’s schedule, with the Dodgers (50-31) in a run of 12 straight games against teams with losing records.

“You need to beat the teams you’re supposed to beat,” Roberts said. “That’s just the way it is.”

In both games in Denver this week, the Rockies (18-62) have aided in that cause. On Monday, Toglia misplayed three balls in a six-run fourth-inning rally for the Dodgers that catapulted them to a series-opening win.

Tuesday’s blunder, however, was even more of an egregious eyesore; even if Roberts and Muncy both described it as a tricky play. 

“I give Max a lot of credit for just staying in the at-bat, fighting to put the ball in play, to allow for something like that to happen,” Roberts said. “It certainly changed the momentum … With no runs [right there], it might have been a different ballgame.”

The next time Muncy came to the plate, he added to his RBI total in a more traditional way.

With the bases loaded and two out in the seventh, the scorching hot slugger turned on a hanging 0-and-2 slider and launched his second grand slam in the last three games way out to right field.

It gave Muncy six RBIs on the night, and a staggering 42 runs driven in over his last 37 games.

“Not everyone is swinging the bat well,” Roberts said, a group that most notably includes Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who went a combined 0-for-nine. “So to have that production from Max in the middle of the lineup has been paramount.”

“He’s got a lot of confidence right now,” Roberts added.

Read more:Shaikin: Walker Buehler struggling to rediscover his Dodgers World Series magic with Red Sox

The offensive output — which continued with a towering home run from Michael Conforto in the eighth — marked one of the few times this year the Dodgers provided Yoshinobu Yamamoto with ample run support. On Wednesday alone, they matched the eight total runs they had scored in his previous four starts this month.

It proved to be plenty on a night the right-hander spun a much-needed gem, bouncing back from the 5.23 ERA he had in June entering the night with five scoreless innings that included one hit, one walk and six strikeouts.

Even at mile-high altitude, his ability to locate curveballs and splitters was particularly sharp, helping him rack up 39 strikes out of 56 pitches.

“I started feeling good last week, and going into today's game,” Yamamoto said. “And then today I was attacking with first-pitch strikes pretty good. I think that was [the biggest difference]."

The only thing that stopped Yamamoto was the rain, forcing him to make an early exit after a one-hour, 27-minute delay that began immediately after Muncy’s pop-up. But by that point, the sudden showers had already done enough, helping the Dodgers take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish on a routine pop-up the Rockies’ infield lost sight of.

Said Muncy, with a laugh: “Hit it to the right spot, I guess.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.