Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser underwent an additional procedure this offseason to remove hardware from his right foot, The Athletic’s Law Murray reported. The follow-up comes after the 23-year-old had season-ending surgery in March to repair a Lisfranc injury.
Murray noted that removing the hardware is a routine step in Niederhauser’s recovery. The 6’11” big man remains in a walking boot, and the team has not issued an updated timetable for his return.
Murray added that he does not expect Niederhauser to be available for opening night this fall and said it would not be surprising if the center is sidelined until after Christmas, characterizing that outlook as informed speculation.
Selected 30th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Penn State, Niederhauser appeared in 41 games as a rookie, averaging 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes. Following the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to Indiana at the deadline, he logged double-digit minutes in his final nine healthy contests, posting 7.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over 16.6 minutes per game.
Once cleared, Niederhauser is expected to compete for minutes at center alongside Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson.
Source: Hoops Rumors
