This just in: Keaton Wagler has officially been selected by the LA Clippers with the fifth overall pick. He was heavily rumored during the entire draft process, but the fact that the front office went through with the choice, despite Wagler’s flaws in athletic ability and finishing/mid-range scoring, shows they are confident his game will surely translate to the highest level of basketball.
For context, at 6’ 6, with a standing reach well over eight feet, fans of the Illinois Fighting Illini didn’t witness a single dunk from Wagler as a freshman, and also saw him struggle tremendously inside the three-point line, with a two-point percentage of 48.9%.
Neither of these is a great sign, particularly for a high-end lottery pick, but they never seemed to hinder the Clippers’ interest, and that became clear with their decision to pick him after all.
The Clippers are heavy believers in Keaton Wagler’s potential in the NBA
The bad about Keaton Wagler is obvious, and it’s likely what stopped him from going top-four. Had Wagler presented a bit more athleticism in his time with the Illinois Fighting Illini, or shot better in areas where he needs to be great at, his name may have been called first out of the entire 2026 class.
However, let’s look at the good: Wagler is a one-of-a-kind shotmaker, crashes the glass better than most at the guard position, is an efficient three-point shooter, making him extremely useful right away, and is an excellent defender.
This is nearly everything a point guard can contribute.
Many of these are key takeaways from his freshman averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, shooting 44.5% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc.
In addition, another factor about Wagler that had to have convinced the Clippers to take him is how much room he has to grow.
Wagler will begin his NBA career at around 190 lbs. That is a key indicator of how much muscle he can put on professionally over the years. Once he does so, finishing around the rim will become easier than ever for him.
That said, the Clippers are all-in on Wagler, and they have reason to be. While some may love it, and others might not, it’s the reality at the end of the day, and his selection was by no means a pick that didn’t make sense.
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