Through the draft process for the LA Clippers, the challenges behind narrowing down one of the two most arguably fit guys for the team, Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings, are understandable. Both are elite talents and have mastered the art of leaving a two-way impact. So, to decide, per Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line’, the Clippers let them go head-to-head in workouts, and Wagler impressed to a greater extent, leaving him ranking above Flemings for the fifth overall pick.
This is thrilling for Clipper Nation, as many have always preferred Wagler, particularly over Flemings. He appears to be the better prospect on paper, with more potential to become a superstar in the NBA, and is far from undersized, like the Houston Cougar standout, who is not even six-foot-three.
All in all, though, the front office is smart for putting Wagler and Flemings in a position to battle it out. They now know which of the two to seriously consider making a Clipper within the next week.
The Clippers are right in ranking Keaton Wagler above Kingston Flemings
With Kingston Flemings at a size disadvantage, it feels like his ceiling is only so high. Could he end up shocking many and become a premier star in the NBA? Sure. The tangibles are present, the mindset is certainly there, and, at the end of the day, nothing is impossible. But, at his size, Flemings may just end up being a guy who can play a certain role at a high level, which is still great.
Wagler, on the other hand, is six-foot-six, with so much room left in his frame to fill out. This is the prototypical height for a modern-day guard, and the best part is that he knows how to use the size he was gifted with to score at all three levels, facilitate the floor, and leave an impact defensively.
He showcased it at Illinois, where he averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, and through the draft process, given that the Clippers have been fans of Wagler for quite some time.
That said, based on potential and what we’ve seen from Wagler and Flemings thus far, the LA Clippers made the correct evaluation.
This likely leaves the Fighting Illini guard neck-and-neck with Mikel Brown Jr., who is just as rumored to be taken off the board by the Clippers with the fifth overall pick.
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