With multiple guards worthy of being drafted fifth overall by the LA Clippers, the front office absolutely does not need to feel so strongly about Keaton Wagler, a prospect who’s heavily rumored to be picked up by Lawrence Frank. It should not get twisted; Wagler has a ton of potential to blossom into an NBA star and is excellent at what he does. But, in the same breath, he has a few concerning flaws, such as athleticism.
There’s nothing for Clipper Nation to worry about, though, as Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that LA is not “head over heels in love” with the standout from Illinois in a two-round mock draft, which is the spot-on mentality to have.
LA is aware of the asterisk on Wagler’s stardom for the Fighting Illini
The numbers at the college level favor Keaton Wagler to end up being a top-three player from the 2026 Draft Class. He really did show out for the Illinois Fighting Illini, averaging stat-stuffing numbers of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, shooting 44.5% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc.
This production from the 19-year-old guard pushed Illinois to being ranked fifth in the country, and a finish in the Final Four, where Wagler popped off for 20 points and eight rebounds.
He’s clearly built for the moment, and is from a rare breed that only stars in the league originate from.
However, based on Kevin O’Connor’s report, the LA Clippers are aware of taking Wagler’s stats with a grain of salt. Why? Well, just take a peek at the facts: he shot just 48.9% from inside the three-point line and didn’t dunk once from the start of his season until the end.
Those are two major red flags, and ones that would any team second guessing his abilities.
As a result, rightfully so, the Clippers appear to be keeping their options open.
They may still roll with Wagler, which is still what many fans expect, despite O’Connor’s words, or the front office could snag a talent that possesses a little less risk, like Darius Acuff Jr. or Mikel Brown Jr.
Nonetheless, whatever the Clippers decide to do over the coming weeks, it’s a good sign that they are not all-in on Wagler. This is a great display of proper judgment and the right attitude from a front office that hasn't been in the top five for quite some time.
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