Within a publication by Mike Scotto of ‘HoopsHype’ full of draft rumors, and much more, it was highlighted that executives around the league are under the assumption that Keaton Wagler is the top prospect to be snagged off the board when the LA Clippers hit the clock at fifth overall.
What this means is that Lawrence Frank has tossed the idea of selecting the best player available through the window; he does not believe in that logic. Rather, Frank values fit and the overall ability to blend with the team, which is why Wagler is the rumored pick over Darius Acuff Jr., who many believe is the most talented player outside of the expected top four (AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson).
This way of thinking comes with a high risk, and if there isn’t a high reward that follows at some point in the future, Frank will wish he could enter a time machine that, unfortunately, doesn’t exist.
Rightfully so, the Clippers like what Keaton Wagler brings to the table
The two concerns with Keaton Wagler are that he did not have a single dunk throughout an entire 37 games for the Illinois Fighting Illini, including the March Madness Tournament, and that he measures 6’5” with a 6’6” wingspan.
It also doesn’t help that, though his averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists come off as excellent, he shot a two-point percentage of 48.9%.
None of these factors is a good look for Wagler; they are, if anything, massive red flags that teams are closely watching.
However, the Clippers discovered a way to look past everything and focus on the good with Wagler, rather than the bad.
What is that? Well, Wagler is a phenomenal three-point shooter. He shot 39.7% as a freshman on a volume of nearly six attempts per game.
You pair that with his ability to make plays from the backcourt and defend at a high level, and the product is the perfect guard to have alongside Darius Garland.
Wagler also has so much room to get stronger, fill out his frame, and truly understand the NBA pace, leaving ample potential to be maximized.
That said, it’s understandable why Wagler is the prospect Lawrence Frank is most interested in. He looks like the guard made for the Clippers, and in the next few weeks, the front office can make it official.
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