In training camp, and during the preseason opener versus the Golden State Warriors, head coach Tyronn Lue used Max Strus in the starting lineup. This is no bad choice, as Strus gives the LA Clippers a strong offensive presence, with his specialty being shooting the lights out of the arena and his ability to defend the perimeter at a high level.
Unfortunately, a couple of minutes into the Clippers’ preseason, Strus suffered a plantar fascia injury in his right foot and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. While he recovers, Lue will need someone with a similar skill set, making the obvious choice Keaton Wagler, the recently drafted fifth overall pick.
LA Clippers guard Max Strus suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during Sunday's preseason game and will be reevaluated in four weeks, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 5, 2026
He can space the floor extremely well, play lockdown-level defense, and even provide playmaking and rebounding in between.
There is no doubt he’s the perfect man for the job while Strus spends a good chunk of the start of the year on the sidelines.
Keaton Wagler is the obvious choice to start for the LA Clippers over anyone else available
With Max Strus on the sidelines for the next few weeks, there are really only two options to take his spot: Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn. While Dunn has experience starting alongside Darius Garland and is by no means a bad choice, Wagler is the better option because he offers more.
Dunn can't space the floor at a high level, relieve some of the scoring pressure on Garland by creating for himself, or make plays for others like Wagler can.
This will also be a great opportunity for Wagler to grow, as he’s widely considered the face of the franchise and needs to gain as much experience as possible.
On the flip side, one could argue the Clippers’ second unit needs Wagler’s services, at least to start the year.
That’s a completely valid point. Bradley Beal and Jordan Miller will both be on the sidelines on opening night.
However, between Dunn, Kobe Sanders, Brook Lopez, and even Gradey Dick, the Clippers will still have enough to be considered a competent group off the bench.
For what it’s worth, Beal shouldn’t be out too long. He’s dealing with knee inflammation and has been seen on the court during practice.
That said, it’s not rocket science. Wagler is Lue's obvious go-to, and as the preseason continues, we’ll see more of why he deserves to take Strus’ spot for the time being.
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