Keaton Wagler established himself as a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and the LA Clippers rookie is projected to be among the top shooting guards for the upcoming season.
Wagler was a consensus All-American last season at Illinois, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), field goals (202) and 3s (87).
The fifth overall pick was highly touted because of his shooting, feel and ability to convert difficult finishes at the rim. While it is unclear what kind of role he'll see for coach Tyronn Lue, Wagler was ranked No. 22 on HoopsHype's list of the top shooting guards.
Wagler will be a fascinating case in the NBA, as he has great size for his position at 6-foot-6 as well as a very tidy jumper extending out to the three-point line, not to mention good craft as a ball-handler and with his head fakes and pull-up scoring prowess, but he lacks athletically, both vertically and with his burst, and laterally, too. As such, it’ll be very interesting to see how he does against NBA-level athletes on a nightly basis. What’s more, what will Wagler’s role in the NBA be? Will he be a lead guard or more of an off-ball guard? Or perhaps a combo guard, blending both skill sets as scorer and creator?
Wagler had a monumental rise up draft boards after establishing himself as a dynamic player, leading the Illini to the Final Four. He also impressed the Clippers with his competitiveness and performance during his predraft workout, which came against Kingston Flemings.
The 19-year-old debuted with the Clippers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 18 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 33.3% from 3-point range in four games. He scored 20 or more points twice, including a 26-point effort on July 17.
Wagler enters next season with the eighth-highest odds for Rookie of the Year. He will have high expectations as a high lottery pick and should be in store for a productive year.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Clippers' Keaton Wagler ranked among top SGs for 2026-27 season
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