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No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler explains what he can bring to the Clippers
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- No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler explains what he can bring to the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Illinois' Keaton Wagler with the fifth pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler, who stood out during the collegiate season with his natural scoring ability, is also one of the most polished guards in this loaded draft class.
Although the Clippers already boast a talented backcourt led by Darius Garland and Kris Dunn , the organization clearly believes that Wagler can complement it.
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Speaking with Basketball Network, Wagler explained why he could immediately make an impact for the Clippers, who made the Play-In last season, emphasizing his versatility and selflessness to give what's required of him.
"Definitely just versatility," Wagler said when asked about what he can bring to the team. "Being able to play alongside some great players, and being able to play off the ball and on the ball, is something that I'm gonna be able to bring."
"And then, obviously, my shooting ability, being able to space the floor while others have the ball in their hands, and me just being ready to shoot," he continued.
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Versatility and lethal shooting
Before the draft, many analysts projected Wagler to be one of the safest lottery selections. And it's easy to see why. Teams today value spacing more than ever, and off-the-ball players have become almost the blueprint to championship teams in recent years.
The former Fighting Illini has already shown he can operate as both a primary creator and an off-ball shooter in college, averaging 17.9 points and shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc per game, helping lead Illinois to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.
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Many fans took notice on January 24, when Wagler scored 46 points against Purdue, the most points in a single game that day, when other freshmen like BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Houston 's Kingston Flemings also tallied 40 points.
At 6'6, it's easy to see what makes Wagler one of the most interesting prospects in the Draft. But aside from his shooting and spacing opportunities, he has been able to be a facilitator when required, while also being aggressive on both ends of the floor.
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Now, with a Clippers squad that already has the likes of Garland, Kawhi Leonard and Benedict Mathurin , Wagler can learn a lot while also cementing himself as a rotation regular with his athletic feats, ability to make plays and, of course, his undeniable shooting abilities.
But above all else, Wagler believes in his versatility that can truly make him shine and grab minutes over his future back-court peers in Garland and Dunn, who have shown their capabilities on both ends, but really don't have the flexibility that the Illinois guard offers.
"I'm definitely gonna learn a lot," said Wagler. "They got a lot of guards and good players. Just being able to play alongside them, I'm gonna be able to learn a lot, but I think just my versatility, like I said, just being able to play multiple positions, shoot it like I can, and also have the ball in my hands to make plays."
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An accelerated rookie season
Joining a competitive Clippers squad, Wagler could be expected to contribute right away. Los Angeles has initiated a new youth movement after trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac last season, and the former Illinois guard is poised to become one of its centerpieces.
His fit alongside Galrand could be particularly intriguing in terms of how Wagler can operate both in the pick-and-roll and as a traditional wing. Likewise, his ability to handle the ball can be harnessed even further alongside John Collins , Brook Lopez and even a fellow young player in Yanic Niederhauser.
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The Clippers don't necessarily need him to become a high scorer immediately. They ultimately need a dependable rookie who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, something that Wagler could and wants to do.
The expectations will be high, given that he is the Clippers' highest draft pick since Blake Griffin in 2011. But from what fans have seen in Wagler's college season and what he said he can contribute, Los Angeles might have just picked the rookie that is destined to bring them to a new era of contention.
Related: "He was not impressive" - Jay Wright recalls why Villanova nearly passed on Mikal Bridges
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
