The Los Angeles Clippers selected guard Keaton Wagler out of Illinois with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler was projected by many to land in Los Angeles and is the first guard to go in the top 10 of the draft. 

The Clippers selected Wagler to add some offensive versatility to their roster as well as size. Wagler stands at 6'5" and will be playing alongside Darius Garland, who stands at 6'1". 

Wagler is a player who rose on draft boards as the 2025-2026 college season progressed. He finished his lone season at Illinois averaging 17.9 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. 

One game that stood out to many during his freshman season was his 46-point effort against the No. 4-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, leading Illinois to an 88-82 win. 

The Los Angeles Clippers are entering a stage where they could be looking to get younger. The Clippers made moves like trading away Ivica Zubac and James Harden to get more assets back. 

While the Clippers still have a roster with a lot of veterans, Wagler adds a new element to the team. Los Angeles has not had a top-5 pick in the NBA Draft, they selected Blake Griffin with the first overall pick. 

Los Angeles has been trying to build the best roster possible around star player Kawhi Leonard, but after a season filled with injuries and missing the postseason, the franchise could be heading in a different direction. 

Wagler will join a backcourt with Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, and, most likely, Bradley Beal, as long as he picks up his player option for next season. The rookie will join a group that is filled with experience, and it could help his development in a hurry. 

Keaton Wagler will most likely start the season on the bench as he gets acclimated to the NBA. While Wagler was productive in his days at Illinois, he is still a young player who needs to get his body in shape for the next level. 

Wagler currently weighs 188 pounds, and growing muscle should be a point of emphasis for him during his rookie year. 

In terms of what he can do on the court, he has the ability to be a solid piece off the bench and even find his way to the starting lineup at some point. Wagler's offensive ability gives the Clippers dynamism in the backcourt, and the more he plays, the better he can get. 

The Clippers also hold pick No. 36 and 52 in the 2026 NBA Draft.