The Los Angeles Clippers are 1-2 to start the season, but there have been positive takeaways from the first three games.

Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway has been the play on the offensive end of fifth overall pick Keaton Wagler.

Wagler is the first Clippers rookie since Terry Cummings in 1982 to open his career with three consecutive games of at least 10 points and 3 assists.

He is only the second rookie in NBA history to put up those numbers coming off the bench in all three games, joining Paul Graham in 1991.

Wagler is averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, and four assists through his first three games, playing 26 minutes a night. Though he’s coming off the bench, it’s the fifth most minutes of any player on the team. He is third on the Clippers in scoring and assists.

Wagler has shown a good feel for the game in his first three games, with his head coach Ty Lue praising him for reading defenses well despite the mix of coverages that have been thrown at him.

There have been turnover issues as he’s averaging three turnovers per game, but Darius Garland is averaging six turnovers per game, and he should be much more comfortable with the ball in his hands given his years of experience.

Wagler has had four turnovers in each of the last two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers added new pieces in the offseason to help their defense and create more turnovers, which is paying off for them early in the season as they are fifth in the league in opponent turnovers.

The Thunder are the Thunder and have been one of the best teams at creating turnovers over the last four seasons. This season is no different, as they are third in the league in opponent turnovers.

Wagler is being given plenty of responsibility on the offensive end, especially with Brandon Ingram out of the lineup. Garland and Kris Dunn can create offense, but only Wagler and Garland can self-create at the level needed at the position.

He’s shooting only 34% from the field, but he’s at 40% from three. He’s down well at the rim and from distance, but has struggled with his midrange game. That should continue to come with reps.

As of now, the Clippers have to be thrilled with what they’ve gotten from the rookie out of Illinois.