Dunn picked a rookie as the player who has caught his eye the most, and he had plenty of reasons why.
It did not take long for shooting guard Keaton Wagler to win over one of the most experienced players in the Los Angeles Clippers locker room.
Point guard Kris Dunn, who is heading into his 11th NBA season, was asked on Wednesday which player has stood out most in training camp, and he went with the team's top draft pick.
Wagler was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 draft out of Illinois, and the Clippers got that pick from Indiana in the February trade that sent Ivica Zubac to the Pacers.
He signed his rookie deal in July, and he has already been asked about being the face of their future.
Only two days into camp, the 19-year-old already has a big fan in the backcourt.
What Dunn Saw From Wagler
Dunn said the two of them built a relationship by being genuine with each other, and he was quick to point out how fast Wagler processes the game and how high his basketball IQ is.
He also said the rookie has been shooting the ball well, running the pick and roll, getting his teammates involved and holding his own on defense.
"He made a lot of great plays yesterday and I've seen him make great plays in pickup. I understand why they chose Keaton Wagler," Dunn told reporters.
That last line says a lot about how the veterans are treating him.
Coming from a player entering his 11th season, hearing him back the front office's choice this early is a good sign.
Head coach Ty Lue was on the same page, calling Wagler a great pick-and-roll player and saying the rookie will get room to grow through his mistakes.
A Real Shot at Minutes
Wagler has the college numbers to back it up, too.
He averaged 17.9 points and shot 39.7% from three at Illinois last season, where he was a second-team All-American.
Now he is pushing guard Max Strus in a battle for the starting shooting guard spot, and good camp reviews from players like Dunn will only help his case.
There is also more room in the rotation than usual.
Forward Brandon Ingram is expected to miss the start of the season, so the Clippers will need young players to step up early.
A rookie who can shoot, handle the ball and defend is exactly what this roster needs.
Why It Matters for Dunn and the Clippers
Dunn knows what it takes to earn a role.
He played in all 82 games last season and made 68 starts, averaging 7.3 points, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
His praise shows the veterans are ready to make room for the next wave instead of fighting it.
A locker room where veterans lift up rookies tends to be a healthy one, and the Clippers need that after a long summer.
The Clippers open the preseason on Sunday, Oct. 4, against the Warriors in Honolulu, and Wagler will get his first preseason chance to show this in a game.
The regular season starts at home against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
If Wagler keeps playing like this, the starting job could be his sooner than expected.
