Illinois star Keaton Wagler's offensive versatility and scoring upside could make him a solid fit for the Mavericks' future.
The Dallas Mavericks continue to have a fairly disappointing season, but they can rest easy knowing that they will most likely have a very solid pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
And with the No. 6 pick in that draft, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor has the Mavericks taking Illinois star guard Keaton Wagler in his mock to go alongside Cooper Flagg.
"Wagler was never expected to be a one-and-done, and yet here he is, as the star freshman of a Final Four team," O'Connor writes. "There’s a chance Wagler goes much higher than this, but if he lands with Dallas it’s hard to imagine a better situation. Kyrie Irving is a different style point guard, but could teach the intricacies of finishing below the rim. They could complement each other in the short-term by trading on-ball and off-ball reps. And in the long-term, Wagler could ascend alongside a superstar in Cooper Flagg."
Wagler’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in this draft cycle. After arriving at Illinois as a relatively under-the-radar recruit, he quickly developed into a star, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and All-American recognition in his first season. His ability to produce at a high level against top competition has firmly placed him in the first-round conversation.
What stands out most about Wagler is his offensive versatility. At 6-6, he brings a unique blend of size and skill to the guard position. He can handle the ball, create his own shot, and knock down perimeter looks with consistency. His breakout performances—including a 46-point outing against Purdue—highlight his scoring upside and confidence in big moments.
He averaged 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his first (and last) season with the Fighting Illini. Wagler did so shooting 44 percent from the field and an impressive 40 percent from three on just under six attempts per game.
There are, of course, areas for growth. Like many young guards, Wagler is still developing physically, and questions remain about how his athleticism will translate against NBA-level defenders. However, his feel for the game and ability to operate at different speeds have allowed him to succeed even without elite explosiveness.
His recent performances in the NCAA Tournament only strengthened his draft stock. Wagler played a key role in leading Illinois to a Final Four run, consistently stepping up in high-pressure situations and showing he can deliver on the biggest stage.
If this projection holds, Wagler would give Dallas another versatile weapon—one capable of growing into a key contributor as the team continues to build toward sustained success.