The Los Angeles Clippers' top five pick is looking like a potential star.
Illinois basketball got more out of Keaton Wagler as a freshman than most people expected during its 2025-26 Final Four run, leading to his first-round selection by the Los Angeles Clippers.
The former Fighting Illini guard/forward was selected fifth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and will now head into a situation where he could be one of the Clippers' go-to guys as a rookie.
On Wednesday, Wagler was praised by one of his new teammates, veteran guard Kris Dunn, as the Clippers' training camp got underway at the University of Hawai'i's Manoa campus.
Sep 28, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Keaton Wagler (1) on media day at Intuit Dome. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Wagler Hoops IQ Stands Out
Keaton Wagler's basketball IQ stands out according to Dunn, who is entering his third season in Los Angeles. The ex-Providence Friars guard likes what he's seen so far in team activities.
"Kris Dunn didn't hesitate when asked who has stood out so far: Keaton Wagler," Clippers sideline reporter Ohm Youngmisuk said. "Dunn says Wagler's IQ is very high. Clippers want the rookie to be able to be decisive and not have to think too much but Dunn has been impressed with the rookie's ability to process everything quickly."
The Clippers will enter 2026-27 with a veteran starting lineup, which could give Wagler enough support from an NBA level basketball IQ standpoint to slide in and contribute from the team's opening game on Oct. 21 against the Sacramento Kings.
Wagler a Projected Starter
Wagler lit the college basketball world on fire as a freshman starter with coach Brad Underwood's Fighting Illini last season, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He measured 6-foot-5 barefoot and 188 pounds at the 2026 NBA Combine and will bring size and skill to a Clippers backcourt full of depth.
ESPN's projected Clippers starting lineup lists Dunn as the team's top point guard alongside Wagler at the shooting guard position, which would give Los Angeles a versatile duo with excellent potential on defense and solid offense.
Backups include Bradley Beal, who signed with the Clippers because of his respect and appreciation for coach Tyronn Lue and his staff, and Gradey Dick, who was acquired in LA's trade of Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors.
The frontcourt is expected to include Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez, rounding out a Clippers team that isn't expected to compete for an NBA Finals appearance this season.
The rebuilding Clippers need immediate help, and Wagler looks like the right guy to provide it. A possible Rookie of the Year season is currently loading, if Wagler plays up to his potential and proves he has the durability to last over the course of a longer NBA season.
