Keaton Wagler to Clippers, Watch Highlights of No. 5 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Clippers added one of the best guard prospects in the country to their backcourt Tuesday.

Los Angeles selected Illinois guard Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2026 NBA draft, which gives it a new franchise cornerstone to perhaps build around in the coming years.

Wagler played just one season of college basketball but thrived during the short period by averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as he shot 44.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep. He was an All-Big Ten First Team selection and the conference's Rookie of the Year.

He then helped lead Illinois to the Final Four while putting together the following highlights.

Highlights

Scouting Report

Wagler is one of a number of players with star potential in this draft, which B/R's Jonathan Wasserman hinted at when he listed Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray as a pro comparison.

Murray is an NBA champion who made the All-Star Game last season and is capable of taking over games with his scoring and playmaking abilities. If Wagler lives up to that comparison, he will be a major building block for the Clippers.

Wasserman highlighted his "highly convincing" shooting and overall game that has made it "easier to bet on him problem-solving stronger defenders with potent shotmaking, quick processing and IQ/maturity."

The lack of strength and explosive athleticism are potential weaknesses, but his ability to change pace and attack defenses in a number of ways help make up for those concerns.

The end result is quite a high ceiling for one of the draft's best overall players.