The Los Angeles Clippers had a really rough start to the 2025-26 season, but they were able to get it under control. They went from bottom of the NBA to a clinched spot in the Play-In.
However, a deadline deal with the Indiana Pacers also might net them a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In the latest NBA Mock Draft by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Clippers get the No. 5 pick via Indy, and take Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler.
“Buying into Wagler’s meteoric rise might be the move to make. He is both a step-ahead offensive organizer and an attention-drawing off-ball shooter. He can thrive on either side of a drive-and-kick. While he’s not a blur with the basketball, he is shifty and sharp enough to get where he wants to go. There would be some defensive concerns with a Wagler-Darius Garland backcourt, but not the kind of defensive problems opponents would face when trying to contain them,” Buckley wrote.
This past season with the Illini, Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 34 minutes per game. He was one of Illinois’ heroes in March Madness, helping them reach the Final Four where they lost against the runner-up in UConn.
A backcourt of Wagler and Garland would be underwhelming on defense, but amazing on offense. It would also provide the Clippers with a clear vision of a future without Kawhi Leonard.
Hopefully, the Clippers are able to land this pick, and get Wagler on their team. That way, if they keep Leonard for next year, they’ll have a real Big Three to contend with.
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