NBA Draft

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067318650357383277

“9. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Rank in 2026 class: No. 5

2025-26 stats: 17.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 59.6% TS, 11.0 BPM

Wagler is my favorite prospect in this year's draft after the top four come off the board, with his unusual trajectory, fast-improving offensive game and remarkable decision-making all worth buying long term. His playmaking ability and room to develop as a lead guard put him a touch ahead of how I viewed Kon Knueppel -- similarly not a traditionally athletic prospect -- at this time last year.

In hindsight, Knueppel may have been a spot or two too low -- but regardless, Wagler's size and playmaking instincts should adequately compensate for the foot speed, giving him an attractive ceiling. There are plenty of intriguing guards in this class, but this is who I'd place my chips on.

2026 combine measurements: 6-5 barefoot, 6-6¼ wingspan, 8-4 standing reach”

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067346899619782668

"Along with previous reporting of the Bulls being a team with trade-up interest from the 15th pick and targeting Wagler inside the top 10 in such a scenario, ClutchPoints has learned that the Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have interest in Wagler."

"Oklahoma City's interest in moving into the top 10 is real, with Mara, Wagler, and Ament brought up in connection to them."

 

[Mobi]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067219808022659115

"NBA insider Brett Siegel revealed this in multiple columns over the past several days. The Bulls are said to be smitten with Wagler after a recent workout.

“AS REPORTED LAST WEEK ON CLUTCHPOINTS, THE CHICAGO BULLS HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE UP INSIDE THE TOP 10 OF THIS YEAR’S DRAFT AND ADD ANOTHER HIGH-LEVEL PROSPECT IN ADDITION TO WHAT EVERYONE EXPECTS TO BE CALEB WILSON WITH THE FOURTH PICK. IF THE BULLS WERE TO MOVE UP FROM NO. 15, THE INTENT BEHIND DOING SO WOULD BE TO DRAFT WAGLER, WHO SOURCES SAID CHICAGO HAS PINPOINTED AS A TOP GUARD OPTION IN THIS CLASS AFTER A RECENT WORKOUT."

Nooooooooo!!!!!

 

[GatorMcKlusky]

...and yes, I know that people react differently to grief and I sound crazy.

Sans beard, that guy looks just like me after an Illini loss.

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067556683866685499

"5. LA Clippers (via IND)

Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois

This is seen as where the draft really starts. Over the last few days, the two names I’ve heard most associated with the Clippers are Mikel Brown Jr. and Wagler. Why? The team seems to be prioritizing at least some size next to Darius Garland in the backcourt, and Brown and Wagler are bigger options than the other highly-rated guards. Even though both are skinny, NBA executives feel like they have more room to grow into their frames than Flemings and Acuff, as Flemings is more slight and Acuff has been basically the same size for the last few years.

I believe Wagler is the best fit of the four guards here, too, thanks to his ability to play both on and off the ball. Sources have indicated that Wagler has added muscle to his frame during the pre-draft process. He came to Illinois at 168 pounds and weighed 188 pounds at the combine; his frame should continue adding strength over the next few years.

The Clippers have also had discussions about trading down, although sources indicate that they do seem set on making an early draft selection this year."

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

My interpretation from what I've seen as far as Intel:

• top 4 seems set; the order could vary depending on what happens with Utah picking between Peterson/Boozer

The run on point guards likely transpires like this (assuming no trades):

• Clippers: Brown or Wagler
• Nets: Brown or Acuff or Mara (Wagler cancelled his workout)
• Kings: Absolutely LOVE Acuff; but if he doesn't fall through, likely choosing Brown or Wagler (whoever falls to 7)
• Hawks: Mara or Flemings (or if one of the top guards fall)
• Mavs: LOVE Burries, but could change if one of the guards fall

Of course NONE of this is set in stone; just what sounds likely at the moment. But it begs the question that if it is between LAC and SAC for Keaton, that's pretty boom or bust as far as organization stature. So much of the "bust" conversations generally has to do with who is getting picked by a terrible organization.

 

[Emerson Bigguns]

My interpretation from what I've seen as far as Intel:

• top 4 seems set; the order could vary depending on what happens with Utah picking between Peterson/Boozer

The run on point guards likely transpires like this (assuming no trades):

• Clippers: Brown or Wagler
• Nets: Brown or Acuff or Mara (Wagler cancelled his workout)
• Kings: Absolutely LOVE Acuff; but if he doesn't fall through, likely choosing Brown or Wagler (whoever falls to 7)
• Hawks: Mara or Flemings (or if one of the top guards fall)
• Mavs: LOVE Burries, but could change if one of the guards fall

Of course NONE of this is set in stone; just what sounds likely at the moment. But it begs the question that if it is between LAC and SAC for Keaton, that's pretty boom or bust as far as organization stature. So much of the "bust" conversations generally has to do with who is getting picked by a terrible organization.

Looking back on the Kings recent draft history... It's even worse than I thought.

They've drafted 3 guys in the 1st round who aren't basically replacement level fodder.

Cousins
Fox
Haliburton

https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAC/draft.html

Absolutely dismal talent identification.

Clippers aren't much better, but they've only drafted above #25 six times in the last 20 years.

 

[the juiceman cometh]

Looking back on the Kings recent draft history... It's even worse than I thought.

They've drafted 3 guys in the 1st round who aren't basically replacement level fodder.

Cousins
Fox
Haliburton

https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAC/draft.html

Absolutely dismal talent identification.

Clippers aren't much better, but they've only drafted above #25 six times in the last 20 years.

I guess, but at the same time, Halliburton at 12 was a phenomenal pick. Arguably the best player in that entire draft. And then in last year's draft their only pick was a second rounder, Maxime Reynaud at #42, and he ended up 7th in the entire class in win shares.

Outside of a few head scratchers, it seems like mostly NBA teams are coming to similar conclusions on these players and where guys end up beings busts it's maybe more accurate the say the conventional wisdom was wrong than that whatever team got them did poorly.

For example, take Keegan Murray and the 2022 Draft. The Kings took him at #4. Not terrible, but not what you'd expect out of a #4 pick, so he didn't make your list of good draft picks. Fair. The Ringer had him at #8, so you could criticize the Kings for taking him 4 spots earlier than that. But who did the Ringer have at #4-7? In order, Shaedon Sharpe, Jaden Ivey, Bennedict Mahturin, and Dyson Daniels. Of those, only the last has had an arguably better career than Murray, and the other three have been way worse. In fact, of the next 7 picks of that draft, only Daniels has amassed more win shares. If you run that draft again, Sacramento would surely take Jalen Duren (or possibly Jalen Williams who went #12) instead, but the Ringer had him at #12, which goes to show that the scouts that get paid to do this were just wrong. And in fact, Duren, didn't go until #13. So yes, the Kings got it wrong, but the conventional wisdom followed by everyone else was also wrong, otherwise Duren probably isn't even on the board at #4 for the Kings to pass up.

 

[Illini_Jack]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067346899619782668

"Along with previous reporting of the Bulls being a team with trade-up interest from the 15th pick and targeting Wagler inside the top 10 in such a scenario, ClutchPoints has learned that the Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have interest in Wagler."

"Oklahoma City's interest in moving into the top 10 is real, with Mara, Wagler, and Ament brought up in connection to them."

But I don't want Keaton to become a flopper

 

[logjam]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067346899619782668

"Along with previous reporting of the Bulls being a team with trade-up interest from the 15th pick and targeting Wagler inside the top 10 in such a scenario, ClutchPoints has learned that the Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have interest in Wagler."

"Oklahoma City's interest in moving into the top 10 is real, with Mara, Wagler, and Ament brought up in connection to them."

I'm OK with that...

 

[Oranges]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067346899619782668

"Along with previous reporting of the Bulls being a team with trade-up interest from the 15th pick and targeting Wagler inside the top 10 in such a scenario, ClutchPoints has learned that the Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have interest in Wagler."

"Oklahoma City's interest in moving into the top 10 is real, with Mara, Wagler, and Ament brought up in connection to them."

I feel like he’d be a bit redundant given their current roster but it would be a great spot to land otherwise. Good player development and he does fit their system really well

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067619038205993397

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067681796095967354

 

[PleaseMakeABowlGame]

I'm OK with that...

Their roster is absurd. Literally need to give players away to make room for draft picks. (all of whom play fairly meaningful roles)

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067962853202551225

“5. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.4 | Previous ranking: 5

Strengths: Wagler plays with pace and poise beyond his years, relying on his craft and playmaking vision to create shots for himself and teammates. He's also a consistent shooter with great size, making him effective at either guard spot. His ability to process the floor and make great decisions made Illinois an elite offensive team, and he flashed his potential to become a lead facilitator.

Weaknesses: Wagler has average length and needs to add physical strength to realize his full capabilities on both ends of the ball, something he has time to address. He has questions to answer defensively and is not explosive or fast by NBA standards, which could make for a steep adjustment and add some risk to his profile.

The verdict: A late-blooming prospect who was not nationally ranked out of high school, Wagler emerged as a college star. His developing offensive game is on a clear growth trajectory. After leading a surprise Final Four run, he set himself apart among the elite guards in the class. NBA teams have also factored in his outstanding intangibles, viewing him as a building-block guard with stellar upside.”

*Boswell at 61

 

[derrick6]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067962853202551225

“5. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.4 | Previous ranking: 5

Strengths: Wagler plays with pace and poise beyond his years, relying on his craft and playmaking vision to create shots for himself and teammates. He's also a consistent shooter with great size, making him effective at either guard spot. His ability to process the floor and make great decisions made Illinois an elite offensive team, and he flashed his potential to become a lead facilitator.

Weaknesses: Wagler has average length and needs to add physical strength to realize his full capabilities on both ends of the ball, something he has time to address. He has questions to answer defensively and is not explosive or fast by NBA standards, which could make for a steep adjustment and add some risk to his profile.

The verdict: A late-blooming prospect who was not nationally ranked out of high school, Wagler emerged as a college star. His developing offensive game is on a clear growth trajectory. After leading a surprise Final Four run, he set himself apart among the elite guards in the class. NBA teams have also factored in his outstanding intangibles, viewing him as a building-block guard with stellar upside.”

*Boswell at 61

Top 9, all freshmen.

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067962853202551225

“5. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.4 | Previous ranking: 5

Strengths: Wagler plays with pace and poise beyond his years, relying on his craft and playmaking vision to create shots for himself and teammates. He's also a consistent shooter with great size, making him effective at either guard spot. His ability to process the floor and make great decisions made Illinois an elite offensive team, and he flashed his potential to become a lead facilitator.

Weaknesses: Wagler has average length and needs to add physical strength to realize his full capabilities on both ends of the ball, something he has time to address. He has questions to answer defensively and is not explosive or fast by NBA standards, which could make for a steep adjustment and add some risk to his profile.

The verdict: A late-blooming prospect who was not nationally ranked out of high school, Wagler emerged as a college star. His developing offensive game is on a clear growth trajectory. After leading a surprise Final Four run, he set himself apart among the elite guards in the class. NBA teams have also factored in his outstanding intangibles, viewing him as a building-block guard with stellar upside.”

*Boswell at 61

Woah Ben's at 100 .

 

[lstewart53x3]

Ryen Russillo had two NBA draft guys on his podcast. One of the negatives they see with Keaton is that he had too much of a coaching and scheme advantage playing for the Illini.

Remember when the experts on this board used to complain about our offense and not running enough set plays? Good times.

They even said Tyler has the chops to be an NBA head coach someday and I’m old enough to remember @bigcityillini filling us in on the lack of talent Tyler has:

“If you are talented enough you don't need to get hired by your dad. Others would take notice. If Tyler truly is that good of a coach as some here, say and is only making 120K (as some posters claim) then what the hell is he doing? Wouldn't he be selling himself short? He leads this elite offense and yet gets no national press... why?“

I guess he’s getting national press now.

Mega NBA Draft Preview w/ Sam Vecenie & Kevin O'Connor! Sorsby's NFL Value w/ Todd McShay. Plus World Cup/USMNT Talk w/ Taylor Twellman.

Podcast Episode · The Ryen Russillo Show · June 18 · 2h 43m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[the juiceman cometh]

They even said Tyler has the chops to be an NBA head coach someday and I’m old enough to remember bigcityillini filling us in on the lack of talent Tyler has:

“If you are talented enough you don't need to get hired by your dad. Others would take notice. If Tyler truly is that good of a coach as some here, say and is only making 120K (as some posters claim) then what the hell is he doing? Wouldn't he be selling himself short? He leads this elite offense and yet gets no national press... why?“

I guess he’s getting national press now.

Mega NBA Draft Preview w/ Sam Vecenie & Kevin O'Connor! Sorsby's NFL Value w/ Todd McShay. Plus World Cup/USMNT Talk w/ Taylor Twellman.

Podcast Episode · The Ryen Russillo Show · June 18 · 2h 43m

podcasts.apple.com

Btw, best disappearing act since Houdini himself...

His last post?

"Time we move on."

LOL

 

[NarrowJ]

Ryen Russillo had two NBA draft guys on his podcast. One of the negatives they see with Keaton is that he had too much of a coaching and scheme advantage playing for the Illini.

Remember when the experts on this board used to complain about our offense and not running enough set plays? Good times.

They even said Tyler has the chops to be an NBA head coach someday and I’m old enough to remember @bigcityillini filling us in on the lack of talent Tyler has:

“If you are talented enough you don't need to get hired by your dad. Others would take notice. If Tyler truly is that good of a coach as some here, say and is only making 120K (as some posters claim) then what the hell is he doing? Wouldn't he be selling himself short? He leads this elite offense and yet gets no national press... why?“

I guess he’s getting national press now.

Mega NBA Draft Preview w/ Sam Vecenie & Kevin O'Connor! Sorsby's NFL Value w/ Todd McShay. Plus World Cup/USMNT Talk w/ Taylor Twellman.

Podcast Episode · The Ryen Russillo Show · June 18 · 2h 43m

podcasts.apple.com

One of his countless weird(bad) takes

I also remember "B1G is mid-tier" and "Brad will never sniff a F4" among many others (though mostly on the football side)

His last post?

"Time we move on."

LOL

Looks like he did "move on"

 

[phats22]

One of his countless weird(bad) takes

I also remember "B1G is mid-tier" and "Brad will never sniff a F4" among many others (though mostly on the football side)




Looks like he did "move on"

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

Guy was a blatant troll. No other way to put it.