NBA Draft

#151      
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”
 
#152      
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."
 
#153      
Mobi
Fly Illini Fly! said:
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."
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Nooooooooo!!!!!
 
#154      
GatorMcKlusky
jamarvelous31 said:
Always Sunny Fx GIF


...and yes, I know that people react differently to grief and I sound crazy.
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Sans beard, that guy looks just like me after an Illini loss.
 
#155      
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."
 
#156      
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.
 
#157      
Emerson Bigguns
Fly Illini Fly! said:
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.
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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.
 
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