Clippers projected to land rising Illinois star Keaton Wagner in The Athletic mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In the latest mock draft from The Athletic, rising prospect Keaton Wagler is projected to land with the LA Clippers, a pairing that could address one of the team’s key needs—size, shooting, and perimeter versatility.

The Clippers’ opportunity to land a player like Wagler stems from a creatively structured deal with the Indiana Pacers involving center Ivica Zubac. The pick conveys to Los Angeles if it falls between No. 5 and No. 9, giving the franchise a valuable chance to add a high-upside talent in the lottery range.

Wagler has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in recent draft history, fueled by a standout freshman season at Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range.   Those numbers not only led Illinois in scoring and playmaking but also highlighted his all-around offensive impact.

His production translated directly to team success, as  Wagler helped lead Illinois to a Final Four appearance while starting all 37 games. Along the way, he recorded 663 total points, set freshman program records, and delivered one of the most memorable performances of the college basketball season—a 46-point explosion against Purdue.

At 6-foot-6, Wagler fits the modern NBA wing profile. He thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat, knocking down 39.7% of his three-point attempts, while also showing the ability to create off the dribble and facilitate for teammates.   His versatility makes him an ideal fit for a Clippers team built around spacing and ball movement.

Defensively, his size and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions, adding another layer of value. For a playoff-caliber team like Los Angeles, Wagler could contribute immediately while still offering long-term upside.