The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is finally here, and for Brooklyn Nets fans, Sunday's results could shape the franchise's future in a major way. With the ping-pong balls set to bounce, the Nets' pick could land anywhere from No. 1 to No. 7, but what if they end up holding the No. 5 overall selection? Let's break down one intriguing prospect who could be wearing black and white next season.
Illinois guard Keaton Wagler has emerged as a fascinating name in this year's draft class, and he might be the perfect fit for Brooklyn's backcourt. According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Wagler's shooting is "highly convincing," but there are some questions about his explosiveness inside the arc. Still, in a draft where he's grouped with top-tier talents like North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., and Houston guard Kingston Flemings, Wagler's stock is rising fast.
Wasserman noted that Wagler "compensated effectively against the Huskies using his signature change of pace, deceleration and a crafty layup package on his drives." The biggest knock? His "athletic and physical limitations could keep Wagler out of the top five," but draft analysts are becoming more confident in his ability to "problem-solve stronger defenders with potent shotmaking, quick processing and IQ/maturity."
Wagler's one-and-done season at Illinois was nothing short of impressive. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and a blistering 39.7% from beyond the arc. What makes his rise even more compelling is how quickly he went from being off the NBA radar to potentially sneaking into the top five if the board falls the right way.
At 6-foot-6 and 185 pounds, Wagler brings intriguing size to either guard spot—a valuable asset for a Nets team that loaded up on guards in the 2025 draft. His floor is already that of a knockdown shooter, but his ceiling could be much higher. For Brooklyn, adding a player with Wagler's shooting touch and basketball IQ might be the perfect way to build around their young core and create a dynamic, versatile backcourt for years to come.