One of the biggest risers in the 2026 NBA Draft is Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. Unquestionably, Wagler has put himself in the conversation of being one of the best guard prospects in the entire class. Throughout this season, he has shown impressive abilities as a shot creator and shooter. Not only that, but he is a solid defender and a great playmaker in his own right. He will certainly be a real prize to any team that drafts him. As of February 2nd, let’s dive into a ranking of the best fits for Wagler among teams currently projected to be in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
Best Fits For Illinois Guard Keaton Wagler Among Lottery Teams
Dallas Mavericks
If there is a team that can really use someone like Wagler, it is the Dallas Mavericks. Specifically, they desperately need another talented shooter and secondary creator next to Cooper Flagg. With Kyrie Irving being much older than Flagg, Dallas needs to find someone who can be with him for the long haul. Wagler has proven himself to be an elite shooter and excellent creator this season with Illinois. He can come in and be a long-term piece next to Flagg.
Wagler can play on and off the ball, granting him offensive versatility for Dallas. In an off-ball role, Wagler is more than capable of being a strong floor spacer with deep range. On the ball, Wagler is a creative and crafty scorer who utilizes great footwork, dribbling, and other moves to create good looks for himself. Not only that, but he has the passing ability and scoring threat to create good looks for shooters like Max Christie and bigs like Dereck Lively II. Defensively, Wagler grants Dallas additional size at the guard positions.
Wagler himself would benefit from going to Dallas. Offensively, guys like Christie and Ryan Nembhard can provide floor spacing for Wagler’s drives. Flagg and Irving can share the offensive creation burden with Wagler as well as get him easy looks. In fact, Irving can serve as a mentor for Wagler. In terms of defense, Wagler can struggle to defend bigger and stronger players. Someone like Flagg can help him by taking on those defensive assignments against bigger perimeter players. Overall, Wagler going to Dallas would be a great outcome.
Milwaukee Bucks
A murky future looms large over the Milwaukee Bucks, with their franchise cornerstone, Giannis Antetokounmpo, potentially leaving. With that in mind, getting a highly talented guard prospect in Wagler can grant them some certainty and hope for the future. For the Bucks, Wagler can come in and form an intriguing young backcourt with Ryan Rollins. With his upside as a shot creator and shooter, he can be a foundational piece for their future. Plus, he will have plenty of opportunities to develop as the lead ball-handler for Milwaukee. Should Antetokounmpo remain on the roster for next season, Wagler is still a good fit. He can provide the shooting that’s needed around the Greek star while providing secondary ball-handling around him. Wagler and his potential can be a major factor for the Bucks as they navigate the potential end of an era.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz have been incredibly active at the trade deadline. They have made a huge trade that brought them Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis. This clearly signals that the Jazz will be looking to contend next season. Utah has the makings of a great team with both veteran and young players. However, they can still use another guard in the rotation who can stick around long-term. That is where Wagler comes into the picture.
He can provide them with additional size and shooting at the guard spot, while having upside as a shot creator and playmaker. Considering the lack of footspeed due to their gigantic lineup, someone like Wagler will be crucial in providing perimeter defense. On the other end, Wagler will benefit from the sheer size that the Jazz can bring to bear. As his biggest weakness as a prospect is his slight frame, guys like Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen can take those bigger defensive matchups for Wagler. Additionally, the Jazz have ample shooting to space the floor around Wagler and the shot creators who can share the offensive load with him. Wagler has the skills and potential to be a major player for the Jazz as they transition to postseason contention.
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