Clippers must make this pick at No. 5 to give Darius Garland new backcourt partner

For the Los Angeles Clippers, the equation entering the 2026 NBA Draft is refreshingly simple. This franchise already possesses legitimate offensive centerpieces in Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland. The latter, in particular, is a dynamic guard when given the proper support. What the Clippers do not have is a perimeter running mate for him. Holding the No. 5 overall selection provides the organization with a rare opportunity to solve that problem. Right now, Los Angeles cannot afford to miss. The answer is staring them directly in the face. If Illinois guard Keaton Wagler is available when the Clippers are on the clock, the card should already be filled out.

Exposing a critical flaw

The 2025-26 campaign featured plenty of optimism but ultimately ended in disappointment. Los Angeles finished 42-40. They battled through a highly competitive Western Conference and remained firmly in the postseason conversation throughout much of the year. Sure, Garland’s leadership and offensive brilliance was encouraging. However, the roster’s limitations became increasingly obvious as the season progressed.

The Clippers’ season ultimately came to an end in the Play-In Tournament. A heartbreaking 126-121 defeat to the Golden State Warriors prevented Los Angeles from advancing into the playoffs. Once more, the Clippers were left wondering what could have been.

Throughout the second half of the season, teams aggressively trapped Garland in pick-and-roll situations. That forced other perimeter players to create offense. Too often, Los Angeles lacked a reliable counterpunch.

Garland delivered All-Star-caliber production. The supporting cast simply could not consistently punish defensive overreactions. That makes the No. 5 pick enormously important.

Perfect backcourt complement

Objectively speaking, Keaton Wagler checks every box for the Clippers. The Illinois standout possesses the exact offensive skill set modern contenders desperately covet. He is an elite perimeter shooter and a highly efficient scorer. He is an advanced decision-maker who understands how to function both on and off the basketball.

Most importantly, Wagler complements Garland perfectly. His ability to stretch defenses immediately changes the geometry of the floor. When Garland initiates offense from the top of the key, opposing defenses would face an impossible decision. Help aggressively and leave Wagler open, or stay attached to the shooter and allow Garland additional room to operate. Neither option is particularly appealing. That is precisely what makes elite backcourts so difficult to defend.

Secondary creator

One of the most overlooked aspects of Wagler’s game is his playmaking. Yes, his shooting naturally grabs headlines. That said, he has also demonstrated the ability to operate as a secondary creator.

Last season, the Clippers frequently struggled whenever Garland sat. Offensive flow deteriorated, possessions became stagnant, and opposing defenses capitalized. Wagler directly addresses that weakness. His advanced processing speed allows him to read defensive coverages quickly. He makes smart decisions with the ball and does not require high usage to impact winning. Still, he possesses enough offensive creativity to punish defenses when opportunities arise. That combination is exactly what the Clippers need.

Fit over positional need

The Clippers should resist overthinking this pick. Front offices convince themselves that positional length, theoretical upside, or long-term developmental projects offer greater value than polished contributors. For Los Angeles, that would be a mistake.

The Clippers are attempting to accelerate toward contention. Of course, frontcourt depth remains important. However, the roster’s most glaring weakness exists in the backcourt. The offense needs another reliable perimeter creator capable of sharing responsibility with Garland. Wagler solves that issue immediately. Passing on him to pursue a raw developmental prospect would represent an unnecessary gamble.

Building around Garland

The Western Conference remains brutally unforgiving. Every contender features multiple perimeter threats capable of creating offense under pressure. The Clippers must follow that blueprint if they hope to compete with the conference’s elite teams.

Garland has already proven he can be a cornerstone. Now the front office must provide him with the proper support structure. Wagler’s blend of shooting, playmaking, basketball IQ, and offensive versatility makes him the ideal candidate. His game aligns seamlessly with Garland’s strengths. His timeline aligns perfectly with the franchise’s direction. And Wagler’s skill set addresses the exact shortcomings that prevented the Clippers from reaching the postseason.

Final verdict

This selection represents defining the next era of basketball at Intuit Dome. Keaton Wagler offers perimeter gravity, secondary playmaking, offensive efficiency, and immediate impact potential. Most importantly, he gives Darius Garland a true backcourt partner capable of sharing the burden.

When the No. 5 pick arrives, the decision should be easy. Draft Wagler. Build around Garland. Begin constructing the next great backcourt in Southern California.

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