Why Keaton Wagler is Clippers’ perfect backcourt partner for Darius Garland

The Los Angeles Clippers used the No. 5 overall pick on former Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. It’s a move that solidifies the club’s backcourt, as Wagler will be partnered up with Darius Garland.

While many believed L.A. was going to select a guard in the first round, it was not known that it was going to be Wagler. The Clippers had their pick of the litter, as well, as guards Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr., and Kingston Flemings all went immediately after Keaton Wagler.

Choosing the ex-Fighting Illini star is a potentially huge get for the Clippers. Not only did the front office acquire one of the top guards in a loaded draft class, but the club landed the best fit for the backcourt. With that said, here is why Keaton Wagler is the perfect partner for Darius Garland in Los Angeles.

Why Keaton Wagler is Darius Garland’s perfect backcourt partner

First, let’s take a look at what Garland brings to the table for the Clippers. The 26-year-old point guard is a consistent scorer with excellent playmaking abilities. He also plays solid perimeter defense and has a knack for generating steals that lead to fastbreaks.

Throughout his seven-year career, Garland has averaged 18.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 45.4% from the floor and 38.9% from beyond the three-point line. He is also a great free-throw shooter, owning an 86.6% free-throw percentage, but he only averages 3.1 free-throw attempts per game.

As for Keaton Wagler, he is also an excellent scorer (averaged 17.9 points per game last season), but he makes up for what Garland lacks. For example, Wagler brings size to the backcourt, as Garland is just 6-foot-1, and Wagler is 6-foot-5. Additionally, the 2025-26 Second-Team All-American is a solid rebounder for a guard, averaging 5.1 rebounds per contest during his lone season at Illinois.

Additionally, Wagler excels at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. Last season, he averaged 5.8 free-throw attempts per game. But he does need to improve as a free-throw shooter, as he only converted 79.6% of his attempts. Furthermore, Keaton Wagler brings some playmaking to the table as well (averaged 4.2 assists per game last season), which can be a tremendous help for Darius Garland in the backcourt.

Overall, the Clippers drafted a player who can share the point guard duties while mainly playing as the two-guard. Wagler brings versatility to the roster, which is something Los Angeles was lacking in the backcourt last season. Keaton Wagler gives L.A. the potential of having one of the most efficient backcourts in the league, playing alongside Darius Garland.

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