Following Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery, uncertainty lingers over the upcoming selection order, particularly for players like Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. The former Fighting Illini standout is projected to be a high pick, but not within the top five.
Regarded as a strong one-and-done prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, Wagler faces a competitive field. With AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson expected to occupy the first four spots, the battle for the fifth position and beyond intensifies. Scouts currently slot Wagler into the range of picks five through seven, alongside Darius Acuff Jr. and Kingston Flemings.
As the combine unfolds, here is the latest on Keaton Wagler’s status and outlook for the 2026 NBA Draft.
**2026 NBA Draft Order:**
1. Washington
2. Utah
3. Memphis
4. Chicago
5. LA Clippers (from Indiana)
6. Brooklyn
7. Sacramento
8. Atlanta (from New Orleans)
9. Dallas
10. Milwaukee
11. Golden State
12. Oklahoma City (from LA Clippers)
13. Miami
14. Charlotte
15. Chicago (from Portland)
16. Memphis (from Phoenix via Orlando)
17. Oklahoma City (from Philadelphia)
18. Charlotte (from Orlando via Phoenix)
19. Toronto
20. San Antonio (from Atlanta)
21. Detroit (from Minnesota)
22. Philadelphia (from Houston via Oklahoma City)
23. Atlanta (from Cleveland)
24. New York
25. Los Angeles Lakers
26. Denver
27. Boston
28. Minnesota (from Detroit)
29. Cleveland (from San Antonio via Atlanta)
30. Dallas (from Oklahoma City via Washington and Philadelphia)
Beyond Wagler’s positioning, the draft order sets the stage for significant movement. Teams near the top are expected to reshape rosters, while those in the middle look to target rising talent. Analysts continue to monitor Wagler’s combine performance, which could influence his final landing spot.
