The Los Angeles Clippers picked Keaton Wagler No. 5 overall, and as time goes on, there are zero regrets to their big decision.
Wagler started the NBA Summer League slowly, looking like he was still processing everything. On Friday night, the former Illini guard capped off his four-game Summer League debut with one of the most impressive showings you will see at this level.
The Clippers were playing for pride at this point, as they fell short of the championship. That didn’t slow Wagler down, though. He finished his time in the summer league dropping 26 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He was also 9-of-19 from the field and 4-of-5 from the charity stripe.
Wagler’s ending to his time in the NBA Summer League was special, as the Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-120. Not only was this a win, but it was elevated by the fact that this was a record-breaking performance.
5th overall pick @KeatonW34 (game-high 26 PTS) led the charge in the @LAClippers' overtime win versus Minnesota 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Itev7xSLbY
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2026
The Las Vegas version of the summer league started in 2004. In over 20 years of summer league battles, Los Angeles’ 128 points on Friday night were the most by any team ever. No other team has ever scored more points in the NBA Summer League.
Wagler led that charge to a historical number. He was aggressive from the start, and it was evident that he has settled into the speed and aggression of the NBA game.
By the end of the NBA Summer League, Keaton Wagler’s numbers were impressive
As I mentioned earlier, the start for Wagler in the NBA Summer League wasn’t great. He didn’t look good in game one, but he said it himself, he was going to watch film and adjust.
Adjust he did.
Wagler played four games in the summer league, as he missed one of the five contests the Clippers played. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He also shot 38.6% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and 80.0% from the free throw line.
If you just take away that first game, Wagler’s numbers look even better. He adapted quickly to his surroundings, as he did at Illinois.
It was funny seeing all of the detractors when Wagler laid an egg in the first game of the NBA Summer League. Those people are hush, hush now. Wagler will only continue to quiet the haters and prove the doubters wrong. This kid is special.
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