NBA Draft Analyst: Keaton Wagler could solve Kings’ biggest need

The closer the 2026 NBA Draft gets, the clearer it becomes that Illinois guard Keaton Wagler is firmly in the mix for the Sacramento Kings at seventh overall.

During an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock explained why he mocked Wagler to Sacramento in his latest draft projection, despite many expecting Houston guard Kingston Flemings or Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. to land there instead.

“I think the first thing is that at seven they’re kind of at the tail end of that second tier, which is filled with those three guards that you just mentioned,” Babcock said. “If they stay put, they’re probably going to be in a situation where they’ve got to look at who’s there.”

Illinois’ Keaton Wagler measured 6’5 barefoot and 188 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 6’6.25 wingspan and 8’4 standing reach.

First measurements we’ve seen for Wagler. Good size for a PG, but is functionally a little smaller given the wingspan, frame, and reach. pic.twitter.com/JodenJUY9L

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026

More on Keaton Wagler

That “second tier” has become one of the defining topics of conversation surrounding this draft.

According to Babcock, Flemings, Acuff Jr., and Keaton Wagler are closely watched around the league, with teams splitting hairs between their differing styles and upside.

For Sacramento, Keaton Wagler offers a fascinating combination of production, size, and offensive versatility.

The 6’6 Illinois freshman averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three-point range on nearly six attempts per game.

Wagler’s shot creation stood out even more considering his role as Illinois’ primary offensive engine during the program’s Final Four run. He was named a consensus All-American and Big Ten Rookie of the Year, quickly establishing himself as one of college basketball’s brightest young stars.

Babcock believes there is still substantial room for growth in Wagler’s game.

“You got Wagler, who’s really just scratching the surface,” Babcock said. “He’s still just kind of a young kid, but it’s more of a 6-6 on-ball, off-ball guard.”

That versatility is part of what makes Keaton Wagler such an intriguing fit for the Kings, who are searching for long-term direction after another disappointing season. Sacramento badly needs perimeter shooting, secondary playmaking, and a young offensive centerpiece to develop alongside its existing core.

Illinois Keaton Wagler pic.twitter.com/NK8EEwAYup

— Pitless (@pitlessball) April 5, 2026

Keaton Wagler also showed up on the biggest stage. During Illinois’ five NCAA Tournament games, he averaged 18 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc.

There are still questions about how his roughly 180-pound frame will handle NBA physicality, but similar concerns followed him into college. He answered those doubts by thriving against elite competition almost immediately.

Babcock emphasized just how close the evaluations are between the top guards projected in Sacramento’s range.

“I think they’re all very high-level prospects,” Babcock said. “They all have star-level potential, and a lot of it is just pick your poison.”

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Kingston Flemings draws De’Aaron Fox comparisons ahead of NBA Draft

• Is it too soon for the Kings to move on from Domantas Sabonis?
• First Look: Sacramento Kings New Jersey Patch Sponsorship Beginning in 2026-27
• Sactown Scouting Report: The Pace, Poise, and Playmaking of Kingston Flemings

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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