Jerry Reynolds thinks Keaton Wagler could be the best guard in the 2026 draft class

As the Sacramento Kings continue evaluating options with the seventh pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, one name that continues to generate discussion among the top ten is Illinois freshman guard Keaton Wagler.

The 6’6 guard emerged as one of college basketball’s biggest stars during the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game.

His breakout campaign earned him consensus All-American honors and Big Ten Rookie of the Year recognition.

Despite the production, some evaluators have questioned how his game will translate to the NBA because of concerns about his athleticism. Sacramento Kings legend Jerry Reynolds shared his perspective during an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys.

“I worry a little bit about a couple of things with him,” Reynolds said. “Dunking isn’t one of them. I mean, [Oscar Robertson] never dunked. He did in high school, but he quit after that. He didn’t need to.”

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

Instead, Reynolds pointed to another aspect of Keaton Wagler’s game that could determine his long-term success.

“His quickness bothers me,” Reynolds explained. “I don’t know if his game translates as well to the NBA. Can he get by guys? I think he will.”

Reynolds compared the concerns surrounding Wagler to those that have followed Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic throughout his career.

“It’s like Luka. Luka is so strong and so skilled,” Reynolds said. “Well, Wagler’s not to that level of skill by any level, and he’s certainly not that strong to where he can get by or through guys.”

While Reynolds acknowledged the questions surrounding the Illinois standout, he also suggested Wagler’s upside could ultimately make the wait worthwhile.

“I guess I’ll sum it up this way. My opinion is he might turn out to be the best, but it might take him the longest to get there.”

Keaton Wagler #23 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

That patience could be difficult for teams drafting near the top of the lottery, especially those hoping for immediate impact. However, with the Kings holding the seventh overall selection, Keaton Wagler’s blend of size, shooting, and offensive skill could make him one of the more intriguing prospects available if Sacramento is willing to play the long game.

If not, prospects like Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. and Houston guard Kingston Flemings remain realistic possibilities for a Kings team looking to make a splash in a loaded Draft.

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

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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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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