Yahoo! Sports projects Nets to take Keaton Wagler in 2026 NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets, holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, could select Illinois guard Keaton Wagler according to Yahoo! Sports analyst Kevin O'Connor. Wagler, a four-star recruit who became a standout playmaker for Illinois, is projected to be taken by the Nets after the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly pass on him to draft Arizona guard Brayden Burries with the No. 5 pick. Wagler’s rise as a one-and-done prospect has been notable, with his high-IQ playmaking and scoring ability drawing comparisons to NBA-level talent. However, his lack of traditional athleticism remains a question mark for long-term success. O'Connor’s mock draft suggests the Nets may prioritize his basketball IQ over other guard options like Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. or Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. Most draft projections currently favor the Clippers taking Wagler to pair with Darius Garland, leaving the Nets with multiple guard options in the late top-10. Brooklyn’s draft strategy could shift based on available talent, as reports link them to Michigan center Aday Mara and Tennessee forward Nate Ament as well. The 2026 draft is considered deeper than previous years, giving the Nets flexibility with their sixth pick. If they select Wagler, it would mark a second consecutive unconventional choice after drafting Egor Dёmin with the eighth pick in 2025. The decision will hinge on whether the Nets value Wagler’s offensive versatility over other high-upside prospects. The NBA Draft Lottery has left the Nets disappointed twice in a row, despite favorable odds, adding urgency to their selection process. The draft takes place on June 23, where the Nets will finalize their pick amid speculation about their long-term roster plans.