With the NBA Draft now under a week away, that means that information is starting to leak and teams are starting to hone in on who they want to select on June 23.
One of the names that’s been garnering a lot of attention is one that’s near and dear to Illini fans’s hearts, Keaton Wagler.
NBA insiders, journalists and media professionals alike have been putting out reports of all shapes and sizes about Wagler while trying to predict where he may end up.
And it doesn’t seem like the kid from Shawnee, Kansas, is shying away from the spotlight either, as he even made a recent appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Let’s take a look at all the buzz surrounding Keaton Wagler before the NBA Draft.
Keaton Wagler on SportsCenter
On June 22, Wagler joined SportsCenter for an interview about his college basketball journey and what he’s bringing to the next level.
And yes, later in the show he did dispel the rumors that he can’t dunk.
Wagler connected to the Los Angeles Clippers
Top-five Keaton?
According to The Ringer’s NBA insider Zach Lowe, the Los Angeles Clippers have been connected with drafting Wagler with their No. 5 selection.
Should this happen, he would be the highest selected Illinois player since Deron Williams went third overall to the Utah Jazz in 2003.
Wagler cancels workouts with team past No. 5
Kevin O’Connor, NBA insider for Yahoo Sports, reported that both Keaton Wagler dropped out of a workout with the Brooklyn Nets, who currently hold the No. 6 pick.
Whether this means that Wagler has high hopes of being selected by a team with a top-four pick, the Clippers have already promised to take him if he’s available or if it means absolutely nothing, it’s an interesting piece of information nonetheless.
O’Connor mentioned both Wagler and guard Kingston Flemings, who according to reports across social media competed against one another in a workout in Los Angeles.
Chicago Bulls tied to making a move for Wagler?
According to ClutchPoints and their NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Chicago Bulls just might be interested in trading up for the former Illini.
It wouldn’t be the first time in recent memory that they drafted a guard out of Illinois, as the Bulls drafted Ayo Dosunmu in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
The suspense and buzz will almost certainly continue to build up around the former Illini as we get closer to drsft night.
And when the time comes, Keaton Wagler will hear his name called in Brooklyn, New York, walk across the stage, shake commissioner Adam Silver’s hand and his NBA dreams will become a reality.
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