Clippers draft Keaton Wagler, Kings pick Darius Acuff in NBA draft
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 4:05 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick, and the Sacramento Kings followed by drafting Darius Acuff Jr. at seventh overall in Tuesday's NBA draft. Wagler, a notable player from Illinois, contributed 17.9 points per game last season and aims to make a significant impact in his rookie year. Acuff, who gained attention with a standout performance at Arkansas, averaged 49 points in a memorable double-overtime game. The draft also featured other notable selections, including the Golden State Warriors picking Yaxel Lendeborg at 11 and the Los Angeles Lakers trading up to secure Cameron Carr at 24.
- •Clippers selected Keaton Wagler at No. 5.
- •Kings picked Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7.
- •Wagler averaged 17.9 points for Illinois last season.
- •Acuff scored 49 points in a single game at Arkansas.
- •Warriors drafted Yaxel Lendeborg at 11; Lakers selected Cameron Carr at 24.
- 3:00 AMYahoo Sports — Clippers take Wagler, Kings add Acuff as NBA's Pacific Division loads up on promising guards
- 4:05 AMYahoo Sports — The Pacific Division adds high-scoring guards in NBA draft with Wagler to Clips, Acuff to Kings
"The Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler and the Sacramento Kings took Darius Acuff Jr. in this week's NBA draft, with both teams using top 10 picks on young, high-scoring guards they hope will be franchise cornerstones for years to come. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors grabbed seasoned forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, adding a 23-year-old who could provide an immediate impact as the franchise tries to capitalize on the final years of Stephen Curry's prime. Wagler was the No. 5 pick on Tuesday night, giving the Clippers an all-around player who was part of the country’s loaded freshman class.
"The Pacific Division loaded up on young, talented guards in the top 10 of this year's NBA draft, with the Los Angeles Clippers taking Keaton Wagler and the Sacramento Kings selecting Darius Acuff Jr. Wagler was the No. 5 pick on Tuesday night, giving the Clippers an all-around player who was part of the country's loaded freshman class. The 19-year-old is the third Fighting Illini player selected in the top 10 in the modern NBA era, joining Deron Williams (No. 3, 2005) and Kendall Gill (No. 5, 1990).
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 3:00 AMClippers take Wagler, Kings add Acuff as NBA's Pacific Division loads up on promising guards
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler and the Sacramento Kings took Darius Acuff Jr. in this week's NBA draft, with both teams using top 10 picks on young, high-scoring guards they hope will be franchise cornerstones for years to come. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors grabbed seasoned forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, adding a 23-year-old who could provide an immediate impact as the franchise tries to capitalize on the final years of Stephen Curry's prime. Wagler was the No. 5 pick on Tuesday night, giving the Clippers an all-around player who was part of the country’s loaded freshman class.
- Yahoo SportsJun 24, 2026, 4:05 AMThe Pacific Division adds high-scoring guards in NBA draft with Wagler to Clips, Acuff to Kings
The Pacific Division loaded up on young, talented guards in the top 10 of this year's NBA draft, with the Los Angeles Clippers taking Keaton Wagler and the Sacramento Kings selecting Darius Acuff Jr. Wagler was the No. 5 pick on Tuesday night, giving the Clippers an all-around player who was part of the country's loaded freshman class. The 19-year-old is the third Fighting Illini player selected in the top 10 in the modern NBA era, joining Deron Williams (No. 3, 2005) and Kendall Gill (No. 5, 1990).
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