Keaton Wagler made his regular-season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Rookie Keaton Wagler will make his regular-season debut coming off the bench for Los Angeles.
Wagler was the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of Illinois and is expected to be a promising prospect for the franchise.
While there’s an expectation that it will be an underwhelming season for the Clippers, it will allow for a rookie like Wagler to gain valuable playing time and experience.
The rookie checked into the game with 4:29 left in the first quarter. He managed to get involved early, being credited with an assist after a 26-foot 3-pointer made by Derrick Jones Jr. with 4:15 left in the first frame.
Wagler scored his first regular season career points with a driving jump off an assists from Kobe Sanders that helped give the Clippers a 30-17 lead with 3:40 left in the quarter.
"He's already shown he is mature and he doesn't get rattled after just being around him for the last few months, whether he is making or missing shots," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "He is always the same."
Wagler followed up his first career basket with a 26-foot running pull-up 3-pointer, helping the Clippers build a 41-26 lead with 48 seconds left in the first quarter.
First career NBA points for Keaton Wagler! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NfU5056XVu
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 22, 2026
Keaton Wagler college stats
The consensus All-American averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists during his only college season with the Fighting Illini.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers rookie Keaton Wagler makes regular season debut