Keaton Wagler continues to find his footing in his first season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft has found a way to contribute to coach Tyronn Lue’s team, averaging 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists through 11 games played this season.
The rookie has not made his first official start but has averaged 22.7 minutes per game off the bench.
Wagler modeled part of his game after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who spent his rookie season with the Clippers in 2018 before he was later traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Being in the NBA has afforded Wagler opportunities early in the season to play against some of his idols with the Clippers having played the Thunder twice this season.
"It was a cool experience,"
Wagler told reporters about being able to play against Gilgeous-Alexander. "Growing up I really liked Shai, his game and being able to go up against him."
Wagler has drawn praise from Gilgeous-Alexander after those two meetings.
"He has good feel. Can really shoot," Gilgeous-Alexander said about the rookie after the Clippers' 113-112 victory against the Thunder on Friday, Nov. 13. "Usually when you have those things, the game will slow down for you eventually.
"He’s in a good situation where he can play a lot. There are good coaches over there, so he’ll learn the game the right way. As long as he works hard, he should have a long runway to be whoever he wants to be."
Tyronn Lue issues apology to Keaton Wagler
The Clippers have struggled to start the season, winning just three of their first 11 games, including Friday's victory against the Thunder.
Earlier this month, Lue apologized to the rookie for not getting him more playing time.
"That's just what I felt like," Lue said about Wagler’s minutes after a 117-116 overtime loss to the Miami Heat on Nov. 4.
Wagler played a season-low 16 minutes against Miami. He finished with 11 points and a team-high +15 while on the court.
Lue told reporters on Nov. 8 that he had apologized to Wagler after having rewatched the film from the game, telling him he earned more playing time than he received.
Wagler averaged 19.6 minutes per game over the last three games since Lue's apology.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers rookie Keaton Wagler draws praise from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
