What is the NBA draft?
The NBA draft is the yearly event in which teams of the National Basketball Association choose new players, mostly young athletes coming from college or other leagues. Teams pick in an order set by the league, and the team with the first pick chooses first. The sources here focus on the 2026 draft.
Why it's in the news
The Clippers' No. 5 pick, Keaton Wagler, scored his first NBA points this week, while the team started the 2026-27 season 1-2 with several injuries. The sources do not give the full results or order for other drafts, so those are not covered here.
- Keaton Wagler — No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler scores first NBA points for Clippers
Background
The NBA draft is the league's annual selection process for new players. Teams take turns choosing players, and the order of picks generally follows the teams' records, with the weakest teams usually choosing earlier. A player chosen in the draft is then able to sign with the team that selected him.
In the news now, Keaton Wagler was selected fifth in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Wagler is a former Illinois player. On October 21, 2026, the league's website reported that he scored his first two NBA points as a Clipper, when he attacked the basket and scored. One headline reported a debut of 15 points and five assists.
The story matters because it shows how a draft pick performs once he joins a team. The Clippers started the 2026-27 season with a 1-2 record and a number of injuries. Forward Rui Hachimura was set to miss a game against the Lakers with left quad soreness, so the Clippers were playing short-handed.
What people are asking
What is the NBA draft 2026?
The 2026 NBA draft is the draft that produced Keaton Wagler, who was selected fifth by the Los Angeles Clippers. The sources do not list the full 2026 draft results or order.
Who was the No. 5 pick in the NBA draft?
Keaton Wagler, a former Illinois player, was selected fifth in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
What did Keaton Wagler do in his first NBA game?
On October 21, 2026, Wagler scored his first two NBA points as a Clipper. One headline reported a debut of 15 points and five assists.