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NBA Draft Analysis: Has Keaton Wagler Passed Mikel Brown Jr. as a Lottery Prospect?

Two tall guards likely to be high draft picks, but with significant differences

Jeremias Engelmann's avatar
Jeremias Engelmann
Mar 03, 2026
∙ Paid
Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images/Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)


I’ve done deep dives on nine of the top NBA prospects, from Darryn Peterson to Kingston Flemings.

Let’s take a closer look at two of the most exciting draft prospects: Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr., who are battling for a mid-lottery spot this June.

Here are my evaluations of these two guards, using stats and video:


Keaton Wagler

Illinois
Freshman
Shooting guard
6’6” | 185 lbs
Age on draft night: 19.4 years

What works for Wagler

Five weeks ago, I covered the incredible quality at the top of this draft class:


The five freshman who made the list had a Box Plus-Minus (BPM) of 12 or better. Keaton Wagler didn’t make it then — but he would now. That’s how strongly he’s progressed this season as a draft prospect.

Wagler’s BPM has seen significant improvement, all the way up to 13. As a reference point, that puts Wagler ahead of AJ Dybantsa in BPM, although not on most draft boards.

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Jeremias Engelmann's avatar
A guest post by
Jeremias Engelmann
Basketball analyst. Creator of ESPN's Real Plus-Minus. Formerly with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks
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