Pacific Draft Success
Pacific Division Teams Draft Key Talent: Wagler to Clippers, Acuff to Kings, Others Boost Rosters
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The Pacific Division made a bold statement on draft night, loading up on high-scoring guards in the top 10. The Los Angeles Clippers took Illinois guard Keaton Wagler at No. 5 overall, while the Sacramento Kings grabbed Darius Acuff Jr. shortly after, according to Newsday.
The draft also brought moves from three other Pacific teams. The Golden State Warriors added Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to No. 24 to grab Baylor guard Cameron Carr. And the Phoenix Suns traded into the first round to take Arizona's Koa Peat at No. 30, WWLTV reported.
Wagler's Pick Makes Illinois Draft History
Keaton Wagler's selection at No. 5 is a milestone for the Illinois program. He is only the third Fighting Illini player taken in the top 10 during the modern NBA era. He joins Deron Williams, who went No. 3 in 2005, and Kendall Gill, who went No. 5 in 1990, according to Twin Cities Business Radio.
Wagler said joining the Clippers felt like a dream. "I'm ready to learn from the veterans and bring that Champaign toughness to the Intuit Dome," he said. ESPN's Jonathan Givony called Wagler the "most polished pure scorer" in the entire draft class. The Clippers appear to be building around him as their next cornerstone.
Kings Bank on Acuff to Fuel Their Scoring Attack
Sacramento took Darius Acuff Jr. in the top 10, betting on his ability to create his own shot. Kings GM Monte McNair said the team had tracked Acuff since high school. "His ability to create his own shot is elite, and he fits our tempo perfectly," McNair said, per WD Times.
Some analysts at The Ringer questioned how Acuff fits next to All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox. But most agree that in today's NBA, teams can never have too many 20-point-per-game threats. Acuff gives Sacramento a second high-usage scorer to take pressure off Fox in big moments.
Warriors Pick Lendeborg to Extend Curry's Window
Golden State selected Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg to bolster their frontcourt. Lendeborg averaged 12.4 rebounds per game in college. Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said Lendeborg "brings a physical edge we needed" and "understands how to play off superstars," per WWLTV.
The pick signals a clear shift in Golden State's strategy. The Warriors had debated for years between rebuilding and competing now. Lendeborg is a seasoned, ready college producer. That makes him a "win-now" pick — one designed to help maximize Stephen Curry's remaining championship years.
Lakers Trade Up for Carr, Suns Grab Hometown Peat
The Lakers moved from No. 25 to No. 24 by trading the New York Knicks a future second-round pick and cash. They used the pick on Baylor guard Cameron Carr. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said Carr was still available when the team moved up. "His length and shooting profile are exactly what Coach Redick's system requires," Pelinka said, per Newsday. Some analysts had Carr ranked as high as No. 14 on their draft boards.
Phoenix closed out the first round by trading into No. 30 to select Koa Peat, a forward from the University of Arizona. Peat called staying in Arizona "a blessing." His estimated first-year salary is $4.2 million under the current NBA contract rules. The pick fills the Suns' biggest weakness — versatile frontcourt depth — while giving the team a local fan-favorite to market, according to BDT Online.
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