Clippers' Keaton Wagler reveals thought behind new jersey number

Keaton Wagler will have a new look when he takes the court with the LA Clippers after needing to choose a new jersey number for the 2026-27 season.

Wagler wore No. 3 at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas. Upon committing to play at Illinois last season, that number was taken by Ben Humrichous, so Wagler opted to wear No. 23 as a freshman with the Fighting Illini.

The No. 5 overall pick needed to make another change after arriving in Los Angeles, with teammate Isaiah Jackson occupying No. 23 with the Clippers. He ultimately went with No. 1.

“I kind of just picked it,” Wagler said last month, via the NBA on X. “The jersey number I used to wear wasn’t available, so one, I thought, was a good number, and it is kind of like new beginnings.”

Wagler became the first Illini freshman to be named a consensus All-American, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range. He set numerous freshman program records, including points (663), field goals (202) and 3s (87).

The 19-year-old debuted with the Clippers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 18 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 33.3% from 3-point range in four games. He scored 20 or more points twice, including a 26-point effort on July 17.

Wagler enters next season with the eighth-highest odds for Rookie of the Year. He will have high expectations as a top-five pick and should be in store for a productive year after a dazzling showing in Las Vegas.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Clippers’ Keaton Wagler reveals thought behind new jersey number