Clippers take Wagler, Kings add Acuff as NBA's Pacific Division loads up on promising guards

The NBA’s Pacific Division reshaped its guard rotation as the Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler and the Sacramento Kings took Darius Acuff Jr. in this week’s draft, both using top-10 picks on young, high-scoring prospects. Wagler went No. 5 to the Clippers, joining a loaded freshman class and becoming the third Fighting Illini player selected in the top 10 in the modern era. Acuff was chosen No. 7 by Sacramento after one college season at Arkansas that included a 49-point output in a double-overtime loss to Alabama. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors selected seasoned forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, aiming for immediate impact as they try to rebound after missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Lendeborg was a 23-year-old national champion from Michigan and could start right away. The Warriors also added Florida State guard Lajae Jones at No. 54, while other late first-round trades included Cameron Carr to the Lakers at No. 24 and Koa Peat to the Suns at No. 30.