Mavericks miss their chance to draft perfect Cooper Flagg co-star thanks to old rival

A former (or perhaps still current) Dallas Mavericks rival just snagged one of the Mavericks' most ideal fits alongside budding superstar Cooper Flagg. That rival? The Los Angeles Clippers, who selected former Illinois guard Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick.

Clippers–Mavericks rivalry reignited as LA steals Keaton Wagler

While it may not seem like these two teams have much of a rivalry today, it wasn't long ago that the Mavericks and Clippers were regular postseason foes. LA knocked Dallas out in the first round of the 2020 playoffs, 4-2, then did it again in 2021, that time in a seven-game series. The Mavericks finally got their revenge in 2024, eliminating the Clippers in the opening round, also helping usher in the end of an era for Los Angeles.

Nonetheless, both franchises appear to be entering a new era. The Mavericks are building around Flagg under new leadership and a new head coach, while the Clippers have begun shifting toward a younger core, with Kawhi Leonard potentially the next veteran to be moved.

As a result, this rivalry could soon be renewed. And the latest chapter may already have been written, with Wagler landing in LA despite looking like an ideal fit in Dallas.

Why Wagler was an ideal complement for Flagg and the Mavericks

Wagler, a 6-foot-5 combo guard who can score from all three levels, looked like an exemplary fit alongside both Kyrie Irving and Flagg. He could have complemented Irving in the backcourt while also serving as a secondary playmaker next to Flagg for years to come.

Despite concerns about Wagler's athleticism and defense entering the draft, Dallas would have been one of the better environments for him to overcome those shortcomings. The Mavericks' size and rim protection would have helped mask his deficiencies, with P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford providing plenty of support behind him. Even Flagg, for Pete's sake.

But, of course, Wagler's versatile offensive game was his calling card — one that surely impressed both the Clippers and the Mavericks. The 6-foot-5 guard shot 44.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from beyond the arc while averaging 18.7 points per game. His combination of crafty finishing, pick-and-roll wizardry, and soft touch around the rim made him arguably the most polished offensive guard in the class.

Now, Dallas will have to watch Wagler kickstart his career in the City of Angels rather than alongside Flagg. It's a frustrating outcome for a Mavericks team that appeared to be an ideal landing spot for the young guard, and one fans may be reminded of every time he takes the floor against Dallas.

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