Mavericks predicted to draft point guard that once seemed impossible at nine

The NBA Draft is less than a month away, and many draft experts have been creating their own mock drafts. The Ringer is no different, as they predicted that Illinois guard Keaton Wagler would fall to the Dallas Mavericks with the ninth pick earlier this month.

If Wagler were to fall into the Mavs' lap at nine, this would be an absolute steal for them. The idea of Wagler falling to Dallas once seemed impossible, with most mock drafts having him drafted way before nine. His presence alone could help form a dangerous duo with Cooper Flagg and give Dallas a much-needed upgrade in their backcourt.

Wagler has some of the best positional size at the point guard position in the draft, as he measured at 6-foot-5 barefoot at the combine, meaning he should be listed at 6-foot-6 in the NBA. This is massive for an NBA point guard, and having a facilitator with this type of size and shooting is an extremely promising proposition for a team looking for answers.

Wagler is a projected top-10 pick, and if The Ringer's prediction comes true, then it would be another draft win for a team hoping to turn things around. Dallas has made it clear they want to build around Flagg, so drafting Wagler would kickstart that mission. Plus, the one way to build around Flagg is to put shooters around him.

Keaton Wagler could slide to Dallas at nine

It's without question that players like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are projected to be the top four picks in the upcoming draft. After the top four, players such as Kingston Flemings, Darius Acuff Jr., and Mikel Brown Jr. could follow.

Assuming the seven players mentioned above are selected right away, then this leaves the door open for Keaton Wagler to fall into the Mavs' lap at nine. It would turn a once-impossible selection at nine into something more believable, and Mavericks fans would be fired up about it. Compared to other mock drafts from major outlets, The Ringer's prediction makes this once-unthinkable scenario seem possible.

For example, Yahoo Sports' most recent mock draft predicts Wagler to go to the LA Clippers at five. Other outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN also have him going at five. So, the idea of him being available at nine would make this an absolute steal after other outlets predicted otherwise.

There's no question that Wagler is a top player in the draft. He has all the intangibles to help elevate the Mavs' offense. So, if he were available at nine, Dallas would have to draft him, especially when other outlets had him much higher on their boards. It's a move the Mavs couldn't ignore.

Wagler's skillset make him the perfect fit next to Flagg

If Wagler were to fall to Dallas at nine, he would drastically help improve the Mavs' offense. The young Illinois guard recently proved his worth at the NBA Combine, where he showcased his ability to stretch the floor. He has the ideal size and versatility to complement Flagg, making him a long-term fit.

One thing that stands out is his shooting. Last season, Wagler shot 44.5 overall and 39.7 from the 3-point line. He had his best game in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, where he shot 57.1 percent from long range. His dominant shooting helped Illinois advance to the next round.

It was Wagler's strong shooting that helped carry Illinois to the Final Four. He would be the perfect solution for Dallas, as they were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league last season. His high shooting efficiency, though, would help create opportunities for players like Cooper Flagg and help spread the offense more.

Along with his shooting, Wagler is also a smart and energetic facilitator. The young phenom can easily attack open spaces and create opportunities for those around him. He isn't afraid to attack the paint and score inside or dish it out to an open teammate.

The reality is, Mavs fans should be excited about the idea of Keaton Wagler falling to them at nine, and The Ringer once believed it's possible. He checks off their boxes of what they need in their future point guard and would be a major steal in the NBA Draft. His presence alone could redefine Dallas' future.

Mavs fans can only hope the basketball gods work their magic for them once again.

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