AI Picked Keaton Wagler at Number 5 and Nobody in the League is Ready For It
Alright Emerald City, listen up! We're still a month out from the 2026 NBA Draft, and you know everyone's churning out mock drafts, right? But hold up, USA Today just dropped something wild, something completely different. They actually used Microsoft Copilot AI to spit out their latest first-round predictions, no human bias, pure computer logic. And let me tell you, this thing has some eye-popping takes, especially in the top five. You gotta see this one pick, it's gonna have everyone talking!
The Bots Are Coming For Our Draft Boards!
So, USA Today went full sci-fi on us, ditching the usual talking heads for Microsoft Copilot AI. They even admitted the system needed a bunch of extra prompts to get the order right. Sounds like even the robots are still learning this draft game, huh? But hey, no bias, right? We'll see. The top picks aren't super shocking. The AI has AJ Dybantsa, that BYU star who led the country with 25.5 points and grabbed 6.8 boards, going No. 1 to Washington. Makes sense, he's been painted as a generational talent. Then it's Darryn Peterson to Utah at No. 2. This Kansas phenom averaged 20.2 points, but the AI notes those cramping issues that kept him off the court multiple times. Gotta stay healthy! And No. 3, Duke's own Cameron Boozer, putting up 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for those dominant Blue Devils. His dad, Carlos, played for the Bulls, so Memphis would be a sweet spot for the family. So far, so normal, right? Get ready.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiNumber 5 Just Blew Up Everything We Thought We Knew!
Okay, here's where the AI truly goes off script, and it's got me buzzing. Before we get to the shocker, the Bulls grab Caleb Wilson from North Carolina at No. 4. UNC had a rough year as a program, but Wilson still balled out with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds before a broken hand shut him down in February. He's a sleeper on the rise for sure. BUT THEN. The Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5. And Microsoft Copilot spits out... Keaton Wagler from Illinois! This is the first absolute jaw-dropper from the AI's predictions. The guy was apparently overlooked in recruiting, but Brad Underwood got him to drop 17.9 points, 5.1 boards, and 4.2 assists per game. He went from a virtual unknown to a Top 10 pick in one year? That's insane! The AI even notes he's a "developmental piece." Talk about a leap of faith for the Clippers. Then, wrapping up the top six, Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas heads to the Brooklyn Nets. This guy was a force, dropping 23.5 points a game, third-best in the country. Calipari was even hyping him for Player of the Year honors! AI says Brooklyn needs an "offensive organizer" and Acuff addresses that need. Man, this draft is gonna be wild!
So, what's next? We've still got a month until draft night, and you can bet every human expert out there is scrambling to compare their boards to this AI monster. Will Wagler really jump that high? Are these computer brains seeing something we're not? This mock draft just cranked the hype machine to 11, and I'm here for every single second of it. Get ready for some serious drama, Seattle, because the 2026 NBA Draft is already shaping up to be one for the ages!
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about USA Today.
View X conversation →DFS Pick'em
🏆 Underdog Fantasy: Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries
Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.
👉 Claim your $50 bonus on Underdog FantasySponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.