Keaton Wagler at #5: The AI's Wild Card Pick That Has the Entire NBA Draft Class On Notice

Alright, folks, get ready to have your minds blown because the 2026 NBA Draft is still a month away, but things just got WILD. Every sports site out there is dropping mock drafts, but USA Today just unleashed something truly bonkers. They used Microsoft Copilot AI to generate their latest mock picks, taking out all human bias. And let me tell you, the machine threw in a top-five name that's making everyone do a double take. It took a few extra prompts for the AI to even get the order right, but what it spit out is pure, unadulterated draft chaos.

The Top Four: Future Franchise Players According to the Bots

The AI's top pick isn't a huge shocker, which is good, I guess. At No. 1, the Washington Wizards are projected to snag **AJ Dybantsa** from BYU. This dude led the whole country in scoring with 25.5 points per game, also pulling down 6.8 rebounds. The buzz has been around him as a generational talent for years, so the AI sees the Wizards, deep in a rebuild, grabbing him to fill their need for a high-usage, shot-creating wing. Makes sense. Then at No. 2, the Utah Jazz grab **Darryn Peterson** out of Kansas. Another "generational talent," though his college season had some drama with cramping issues keeping him off the court. But when he's healthy, he's a monster, averaging 20.2 points per game. The AI likes Peterson for Utah because their roster needs a perimeter creator who can light it up from anywhere, complementing their established big men. Next up, the Memphis Grizzlies are projected to get **Cameron Boozer** from Duke at No. 3. This guy absolutely dominated the ACC, putting up 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Plus, his dad is former Bulls player Carlos Boozer, so that's a cool connection. Copilot thinks Boozer's post scoring and passing would stabilize Memphis's halfcourt offense, easing up on guard-driven creation. Finally, the Chicago Bulls get **Caleb Wilson** from North Carolina at No. 4. UNC had a rough year, but Wilson was a bright spot with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds, before a broken hand ended his season in February. The AI sees Wilson filling Chicago's gap for frontcourt athleticism and defensive versatility as a modern, switchable forward.

The AI's Jaw-Dropping No. 5 Pick and Another Potential Star

Alright, hold onto your hats, because here's where the AI goes rogue. The Los Angeles Clippers are slotted to take **Keaton Wagler** from Illinois at No. 5. Wagler was apparently overlooked in recruiting, but Brad Underwood, his coach, turned him into a monster. He put up 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, going from unknown to a projected top 10 pick in one season. This is the AI's first true shocker, pegging Wagler as a developmental piece who can grow into a larger offensive role without needing to carry the team right away. Honestly, that's a wild card move that will have scouts buzzing about how much stock they put into a computer's projection! And at No. 6, the Brooklyn Nets grab **Darius Acuff Jr.** from Arkansas. While Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer got all the hype for No. 1, some, including John Calipari, were pushing Acuff for Player of the Year or even the top spot. He was the country's third-leading scorer, dropping 23.5 points per game. The AI says Brooklyn needs a central offensive organizer, and Acuff fits that bill perfectly as a primary ball-handler who can structure possessions. So, what does this all mean for the upcoming draft? With an AI dropping bombshells like Wagler at No. 5, it just shows how much uncertainty there is. Will teams lean into unexpected picks, or stick to the traditional scouting reports? We'll find out in a month. This AI mock draft definitely gives us something spicy to chew on until then!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.