5 2024 NBA Draft prospects who should be on Celtics' radar
By Tyler Watts
2. D.J. Wagner
Wagner entered the season as a potential lottery selection, but his stock has faded to the fringes of the first round. The 6’3 guard has started 24 of 25 games this season but is averaging just 26.6 minutes per game. Credit Kentucky’s depth for that, but Wagner has failed to live up to the hype in multiple areas.
The 18-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals each night while shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 30.4 percent on his 3-point tries. Many expected him to score more and his jumper must improve if Wagner is going to play significant nightly minutes in the NBA.
Wagner came out of high school ranked sixth in his class. He was known as a bucket-getter and would not be the first Kentucky guard to blossom in the NBA. Tyrese Maxey was a projected top pick who slipped into the 20s before becoming an All-Star in year four. Wagner could be the next Wildcat on this list. He has the potential but must improve and put everything together.
The Boston Celtics need guard depth and could use a trusted scorer coming off their bench. D.J. Wagner would fill that role in time and should be available in the late first round.