Kentucky's DJ Wagner Falling, Rob Dillingham Rising in Latest NBA Mock Draft

Kentucky's guard play off of the bench has been excellent to begin the season.

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Nov 20, 2023 6:22 PM EST

In this story:

Kentucky basketball's guard play has overall been great to begin the season.

That is, if one looks to the Wildcats' bench to see how the position is performing.

Starting guard DJ Wagner has been underperforming to begin the season, especially when compared to Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, both of whom have come off the bench for UK and put up significantly better numbers.

While Sheppard (hopefully) won't make a move to the NBA until next season, former five-star Rob Dillingham is rising up draft boards while Wagner is falling.

Once a projected lottery pick, Wagner is barely holding onto a spot in the first round in MSN's latest NBA mock draft.

Wagner is currently projected to go No. 29 to the Philadelphia 76ers while Dillingham is slotted at No. 26 to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Here's what MSN writer Krysten Peek had to say about Wagner:

"Wagner hasn't adapted to the college game as early as scouts have anticipated. There are some early red flags with his finishes around the rim that have been unsuccessful and his inability to convert from 3-point range. Wagner is averaging only 9.3 points and 2.8 assists and was held to one field goal in 25 minutes (for four points) in a loss to Kansas. He is still one of the top freshman talents coming in and could pop a bit more with the return of Aaron Bradshaw and Zvonimir Ivisic, whenever the pair of 7-footers are cleared."

He's clearly struggled and may get pushed for playing time by Sheppard and Dillingham. Peek said this about Dillingham's first few games of action:

Dillingham is the best passer in college basketball and has a great touch around the rim with his size. He's a true competitor who is making NBA scouts look at him as a first-round prospect with the way he facilitates and sees the floor in transition. His 3-point shot is improving and even with his size, he's showing he's a lead guard who impacts winning for a team full of talent. Dillingham is averaging 16.8 points and 4.3 assists per game.

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