Acuff vs Wagler vs Flemings: Who Is the Best Point Guard in the NBA Draft?

Sometimes players just stick together in terms of placement when it comes to sports, and that might be what we’re witnessing in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While the top four prospects are all forwards or shooting guards (yes, Darryn Peterson, for this article, we’re making you a two-guard), the next three names on most consensus rankings are three point guards who all have the potential to be legitimate stars in the league.

So, of the three, who is best?

As we stand 40 days out from draft night, here are my current rankings.

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1. Keaton Wagler (Illinois)

Wagler is like the story of Goldilocks: while Acuff Jr. might be too offensive and Flemings is too defensive, the 6-foot-6 point guard is maybe the perfect balance.

Although he might not be the defender or talisman that Kingston Flemings is, he has a much higher offensive upside, with the ability to rain down threes and take over games as a gunner if asked.

2. Kingston Flemings (Houston)

Flemings is a fascinating prospect who plays bigger than his 6-foot-3 frame and can command the court better than some young point guards already in the NBA. He was asked to do a lot on a Houston Cougars team with aspirations of a national championship, and he did all he could to get them back to the Final Four.

Although his shooting isn’t his calling card, Flemings is a positive scorer and is more than just an exceptional defender.

3. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)

Acuff Jr. can score. He is a menace on the floor, and we saw that in the SEC tournament and March Madness when he was dancing through teams and striking daggers into their heart from deep.

But his defense is atrocious. If the shooting and explosiveness don’t directly translate to the NBA, he’s a black hole on the court that teams will eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-night snack.

Still, Acuff Jr. is a special athlete and can improve. Even if his defense never turns into a plus, if that scoring and those attacks to the rim do continue in the NBA, then he might be the quickest of the three to superstardom.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 1:53 AM.