2026 NBA draft thread

[khaled1987]

Yeah I don´t like that. Floaters are a sign of touch and improvisation. I think there are no great players without touch and improvisation. The closest might be Karl Malone. It was literally the first ten seconds of the Dybantsa video that sold me on him being #1. To finish through contact, off balance, bad angle, and to convert that off the glass. That is next level touch, quick thinking and improvisation you need to be a superstar.

Dybantsa has to be #1. 

I´m torn between the other three. I think Wilson actually has the lowest bust potential, despite the fact that he can´t really shoot. He also has the highest upside, cause he currently can´t shoot. His athleticism and motor are next level just like the Thompson twins. I will wash my keyboard with soap right away now, but the way he moves in atht jersey reminds me of Michael Jordan, and he´s 6´10. At worst he´s a future DPOY. Boozer won´t be a bust either, but he literally might be a slightly better version of his dad. And who the hell knows with Peterson.

Boozer best case scenario is Jokic without the elite passing skills. Which would be great to any team.

While he is unlikely to be that good, I feel folks are really selling him low.

[Chicagojk]

Nate ament scores 12 points in a loss to Vanderbilt but shoots 1-13 from the field.

[Chicagojk]

Good opp to watch Boozer in the ACC tournament.  Duke is without their starting center and point guard due to injuries.    Boozer is pretty much sharing point guard duties with his brother.   The offense pretty much runs through him at the top of the key.   On defense, without a shot blocker behind him you get to see some of his weaknesses.

I thought the last game was not great from him.  Probably the weakest game I have seen from him.  He still put up his normal stats but he missed a ton of easy shots and the defense was not great.

[Smitty]

Houston vs Kansas is a big one tonight. Flemings vs Peterson on ESPN @ 8:30.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

For what it's worth, here's my rankings after watching tournament games:

1. AJ Dybantsa - he's a no doubt future All Star who will average 28+ pts with athleticism to improve anywhere. Plus, he clearly loves the game.

2. Darryn Peterson - I seriously hate his intangibles, but he's a no doubt bucket getter. But I wonder if the world around him isn't absolutely perfect, will he check out.

3. Cam Boozer - He has the highest floor. You can almost guarantee he'll be a double-double guy with great leadership. He's just not as athletic as others in the lottery.

4. Darius Acuff - Here's where I no doubt differ from everyone. Acuff is Damian Lillard version 2.0. I'm more certain that he's an ascending player based on all guards that have played under Caliperi.

5. Kingston Flemings - I can see what people are saying when they see he has Westbrook characteristics. He's a big bodied, above the rim PG. But I worry when people say he couldn't shoot before this season. If he can survive off his athleticism in the NBA, then great.

6. Caleb Wilson - Yes, I can see the KG type defense with the offense developing, but maaaaaaaan, I'm just not in the mood for another injury prone player. AD's injuries I reluctantly get because he has bball miles on him. But can you imagine another Lively?

7. Nate Ament - The NBA is littered with combo players that didn't work out (see Reddish, Cam). But Ament's shot has really come on lately.

8. Brayden Burries - If you're looking for a true co-star for Cooper, Burries might not be it. But if he's your third best player on an NBA team, you're going to win a LOT because he does everything well.

9. Mikal Brown - I don't know. It really depends on which day you see him. Super hit or miss.

Now who do I think is going to be a colossal BUST? Keaton Wagler. He's not athletic. Illinois' coach is using him as the primary ballhandler and I just don't see him beating anyone off the dribble. He's just NOT what the Mavs need. I'd take Burries over him 10 out of 10 times.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

 Is there a world where MIL, DAL and Kyrie consider a move to MIL for their pick in the #10-11 range? Portis+Kuzma would likely be outgoing, ideally not to DAL.

My dream scenario:

The Mavs win #1 and take Dybantsa. Then they trade Kyrie for another lottery pick and take Burries. Screw the positions. You get them because they'd be the highest talent at the pick. Then you use PJ, Naji,  Gafford, etc, to get a PG.

[cow]

5. Kingston Flemings - I can see what people are saying when they see he has Westbrook characteristics. He's a big bodied, above the rim PG. But I worry when people say he couldn't shoot before this season. If he can survive off his athleticism in the NBA, then great.

Does he have Westbrook's motor?  Attitude?

Westbrook is a player I've always admired, but am thankful that he was never on my team.  I just think his limitations put a ceiling on how successful his teams were and why they never got over the hump.  

I don't really expect the draft gods to favor us again as they seem to hate our franchise the most.  I figure we'll end up picking at #6 if we are lucky.

[DallasMaverick]

Does he have Westbrook's motor?  Attitude?

Westbrook is a player I've always admired, but am thankful that he was never on my team.  I just think his limitations put a ceiling on how successful his teams were and why they never got over the hump.  

I don't really expect the draft gods to favor us again as they seem to hate our franchise the most.  I figure we'll end up picking at #6 if we are lucky.

Disappointment is proportional to expectations. So I think you’re in good shape.

[DanSchwartzgan]

For what it's worth, here's my rankings after watching tournament games:

8. Brayden Burries - If you're looking for a true co-star for Cooper, Burries might not be it. But if he's your third best player on an NBA team, you're going to win a LOT because he does everything well.

9. Mikal Brown - I don't know. It really depends on which day you see him. Super hit or miss.

Now who do I think is going to be a colossal BUST? Keaton Wagler. He's not athletic. Illinois' coach is using him as the primary ballhandler and I just don't see him beating anyone off the dribble. He's just NOT what the Mavs need. I'd take Burries over him 10 out of 10 times.

Glad to see Burries getting some love.  I see a lot to like.  Maybe lower ceiling than some, but certainly a higher floor too.  Does he give you enough playmaking/self creation?  If not, is he just a better version of Max?

Brown and Wagler scare me too.  I don’t like Acuff’s size or D, but he fills it up and can play on or off in a system where Flagg generates some of the O.

[DL2RimRocker]

For what it's worth, here's my rankings after watching tournament games:

1. AJ Dybantsa - he's a no doubt future All Star who will average 28+ pts with athleticism to improve anywhere. Plus, he clearly loves the game.

2. Darryn Peterson - I seriously hate his intangibles, but he's a no doubt bucket getter. But I wonder if the world around him isn't absolutely perfect, will he check out.

3. Cam Boozer - He has the highest floor. You can almost guarantee he'll be a double-double guy with great leadership. He's just not as athletic as others in the lottery.

4. Darius Acuff - Here's where I no doubt differ from everyone. Acuff is Damian Lillard version 2.0. I'm more certain that he's an ascending player based on all guards that have played under Caliperi.

5. Kingston Flemings - I can see what people are saying when they see he has Westbrook characteristics. He's a big bodied, above the rim PG. But I worry when people say he couldn't shoot before this season. If he can survive off his athleticism in the NBA, then great.

6. Caleb Wilson - Yes, I can see the KG type defense with the offense developing, but maaaaaaaan, I'm just not in the mood for another injury prone player. AD's injuries I reluctantly get because he has bball miles on him.  But can you imagine another Lively?

7. Nate Ament - The NBA is littered with combo players that didn't work out (see Reddish, Cam).  But Ament's shot has really come on lately.

8. Brayden Burries - If you're looking for a true co-star for Cooper, Burries might not be it. But if he's your third best player on an NBA team, you're going to win a LOT because he does everything well.

9. Mikal Brown - I don't know. It really depends on which day you see him. Super hit or miss.

Now who do I think is going to be a colossal BUST? Keaton Wagler. He's not athletic. Illinois' coach is using him as the primary ballhandler and I just don't see him beating anyone off the dribble. He's just NOT what the Mavs need. I'd take Burries over him 10 out of 10 times.

I'm with you on Acuff.
Wouldnt surprise me if he has the best NBAcareer in this draft. 

I've been down on him because of his questionable size but he just keeps impressing the more I watch him.

The kid plays with heart and is a flat out winner. The type of guy who can lead and carry a team.

[Smitty]

I’ve been off the Peterson #1 train for a while. His talent is undeniable but he’s 3rd for me all day. Too many question marks.

As of this moment my top 10 are:
1) Dybantsa
2) Boozer
3) Peterson
4) Wilson
5) Wagler
6) Flemings
7) Brown Jr.
8) Ament
9) Acuff
10) Mullins

Exactly one month later and they have shuffled a bit, 5 thru 9, but the names remain the same for me.

As of this moment my top 10 are:
1) Dybantsa (SF)
2) Boozer (PF)
3) Peterson (SG)
4) Wilson (SF)
5) Acuff (PG)
6) Flemings (PG)
7) Brown Jr. (PG)
8) Wagler (SG)
9) Ament (SF)
10) Mullins (SG)

Honorable mention: Burries (SG)

[mvossman]

Exactly one month later and they have shuffled a bit, 5 thru 9, but the names remain the same for me.

As of this moment my top 10 are:
1) Dybantsa (SF)
2) Boozer (PF)
3) Peterson (SG)
4) Wilson (SF)
5) Acuff (PG)
6) Flemings (PG)
7) Brown Jr. (PG)
8) Wagler (SG)
9) Ament (SF)
10) Mullins (SG)

Honorable mention: Burries (SG)

This is about where I am at.  Probably have Wagler over Brown.  I used to think if they don't get a top 4 they should be good with a top 8.  Now I really hope they get in the top 6.  For me Acuff/Flemings are separating from the rest.

[vfromlmf]

Here's my draft board for the Mavs. I don't think these guys are drafted 1-10. Tiers 1 and 2 are pretty clear but there are some other players / archetypes that could fall into Tier 3

Tier 1 - Interchangeable - potential franchise players (clear top-3)
- Initiator - Peterson
- Wing / 4 handler - Boozer
- Wing / 4 handler - Dybantsa

Tier 2 - All NBA talent (4-7)
- Initiator - Flemings
- Initiator - Brown Jr
- Off ball wing / 4 - Wilson

Tier 3 - Mid / high lottery (6-10)
- Initiator - Philon
- Combo guard - Wagler
- Initiator - Acuff

Tier 4 - mid / late lottery (10-14)
- Combo guard - Burries
- Off ball wing / 4 - Ament

[Winter]

Exactly one month later and they have shuffled a bit, 5 thru 9, but the names remain the same for me.

As of this moment my top 10 are:
1) Dybantsa (SF)
2) Boozer (PF)
3) Peterson (SG)
4) Wilson (SF)
5) Acuff (PG)
6) Flemings (PG)
7) Brown Jr. (PG)
8) Wagler (SG)
9) Ament (SF)
10) Mullins (SG)

Honorable mention: Burries (SG)

I agree with Mvmossman about Wagler over Brown, but for me the biggest confusion would be at #10. I like Mullins but he's really hard to pin down. He's not UCONN's go-to guy really. I just can't tell how his skills will translate. I don't mind keeping him at #10 but I have really no feeling between him and a few other players like Burries or Philon.

[mvossman]

Now who do I think is going to be a colossal BUST? Keaton Wagler. He's not athletic. Illinois' coach is using him as the primary ballhandler and I just don't see him beating anyone off the dribble. He's just NOT what the Mavs need. I'd take Burries over him 10 out of 10 times.

I don't know if Wagler will be a bust, but we have had a couple guys come through here that were not elite athletes but were elite NBA offensive players.  Wagler has some similar traits to those guys.  He plays with high BBIQ and utilizes pace to create space instead of athleticism.  Brunson took 3 years in college and several more years in the NBA to become an elite NBA player.  Wagler's rise has been much faster.  He was a late bloomer who was not heavily recruited.  He went from potentially red shirting his freshman season, to starting SG, to taking over PG duties due to injury, to leading one of the best offenses in the country.  I don't know if he continues to rise, but there is definitely a path to him becoming an elite NBA offensive player.

[mvossman]

I agree with Mvmossman about Wagler over Brown, but for me the biggest confusion would be at #10. I like Mullins but he's really hard to pin down. He's not UCONN's go-to guy really. I just can't tell how his skills will translate. I don't mind keeping him at #10 but I have really no feeling between him and a few other players like Burries or Philon.

Fortunately we shouldn't have to worry about the 10 spot (those odds are less than getting Flagg).  The most likely spot we land in is 7.  If we end up there, hopefully someone grabs Brown and Acuff or Flemings are available.

[vfromlmf]

Mullins is a good player but the challenge I see for him in Dallas is the archetype which I peg more as an off ball guard/wing. This is more like what you already have in Christie, Klay and Martin, and while Klay and Martin aren't long for Dallas, I don't see this as the most valuable role to fill in modern roster construction.

Obviously the Mavs have a major need for a lead guard / initiator archetype. In theory, Kyrie is that guy next season, but longer term you're looking for an Ant, Mitchell, Booker type. Darren Peterson is the guy you want in this draft but I think they can also build around Flemings, Brown Jr, Acuff, Philon etc., though with compromises, and the deeper you go in the draft more questions come up like size, switchability on defense, shooting question marks, lack of rim pressure etc.

Flagg fits the Wing / 4 handler archetype perfect and has obvious position flexibility between traditional SF/PF. You can win a Championship in the modern NBA with two big wings who can handle and I think Flagg + either Dybantsa or Boozer would be a amazing.

But if you don't land top-3 you have other bigger-than-Mullins options on the wing if you're not going to draft a ball handler. Obviously Wilson but further down you also have Ament. Wilson is the better prospect and he could develop into a 2-way force but I'd probably draft Ament ahead of Mullins just based on size.

I'd probably also go combo-guard i.e. a ball handler who can play next to either Kyrie or Christie -- guys like Wagler or Burries - before Mullins.

[rocky164]

As long as we’re dreaming…I’d love to see Dybantsa-Flagg-Lively-Christi-and Kyrie with PJ-Naji either Gafford or Bagley, Klay and a good back up PG maybe even Nembhard. That team if healthy could make a deep playoff run.
Come on Gump make it happen!!

[F Gump]

As long as we’re dreaming…I’d love to see Dybantsa-Flagg-Lively-Christi-and Kyrie with PJ-Naji either Gafford or Bagley, Klay and a good back up PG maybe even Nembhard.  That team if healthy could make a deep playoff run. 
Come on Gump make it happen!!

LOL

I like that, but I sure am intrigued by the upside of Wilson. He is a monster in the way he attacks the basket and finishes. I know the complaint over his 3-pt pct, but I love players who play above the rim in a dominant way, and even more those who can attack the basket on their own. The fact that he is a dominant player on defense makes him even more intriguing to me.

[Chicagojk]

I don’t think he enters the draft as a freshman but I almost feel like giving him a promise at 30. Really like him. Awesome defender too

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV3vunmjd...libmZlMw==