2026 NBA draft thread

[F Gump]

The only danger with this is that 1) Robins are hard to come by, and ....

Give me a surefire Robin (not just the second-best Mav player, but a legit expectation to be a 2nd star) for Kyrie, and that makes sense. But I don't see that trade as something likely to be on the table.

[mvossman]

I think exactly the opposite. From what I hear, Masai sees Kyrie as incredibly valuable, and plans to pair him with CF as the core engine of the team. They will be looking to build around those two. 

If I'm right, in some ways it changes the way they chase roster building (draft, MLE, other FA's, trades). Rather than needing players who they hope to be The Guy, they will be looking for ones who can be the worker bees around those 2.

I actually think we could see the biggest change come at the other end (size-wise) of the roster. Their C position is a mess, as it takes them 5-6 players to get through a season. That's not a practical distribution of roster slots.

I don't expect the new GM to come out and say they are planning on trading the fan favorite player.  I look more towards actions than words, and Masai has a history of making trades like this.  

You have said yourself that this is probably a 4-5 year rebuild.  Do you really think Kyrie is playing a significant role at age 39?

[F Gump]

I agree, but I think height is just one factor.  I think wingspan and bulk (weight) are important too.  Big difference between a 6' 3" guy who weight 210 lbs and one built like Trae Young.

I agree there's a difference, but I wonder if we do have some Trae Young's in this draft size-wise (and I think a guy like that would have too low of a ceiling to interest me). Philon is one possibility. Let's wait and see what the measurements turn out to be on these players -- the data should be available in the next 48 hours..

[Smitty]

Re. Kyrie: Sure, there’s a price where it makes sense. Everyone will have a different answer on what they’d find acceptable, so no need to get into it. BUT, I think Kyrie will have a very loud voice with any trade talk this summer. I’m not saying it’s right or that Masai has to follow through, I just think his wants will be expressed and heard at the very least.

As a fan of the Mavs, and one that wants them to win more games than they lose -- I want Kyrie on the team next year. I think his presence, leadership, and play style will be valuable for Year 2 Coop, which in the end is all that really matters to me.

My personal thoughts are that a Kyrie trade at the TDL could be more reasonable and worth talking about. One, he will have had a chance to show the league he’s healthy and playing at an All-NBA level again, like he was prior to the ACL tear. Depending on where the Mavs are in the standings, and which teams consider themselves a Kyrie away, his market may actually bring that young player that the FO considers a potential Robin.

[dirkfansince1998]

Only reason not to trade Kyrie this summer is that his trade value is as low as it gets. Injury prone old guard returning after he hasn't played in the NBA for more than a year. Him not being the same player that he was when we last saw him is a pretty realistic scenario. There might be a few fringe contenders that are willing to risk it but the return probably wouldn't be great.

[DallasMaverick]

I feel like I have a different approach to this than everyone else here. Whatever we end up doing in this draft, even if it's something where I would throw my popcorn at the screen if Nico, Riccardi, and/or Finley were doing it, I will likely react, "Hmm, interesting," and be fine, curious, and extremely optimistic about how it will pan out because we have *two grown basketball men* in charge. First time since Nellie, and better than that. To be quite honest, I don't think that happens. I think I'll be wowed, amazed, and thrilled.

I would not presume that Nico et al. know better than me. I know for a fact that Masai and Schmitz know better than me.

Ah, the honeymoon.

When our newest acquisition appears better than any other, the epitome of perfection, grace, and beauty.

All is good in the world, our outlook is rosy, and the painful realities of failure and disappointment haven't disrupted our reality.

...but give us a couple of draft flops, maybe a trade or two that doesn't work in our favor, and our wandering eyes will be longingly glancing at Presti and Stevens once again.

[mvossman]

Re. Kyrie: Sure, there’s a price where it makes sense. Everyone will have a different answer on what they’d find acceptable, so no need to get into it. BUT, I think Kyrie will have a very loud voice with any trade talk this summer. I’m not saying it’s right or that Masai has to follow through, I just think his wants will be expressed and heard at the very least.

As a fan of the Mavs, and one that wants them to win more games than they lose -- I want Kyrie on the team next year. I think his presence, leadership, and play style will be valuable for Year 2 Coop, which in the end is all that really matters to me.

My personal thoughts are that a Kyrie trade at the TDL could be more reasonable and worth talking about. One, he will have had a chance to show the league he’s healthy and playing at an All-NBA level again, like he was prior to the ACL tear. Depending on where the Mavs are in the standings, and which teams consider themselves a Kyrie away, his market may actually bring that young player that the FO considers a potential Robin.

Totally agree that if it happens it will likely be TDL for the same reasons.  I don't know that they get a potential Robin player, but more likely assets that contribute to landing a Robin.

[SkenfromLMF]

I don't think that requires any additional picks or salary. There's a drop off between 9 and 12 and 30 and 37.
At 9, Brown or Burries is better than what's left at 12. And there's a drop around #32/33. At #30 you still have a shot at Okorie and a number of wings. If I'm dealing with OKC, it's 9+30 for 12+17+37. But I'm not sure I do that.

Yeah I am asking what does it take to keep 30 or at least give 48 instead.

[F Gump]

I don't expect the new GM to come out and say they are planning on trading the fan favorite player.  I look more towards actions than words, and Masai has a history of making trades like this.  

You have said yourself that this is probably a 4-5 year rebuild.  Do you really think Kyrie is playing a significant role at age 39?

I don't think anyone but CF is a lock to be here in 5 years. They are ALL temps (Kyrie included). That's how the NBA works these days. So yes, everyone is expendable. I expect plenty of turnover along the way. 

But as they go, I think they will be trying to assemble winning rosters. Winning and playing well makes players more desirable to a trade partner. I don't think they will give away talent when it's a player they need and can't replace. And from where we are, I don't think Kyrie is really replaceable on this roster (and they really need two like him, not one). 

Or, to put it another way, while I don't expect them to burn up future assets and draft capital to make it happen, I do think they will aim to win in 2026-27, and see where it can take them. I don't think their focus will be on 5 years from now. 

FWIW, I wouldn't be surprised if their biggest change of current players happens at the TDL, after they see where they are.

[Chicagojk]

The first four look pretty set, but will there be any surprises?   Utah is loaded at PF/C, but is there any chance they pick Boozer at 2?   That would be shocking, but Ainge will take the best player.    If Boozer makes it to 3, would the Grizz gamble on Wilson over him?   I hope we get a lot of debate with these picks because ranking are really team preference with these 4.   i don't believe anyone else will jump into this top 4 mix.

[Smitty]

@BrettSiegelNBA
Two teams are expected to hold trade talks with the Wizards about the No. 1 pick: the Jazz & Nets.

While the expectation is that Washington will keep the pick and take AJ Dybantsa, the Wizards will hear out all offers coming their way.

More on the draft and trade talks below:
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories...l-60-picks

[michaeltex]

Re. Kyrie: Sure, there’s a price where it makes sense. Everyone will have a different answer on what they’d find acceptable, so no need to get into it. BUT, I think Kyrie will have a very loud voice with any trade talk this summer. I’m not saying it’s right or that Masai has to follow through, I just think his wants will be expressed and heard at the very least.

As a fan of the Mavs, and one that wants them to win more games than they lose -- I want Kyrie on the team next year. I think his presence, leadership, and play style will be valuable for Year 2 Coop, which in the end is all that really matters to me.

My personal thoughts are that a Kyrie trade at the TDL could be more reasonable and worth talking about. One, he will have had a chance to show the league he’s healthy and playing at an All-NBA level again, like he was prior to the ACL tear. Depending on where the Mavs are in the standings, and which teams consider themselves a Kyrie away, his market may actually bring that young player that the FO considers a potential Robin.

IF (big IF) Kyrie can make the same nightly impact he could before the injury, then DAL may be more competitive than we give them credit for. 

DAL had 45 clutch games this season and won 37.8% (17 of 45) of them. If Kyrie's presence can flip that around to ~62% (28 of 45), then DAL would be right in there with a lot of other seeded playoff teams. I don't know if that's feasible, but the number of clutch situations shows how competitive the team was but just didn't have the firepower to put up a "W". IMO, a little improvement could make a big difference in the results and get the team to start believing they can win.

[mvossman]

I don't think anyone but CF is a lock to be here in 5 years. They are ALL temps (Kyrie included). That's how the NBA works these days. So yes, everyone is expendable. I expect plenty of turnover along the way. 

But as they go, I think they will be trying to assemble winning rosters. Winning and playing well makes players more desirable to a trade partner. I don't think they will give away talent when it's a player they need and can't replace. And from where we are, I don't think Kyrie is really replaceable on this roster (and they really need two like him, not one). 

Or, to put it another way, while I don't expect them to burn up future assets and draft capital to make it happen, I do think they will aim to win in 2026-27, and see where it can take them. I don't think their focus will be on 5 years from now. 

FWIW, I wouldn't be surprised if their biggest change of current players happens at the TDL, after they see where they are.

I guess we will see.  I struggle to see the argument of prioritizing winning over assets during a rebuild.  I agree that most activity will likely happen at the TDL.  Given his age, that will very likely be when Kyrie is at his highest value.

[Smitty]

Plant your flag. One of these guys will be a Maverick in 6 weeks…

Guards:
Acuff Jr.
Wagler
Flemings
Brown Jr.
Burries
Philon Jr.

Wings:
Ament
Lendeborg

Bigs:
Mara
Steinbach

[Jakeospikez]

yea height + length definitely isn't everything. Davion Mitchell is one of the best POA guards in the entire league and he's 6'0-6'1 with a 6'4 wingspan. A lot of the best POA defenders are 6'4 with long arms though. All of them are strong, being strong but also very quick is pretty much required. Caruso I guess is on the lighter side like 186lbs but he's 6'5. Guards that have to carry the offensive load generally don't want to hustle too hard on defense because they are putting in way more effort on offense while 3&D guys get to rest standing in corners.

[Smitty]

Plant your flag. One of these guys will be a Maverick in 6 weeks…

Guards:
Acuff Jr.
Wagler
Flemings
Brown Jr.
Burries
Philon Jr.

Wings:
Ament
Lendeborg

Bigs:
Mara
Steinbach

I feel like I’ve been one of the leaders of the Mikel Brown Jr. fan club since December or so. If he makes it to #9, I think he fits what Masai might be looking for and has the highest upside of all the guards in this draft. I’m officially planting my Flagg!

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...71891?s=61

[dirkfansince1998]

I feel like I’ve been one of the leaders of the Mikel Brown Jr. fan club since December or so. If he makes it to #9, I think he fits what Masai might be looking for and has the highest upside of all the guards in this draft. I’m officially planting my Flagg!

For some reason the aggressive marketing strategy from his camp is starting to annoy me. Snake oil salesman vibes.  But that's probably just me bein a weirdo.

[dirkfansince1998]

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...71891?s=61

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/2053923399299117372

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...17372?s=61