2026 NBA draft thread

[Chicagojk]

That's why I say that everyone is different in how they rank these Guards. As I'm sure GM's of the lottery teams will be also. For me, Brown and Wagler are in a tier or two above guys like Burries, Philon, Mullins, Stirtz, Anderson. I still have Brown over Wagler, because I think he's the better creator of the two. I think Wagler fits the prototypical SG role in the NBA. Same for Peterson. Acuff, Flemings, and Brown are lead Guard types, creators and facilitators, that can score... and also play off-ball plenty.

My rankings are a bit different.  I am hoping to be able to catch a lot of the games in the tournament and I am sure my thoughts would change.

I think I would have Flemings above the other guards in the 5-10 ranking.   I don't think he has the scoring upside of some, but looking at his build I think he has a chance to be a good defender.     There are some concerns i have about him, but I think he is the safest at the moment.

Wagler and Acuff would be next.  I go back an forth on both.  Acuff has had the better season and provides more scoring potential.  I am just afraid his measurements are not going to be good and he is going to be positionally challenged.   Wagler's lack of burst really worries me but at his size and craftiness, I think he can figure it out.   Probably doesn't have the upside of Acuff, but I could see him being a part of a good, deep team.   I think I am fine with either for the Mavs.   

Brown has the traits to make him most appealing to me, but I just have not seen it.  Even his good games make me want more.  He takes a ton of long threes and tough shots.   He is skinny and doesn't really absorb contact at the rim.   He is boom or bust for me.  I can certainly see him being one of the better prospects in this draft.   I see some Devin Harris in him.   Maybe a better Devin Harris, but he just scares me at the moment.  A couple of good games in the tournament will really help me feeling better about him.  

Stirtz is a sr.  Burries will be in the draft.   Same for Philon.   Anderson is questionable.  My concern is who slips.    Burries can play as a shooting guard, but that is a lot of point guards in round one.    I think at least one slips.