2026 NBA draft thread

[Chicagojk]

The hardest thing to draft for is also the thing that is the biggest factor in how good a player becomes: how hard will the player work (on improving strengths, and erasing weaknesses) to become an elite and winning player.

So true.  We spend a ton of time taking about wingspan.  Or how some shoots 36 from 3 and someone shoots 40.  Or someone shoots 50 percent at the rim and the other shoots 60 percent.  Like this even means anything in a 30 game sample on who will be successful. 

The important things are ones we don’t know.  How do they respond getting punched in the face a few times.  How do they handle failure.  Is their
confidence ruined when they are the 10th best player for the first time instead of the best player.  Who do they respo d. Do gin a room with 12 alpha dogs who may not be rooting for you to succeed. 

I think most young guys are hard workers who make the nba but who are the ones who just won’t allow themselves to fail?

Lastly there are hall of famers who made it because they are awesome but never really loved basketball.  Who are the ones who breath the sport, and can’t imagine not playing every day. Those are the players I am interested in.  Tough to know just watching highlights