2026 NBA draft thread

[Winter]

That is probably true.  If Mavs get 2nd pick, I could see him going Wilson over Peterson (which I would be against).  Wagler and Acuff would likely be gone by 8 anyways, so the guys he would be choosing from are sort of his kind of guys (Brown, Flemings, Burries).  I definitely think he would take Burries over Philon.  Burries has some Fred VanVleet vibes.

I would likely take Burries over Philon as well. I think Burries is the safe pick offensively and defensively, even if it feels like he doesn't quite have the ceiling of a few others. Flemings vs Burries might be a tough call though.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I think there’s some truth to that. Feels like Boozer (if top 4), Acuff, and Wagler all may be lower for Masai than the consensus. 

I wonder if moving the pick is on the table if he doesn't like some of these guards.  Yeah, could be a move down, but could also be someone still a year plus from RFA who is young, under control and more of his type than some of these guys.

[F Gump]

... could also be someone still a year plus from RFA who is young, under control and more of his type than some of these guys.

While that sounds like an interesting thesis, I think it's probably a fantasy more than a real possibility. That would be a player from the 2025, 2024, or 2023 draft --- and going down the list of those draft classes, I can't find a single player who (a) fits Ujiri's "type" and has played well enough to be desirable, and (b) I can envision the other team might be willing to swap him for pick 8 or so.

[F Gump]

DRAFT NOTE. Just a reminder that the possibilities get way more definition in less than a week. The Draft Lottery is Sunday May 10 that will give us the Mavs' draft position. (I'm still voting for them to get a top 4 pick!). That day is also the start of the combine, from which the Underwear Olympics will provide reliable measurements. No more questions about true height, length and other athletic traits for each of the possibilities. If we think that Ujiri has a "type," that might also give us some specific names to argue about.

I love these numbers, because the right player traits can hint at a major prospect waiting to be discovered. I recall how some of the numbers on Kawhi were off the charts, for example. Athletic freak from a smaller school. AD was another athletic freak. Both had gifts that translated to the NBA and made them incredible on defense, which is hard to measure.

However, it's incredibly easy to get TOO wowed by such things with certain players. IIRC, I was really impressed one season by the "under the radar" player Josh Okogie, whose measurables were impressive. Looked like a Ujiri specimen. I was hoping the Mavs would be able to get him with their early 2nd-round pick, but MINN scooped him up at 20. They gave him lots of minutes to try to turn those measurement pluses into a key player. But he never really bloomed - can't shoot, and his defense isn't as special as his numbers hint. The guy who the Mavs ended up with was short and not much of a wingspan, and not very fast. I wasn't impressed when the Mavs got him instead of Okogie. But he could play. Brunson. Lesson learned.

[Smitty]

I just listened to the Locked On Mavs podcast and the Masai hire has me even more excited for this draft. His hit rate is impressive, especially with late FRP's. I think if Riccardi gets named GM it will be a dynamic duo of evaluators, and it will greatly benefit the Mavs in the draft. The eye for talent and ability to identify potential in the late round will also be a crucial skill the next 4 years, where the Mavs are likely to be picking outside the lottery. It's also a big deal this year, with the ability to come away with a key contributor at Pick 30 and not just the Top-10 one. I think many have said the President/GM decision was the most important one this franchise has had to make in some time. A turning point for the entire fanbase. Well, I think this hire leads to what is now most important... This draft. Getting it right. Finding Coop his Robin and friends. To me, it seems that the likelihood of doing so just went up.

[Smitty]

If I had to try and predict what a Masai Top-10 board would look like for the Mavs, this is what it'd be:

1. Dybantsa (W)
2. Peterson (SG)
3. Wilson (F)
4. Boozer (F)
5. Flemings (PG)
6. Brown Jr. (PG)
7. Lendeborg (F)
8. Acuff (PG)
9. Mara ©
10. Burries (G)

[Chicagojk]

I just listened to the Locked On Mavs podcast and the Masai hire has me even more excited for this draft. His hit rate is impressive, especially with late FRP's. I think if Riccardi gets named GM it will be a dynamic duo of evaluators, and it will greatly benefit the Mavs in the draft. The eye for talent and ability to identify potential in the late round will also be a crucial skill the next 4 years, where the Mavs are likely to be picking outside the lottery. It's also a big deal this year, with the ability to come away with a key contributor at Pick 30 and not just the Top-10 one. I think many have said the President/GM decision was the most important one this franchise has had to make in some time. A turning point for the entire fanbase. Well, I think this hire leads to what is now most important... This draft. Getting it right. Finding Coop his Robin and friends. To me, it feels like the percentage of doing so just went up.

Including this year, The Mavs in all likelihood are going to have 4 late first round picks the next four years (they also have the Bulls second round pick next year).   You are not going to hit all of those, but they need to find a way to hit some of them.   Not a Desmond Bane/Brunson hit (that would be nice) but nice solid players you want on your roster.   

Also, this was true for whoever they hired, this is not a quick fix situation.  You want to see organic growth and look for value.  Although the AD trade last year put us on a direction that we are not a contender for a few years.    You can't make moves to think you are.    It might be hard to take the long range approach and you don't turn down the right deal, but also realize your time is a little ways off that what was hoped last offseason.

[Winter]

If I had to try and predict what a Masai Top-10 board would look like for the Mavs, this is what it'd be:

1. Dybantsa (W)
2. Peterson (SG)
3. Wilson (F)
4. Boozer (F)
5. Flemings (PG)
6. Brown Jr. (PG)
7. Lendeborg (F)
8. Acuff (PG)
9. Mara ©
10. Burries (G)

Lendenborg now is falling into the top 8 on most mocks. How do we (and Ujiri) feel about older players? If picked, will it say anything about how new management views sooner-than-later timelines?

[Chicagojk]

If I had to try and predict what a Masai Top-10 board would look like for the Mavs, this is what it'd be:

1. Dybantsa (W)
2. Peterson (SG)
3. Wilson (F)
4. Boozer (F)
5. Flemings (PG)
6. Brown Jr. (PG)
7. Lendeborg (F)
8. Acuff (PG)
9. Mara ©
10. Burries (G)

I just hope he doesn't see Boozer at 4.    I understand there is some debate, but I just think he is one of the big 3.

I am being a little contrarian, but I think there is a better chance he would have Ament in the top 10 than Lendeborg.   Those 5 years is big.  Obviously more risk, but probably also more positionally flexibility too.   

Did you leave out Wagner on purpose?

[Smitty]

I just hope he doesn't see Boozer at 4.    I understand there is some debate, but I just think he is one of the big 3.

I am being a little contrarian, but I think there is a better chance he would have Ament in the top 10 than Lendeborg.   Those 5 years is big.  Obviously more risk, but probably also more positionally flexibility too.   

Did you leave out Wagner on purpose?

This is not my board, but my best guess at what Masai would have. It feels like Wagler is not the type of player he'd draft. Especially with a top pick and plenty of other guys similarly graded in that mix. I thought about Ament over Mara and/or Burries. It depends on how he views Lively going forward. Also, if he thinks Burries can run an offense. The answer to those two questions could easily move Ament into the top 10 in my 'Masai Top-10 prediction board'.

[Smitty]

Lendenborg now is falling into the top 8 on most mocks. How do we (and Ujiri) feel about older players? If picked, will it say anything about how new management views sooner-than-later timelines?

Lendenborg has been the most difficult one for me this year. His age has to be a factor, but how much? I'm not a "timeline guy". Year 2 Flagg could have a similar jump as Year 2 Luka, and now your timeline is different than it was on draft night. Just pick the best player available. The thing that gives me pause with Lendenborg isn't that I don't think he's good, but rather did he look great because he was a grown man playing against teenagers and hit his peak in college, or does he have more growth and All-Star potential in the league?

[Chicagojk]

Lendenborg has been the most difficult one for me this year. His age has to be a factor, but how much? I'm not a "timeline guy". Year 2 Flagg could have a similar jump as Year 2 Luka, and now your timeline is different than it was on draft night. Just pick the best player available. The thing that gives me pause with Lendenborg isn't that I don't think he's good, but rather did he look great because he was a grown man playing against teenagers and hit his peak in college, or does he have more growth and All-Star potential in the league?

Hey he is a tough eval.   He was fantastic this year and deserves lottery consideration.  The age is a factor.  In the end, maybe it isn't a big deal, but it is something that needs to be considered..especially against prospects 4 years younger than him.    Sam Vecenie hinted a few weeks ago about some potential maturity issues with him too.  That is also something to investigate.

[mvossman]

Lendenborg has been the most difficult one for me this year. His age has to be a factor, but how much? I'm not a "timeline guy". Year 2 Flagg could have a similar jump as Year 2 Luka, and now your timeline is different than it was on draft night. Just pick the best player available. The thing that gives me pause with Lendenborg isn't that I don't think he's good, but rather did he look great because he was a grown man playing against teenagers and hit his peak in college, or does he have more growth and All-Star potential in the league?

He is 4 yours older than Flagg and most of the guys he is competing with.  Given how good these guys were as Freshman, its hard to imagine how much they would dominate college ball as 5th year seniors.  Ujiri just took a second year player with the 9th pick, but he wasn't much older than a freshman.  I would be really surprised if he picks a guy about to turn 24 in the top 10.

[Smitty]

He is 4 yours older than Flagg and most of the guys he is competing with.  Given how good these guys were as Freshman, its hard to imagine how much they would dominate college ball as 5th year seniors.  Ujiri just took a second year player with the 9th pick, but he wasn't much older than a freshman.  I would be really surprised if he picks a guy about to turn 24 in the top 10.

Lendenborg wouldn't be in consideration for me at 8/9, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if he was in the mix for the Mavs. He fits the Masai mold, despite his age. Hopefully we don't even have to talk about it after Sunday, when we jump into the top 4.

[mvossman]

I just hope he doesn't see Boozer at 4.    I understand there is some debate, but I just think he is one of the big 3.

I am being a little contrarian, but I think there is a better chance he would have Ament in the top 10 than Lendeborg.   Those 5 years is big.  Obviously more risk, but probably also more positionally flexibility too.   

Did you leave out Wagner on purpose?

I definitely think he will see Boozer at 4.  I would not be surprised if he sees Wilson at 2.  I don't know if Wagler will be that low, but others will likely have him higher.  The Mavs history of picking guys base on athletic traits has been terrible, but his track record has been so much better, so I am trying to keep an open mind.  I will be pissed if he goes Lendeborg or Ament if somebody like Flemings is still on the board.

[Smitty]

I will be pissed if he goes Lendeborg or Ament if somebody like Flemings is still on the board.

I don't think he would at all. I see Flemings at 5/6 pretty easily for him. I'd want Brown over Flemings, but both should be higher than Lendeborg and Ament on anyone's board. Masai included.

[Winter]

I definitely think he will see Boozer at 4.  I would not be surprised if he sees Wilson at 2.  I don't know if Wagler will be that low, but others will likely have him higher.  The Mavs history of picking guys base on athletic traits has been terrible, but his track record has been so much better, so I am trying to keep an open mind.  I will be pissed if he goes Lendeborg or Ament if somebody like Flemings is still on the board.

That's how I see his #1 and #2 as well. I would not be surprised if other GMs also had Dybantsa at 1 and Wilson at 2. I think both of those players are sure bets in this league. Boozer too, but if Ujiri has a preference, it's Wilson.

I also think he almost has to take Flemings over Lendeborg, but if Flemings is gone... it's fuzzy.

[Smitty]

@IsaacLHarris
first round picks from Masai Ujiri

Kenneth Faried - round 1, pick 22
Evan Fournier - round 1, pick 20
Bruno Caboclo - round 1, pick 20
Delon Wright - round 1, pick 20
Jakob Poeltl - round 1, pick 9
Pascal Siakam - round 1, pick 27
OG Anunoby - round 1, pick 23
Malachi Flynn - round 1, pick 29
Scottie Barnes - round 1, pick 4
Gradey Dick - round 1, pick 13
Ja’Kobe Walter - round 1, pick 19
Collin Murray-Boyles - round 1, pick 9

[Chicagojk]

@IsaacLHarris
first round picks from Masai Ujiri

Kenneth Faried - round 1, pick 22
Evan Fournier - round 1, pick 20
Bruno Caboclo - round 1, pick 20
Delon Wright - round 1, pick 20
Jakob Poeltl - round 1, pick 9
Pascal Siakam - round 1, pick 27
OG Anunoby - round 1, pick 23
Malachi Flynn - round 1, pick 29
Scottie Barnes - round 1, pick 4
Gradey Dick - round 1, pick 13
Ja’Kobe Walter - round 1, pick 19
Collin Murray-Boyles - round 1, pick 9

Looking ath the Poetl draft #9 for him looks a little meh.  Looking back at the draft though, the only player who should have gone ahead of him in that range is Sabonis.    

Although in that same draft he did get Siakam at the end of the first and Fred Vanvleet as an undrafted.  Not a bad haul.

Flynn was a big miss but that was that weird draft. Bane went right ahead of him.

Dick has been a disappointment but I do wonder if he tries to buy low on him. Dick was beat out for minutes by former Mavs two way AJ Lawson in the playoffs. He clearly needs a new start.

[dirkfansince1998]

@IsaacLHarris
first round picks from Masai Ujiri

Kenneth Faried - round 1, pick 22
Evan Fournier - round 1, pick 20
Bruno Caboclo - round 1, pick 20
Delon Wright - round 1, pick 20
Jakob Poeltl - round 1, pick 9
Pascal Siakam - round 1, pick 27
OG Anunoby - round 1, pick 23
Malachi Flynn - round 1, pick 29
Scottie Barnes - round 1, pick 4
Gradey Dick - round 1, pick 13
Ja’Kobe Walter - round 1, pick 19
Collin Murray-Boyles - round 1, pick 9

And on top of that you have 2nd round picks like Norman Powell and one of the best undrafted players in recent history, Fred VanVleet.