2026 NBA draft thread

[hakeemfaan]

Ament vs Dybansta in a fun hs game

https://youtu.be/3NDGA-xgtw8?si=ho7TBWRoegC2y9Ru

There are some also fun Mikel high school games too.  Obviously you have the more recent college games but I always like watching them in high school.  Especially in non AAU type games.

When I had mentioned Ament a couple of weeks ago, I had read quite a bit about him. Pros and cons.  WRT his season, people who have watched him from HS talk about how he went through a massive growth spurt late, and that his shooting form was most likely still adjusting from that, how he didn't play in a great HS team, and suddenly was playing in a very tough college conference.  Plus they talked about how the Tennessee offense or team was not really suited to his strengths. Despite all that he still showed smoothness and the ability to get to the line which is not easy for a more perimeter oriented big guy. Also folks said that his shooting ability in HS, before his growth spurt. was really solid, and that with his FT % gave a lot of hope that in a couple of years, you'd have a top notch pro on your hands.

The flip side is people also said that if he had played one more year, either he could go in the top 3 or could fall way down, if his weaknesses (shooting, struggles around the rim) continued. 

He is truly a very polarizing prospect.

[loki]

This is not a novel take, as others have mentioned it.  I agree with the Derrick White , Burries similarity comments.  It is tough for me to not take Burries once I make that comparison because I like White a lot.  However, I look at that type of a guy as a great glue guy but I want a Robin next to Flagg with a top 10 pick, and I'm not sure Burries can be that guy.

At where we're picking, guys like Ament and Brown (if he slips) have that chance.  Sure, you're taking a risk by going for someone who might end up as a total bust and you are regretting you didn't take the much safer bet in Burries, but I would take that chance if I were the Mavs. If we had picks in the next few years, I would be more open to taking Burries.  Without too many picks, I want to take some chances with this draft.

Agreed with the exception of the Ament part. I wouldn't take him in the lottery at all. 

I'm all for Philon or Brown over Burries. The Mavs need a lead guard and it would be criminal to walk away from this draft class with a 3&D role player.

[dirkfansince1998]

This is not a novel take, as others have mentioned it.  I agree with the Derrick White , Burries similarity comments.  It is tough for me to not take Burries once I make that comparison because I like White a lot.  However, I look at that type of a guy as a great glue guy but I want a Robin next to Flagg with a top 10 pick, and I'm not sure Burries can be that guy.

At where we're picking, guys like Ament and Brown (if he slips) have that chance.  Sure, you're taking a risk by going for someone who might end up as a total bust and you are regretting you didn't take the much safer bet in Burries, but I would take that chance if I were the Mavs. If we had picks in the next few years, I would be more open to taking Burries.  Without too many picks, I want to take some chances with this draft.

We had this debate just a few days ago. Same thought process. Different conclusion. Mavs don't have enough future picks for a high risk gamble. Need to nail every single roster move. That's why I would be much happier with someone like Burries. 
In the past the Mavs always went with the swing for the fences approach. Will be interesting to see if the new front office takes a different approach.

[hakeemfaan]

Agreed with the exception of the Ament part. I wouldn't take him in the lottery at all. 

I'm all for Philon or Brown over Burries. The Mavs need a lead guard and it would be criminal to walk away from this draft class with a 3&D role player.

If Brown is there, I hope Ujiri runs and turns in his draft card as fast as possible. 

I love Philon and his creativity is off the charts. I had written about him as well, but a smaller guard who relies more on creativity can struggle at the next level.  With both those guys, Ament and Philon, if you're taking them that high, you are betting that their long term jump shot can be consistent.  However, even without the jump shot, Ament still remains a 6'10" guy with above average handles for his size.  That combination will always draw interest from other GMs that even 2 years from now someone will bite and you could get back a decent haul for him.

All I know is with Ujiri in there, I feel much more confident now about the direction of this franchise.  Hoping for the best.

[mvossman]

This is not a novel take, as others have mentioned it.  I agree with the Derrick White , Burries similarity comments.  It is tough for me to not take Burries once I make that comparison because I like White a lot.  However, I look at that type of a guy as a great glue guy but I want a Robin next to Flagg with a top 10 pick, and I'm not sure Burries can be that guy.

At where we're picking, guys like Ament and Brown (if he slips) have that chance.  Sure, you're taking a risk by going for someone who might end up as a total bust and you are regretting you didn't take the much safer bet in Burries, but I would take that chance if I were the Mavs. If we had picks in the next few years, I would be more open to taking Burries.  Without too many picks, I want to take some chances with this draft.

I think the odds of landing Flagg's Robin at 9 is very low.  I believe the goal at this point should be a core piece, either an elite role player (Burries, Ament) or a quality starting PG (Flemings, Brown).  Personally I think Burries and Flemings have a better shot of reaching that level than Ament and Brown.  I don't see much chance any of them reaching Robin level (and probably Ament least of all).

[dirkfansince1998]

https://x.com/noahweber00/status/2053632430389563610

Not one of the undersized guards that I had in mind but I guess he would be more of a camp body/summer league signing anyway.

[mvossman]

Agreed with the exception of the Ament part. I wouldn't take him in the lottery at all. 

I'm all for Philon or Brown over Burries. The Mavs need a lead guard and it would be criminal to walk away from this draft class with a 3&D role player.

I feel the same about walking away with a 6th man (Philon).  Burries is more than a 3&D player.  He is a 3 level scorer.

[loki]

If Brown is there, I hope Ujiri runs and turns in his draft card as fast as possible. 

I love Philon and his creativity is off the charts. I had written about him as well, but a smaller guard who relies more on creativity can struggle at the next level.  With both those guys, Ament and Philon, if you're taking them that high, you are betting that their long term jump shot can be consistent.  However, even without the jump shot, Ament still remains a 6'10" guy with above average handles for his size.  That combination will always draw interest from other GMs that even 2 years from now someone will bite and you could get back a decent haul for him.

All I know is with Ujiri in there, I feel much more confident now about the direction of this franchise.  Hoping for the best.

The combine is going to be incredibly interesting to see how big these guys actually are. I don't think Brown is that much taller than Philon, although he is more athletic. Ament seems like a guy who could slide way down the board. Here's hoping Masai still has the magic touch.

[hakeemfaan]

I think the odds of landing Flagg's Robin at 9 is very low.  I believe the goal at this point should be a core piece, either an elite role player (Burries, Ament) or a quality starting PG (Flemings, Brown).  Personally I think Burries and Flemings have a better shot of reaching that level than Ament and Brown.  I don't see much chance any of them reaching Robin level (and probably Ament least of all).

Anytime you are outside the top 2 or 3, it is difficult to get a generational player (sure you have exceptions like Giannis or Jokic. I don't count Luka as he should have gone in the top 3).  Robin though you can definitely get in the top 10. 

Looking at Ujiri's history, I would be surprised if he went for the player with the highest floor (Burries). It's not that I would be unhappy with Burries. As mentioned, White is one of my favorite glue guys. It's just that I want the Mavs to be a bit more bold here with a top 10 pick.

[loki]

I feel the same about walking away with a 6th man (Philon).  Burries is more than a 3&D player.  He is a 3 level scorer.

My problem is he's not much of a playmaker and I think he benefited from playing on a stacked team. Philon showed he could actually run an offense. He's only 6'3" but was known as a solid defender last season before his usage went through the roof.

[hakeemfaan]

The combine is going to be incredibly interesting to see how big these guys actually are. I don't think Brown is that much taller than Philon, although he is more athletic. Ament seems like a guy who could slide way down the board. Here's hoping Masai still has the magic touch.

Wow, I thought Brown was a good 2 in taller than Philon.  Definitely would reassess if he is close to Philon's height.

[Chicagojk]

Wow, I thought Brown was a good 2 in taller than Philon.  Definitely would reassess if he is close to Philon's height.

Philon went to the combine last year so we have a measurable on him.  He is 6’4 with shoes and a little
6’6 wingspan.  He doesn’t really look it though and just by look I would say Burries looks much bigger, but they may be the same height.  Philon is younger too.  

I have trouble with his ranking. Love how he changes pace and gets to his spots, I am having trouble getting on him though. Ok

[loki]

Wow, I thought Brown was a good 2 in taller than Philon.  Definitely would reassess if he is close to Philon's height.

I saw a video the other day of Brown measuring himself to prove he was 6'5". With shoes (and braids) he looked a touch under 6'5". I think 6'3.5"-ish barefoot is likely. I believe Philon was 6'2.75" barefoot at last year's combine.

[Chicagojk]

I think the draft is a crap shoot from 5-14.  Doubt Acuff or Wagler are there by 9, but honestly, anyone else could be there.  It's too early and mocks are all over the place to know who will draft who after 4.

This is probably accurate.  I think people have looked at this draft for so long it seems like people are already in their correct tiers.  Maybe this is how it goes, but I suspect we will see changes.  I am not really sure Mara is a top 10 pick but that is something that has popped up a little since the end of the season.  I am sure there will be some surprised that we don’t know yet.

[mvossman]

My problem is he's not much of a playmaker and I think he benefited from playing on a stacked team. Philon showed he could actually run an offense. He's only 6'3" but was known as a solid defender last season before his usage went through the roof.

I think playing on a stacked team is a mixed bag.  Its why he didn't play PG and thus has the rap that he is not much of a playmaker.  Somebody posted his stats when the PG was not on the floor and they were very encouraging.  Lowry and VanVleet had 2 assists per game in their freshman seasons as well.  Of all the guards in this range I think Burries fits the mold of those guys the most.

[Smitty]

People keep saying the Mavs don’t have picks the next several years and it’s incorrect. They currently have at least 1 FRP every year except possibly next year. They have 2 FRP’s this draft and in 2030*

'26: FRP (Own), FRP (OKC) | SRP (PHX)
'27: FRP owed to CHA if not Top-2 | SRP (CHI)
'28: FRP (OKC right to Swap)
'29: FRP (LAL) | SRP (HOU)
'30: FRP (SAS right to Swap), FRP (GSW-Top 20 Protected) | SRP (PHI)
'31: FRP (Own)
'32: FRP (Own) | SRP (Own)
'33: FRP (Own) | SRP (Own)


*If the '30 GSW pick doesn't convey, it converts to their '30 SRP

[cow]

People keep saying the Mavs don’t have picks the next several years and it’s incorrect. They currently have at least 1 FRP every year except possibly next year. They have 2 FRP’s this draft and in 2030*

'26: FRP (Own), FRP (OKC) | SRP (PHX)
'27: FRP owed to CHA if not Top-2 | SRP (CHI)
'28: FRP (OKC right to Swap)
'29: FRP (LAL) | SRP (HOU)
'30: FRP (SAS right to Swap), FRP (GSW-Top 20 Protected) | SRP (PHI)
'31: FRP (Own)
'32: FRP (Own) | SRP (Own)
'33: FRP (Own) | SRP (Own)


*If the '30 GSW pick doesn't convey, it converts to their '30 SRP

Our short term is pretty bad.

'27 - Lottery Gods hate us so that one is as good as gone.
'28 - Almost a lock for a bottom four pick from OKC
'29 - Probably our most attractive trade asset
'30 - SAS will swap us into the 20s and GSW will almost certainly be in rebuild mode so it will convey to another SRP.

[Smitty]

Our short term is pretty bad.

'27 - Lotter Gods hate us so that one is as good as gone.
'28 - Almost a lock for a bottom four pick from OKC
'29 - Probably our most attractive trade asset
'30 - SAS will swap us into the 20s and GSW will almost certainly be in rebuild mode so it will convey to another SRP.

Do you have some stocks from the future you can share with us also??

[hakeemfaan]

Let's say the Spurs are looking to do a twin towers with Aday Mara, would you trade #9 for Dylan Harper?

I read this and even before tonight’s game I knew Harper won’t be moved. He and Wemby are the untouchables on that team. Harper is going to be a problem for a long time to come. 

If the Mavs want Harper, Coop has to be in the conversation for SA to not hang up outright. That’s what it will take.

[Smitty]

Even if you’re right, so? If the Mavs are good all of those years, they wouldn’t have a high draft pick? Do we constantly say that over and over for any future years? I think we were happy with all the 50+ win seasons with Dirk. Maybe let Coop and Co. see what they can do and worry less about draft position from now on. At least that’s how I want to “fan”. These lottery drawing nights are fine and all, but I’m kind of over it. I want the Mavs to win. I want Flagg to win.