2026 NBA draft thread

[michaeltex]

The rankings are recent. The notes are last summer-ish. The comps they picked? Not sure.

About the ranking of Acuff at 10, I think he will get shoved higher (probably rightly so) because he'll get bumps from 2 things: good playoff performances, and he's a Calipari PG. Strong playoff performances create recency bias and raise expectations. Calipari PGs tend to be really good in the NBA, and NBA teams are aware of that fact.

I was just having the same thoughts about the effect of tournament play on a player's perceived skills and fit. I keep having Adam Morrison nightmares when thinking about a player who gets on a hot streak during the conference tournament and keeps it going during a couple of NCAA games, but is pretty meh in reality. I get really nervous when it's a one-and-done, because he just doesn't have a body of work to validate his game. 

I honestly think Acuff has shown he's a talent over the whole season and seems to be ready to take Arkansas as far as his supporting cast will let him. He's in a bracket with AZ, WI and BYU, so he'll have his chance to shine.

[mvossman]

I really like the Stephon Marbury comp for Acuff. He's the right size and has the right offensive game. He doesn't seem anything like Iverson to me, and only a little like Lillard.

I have a hard time with that comparison because Marbury couldn't shoot.  I realize it was a different time, but that's why I don't like to go back that far on comparisons.

[cow]

Boozer is better than his daddy.  The most common comp I have seen for him is Banchero, but I think he is better than that.

Also, more recent comps for Acuff are guys like Iverson and Lillard.  I think the Sexton comp was before he tore up the SEC.

If that's true, seems like Boozer is the safest of safe picks.  His dad was really good.

[mvossman]

If that's true, seems like Boozer is the safest of safe picks.  His dad was really good.

His dad played in a different time.  The concern with Boozer is that he is not quick enough to guard the perimeter well, but he also doesn't guard the rim (much bigger deal today than when his dad played).  But he just put up one of the best college seasons of all time.  Better than Flaggs. There is almost no doubt he will be a very strong offensive player and he probably is the safest pick.

[KillerLeft]

Am I off base in that when I look at Acuff's game, I think of Chris Paul?

I realize that when we think of CP3 we think of his old torn up late career and say, "Yuck," but remember and consider Paul his first 7-10 years in the league. Wouldn't that be a pretty significant draft acquisition?

I am not as familiar with Acuff as most here, but when I think Chris Paul, I think pick and roll. He might be the best pick and roll PG ever to play.if Acuff has that specific utility he’ll have an astonishing NBA career. That would be more exciting to me than Marbury or even Iverson, tbh.

[Winter]

I have a hard time with that comparison because Marbury couldn't shoot.  I realize it was a different time, but that's why I don't like to go back that far on comparisons.

I agree about the shooting stats, but Marbury was a muscular 6'2" and 180 lbs. He also averaged 8-9 assists a game and over 20 ppg.  And Marbury was playing in the same window of time as Iverson, so I'm not sure there's a "different time" thing with that comp.

I'm kind of curious about his stats in China, but I didn't look those up. That's definely a different game.

[mvossman]

I agree about the shooting stats, but Marbury was a muscular 6'2" and 180 lbs. He also averaged 8-9 assists a game and over 20 ppg.  And Marbury was playing in the same window of time as Iverson, so I'm not sure there's a "different time" thing with that comp.

I'm kind of curious about his stats in China, but I didn't look those up. That's definely a different game.

Agree on Iverson.  I like the Lillard comp (which is obviously a ceiling).

[Winter]

Agree on Iverson.  I like the Lillard comp (which is obviously a ceiling).

I looked around and Lilliard is probably the closest comp. It's hard to believe Lilliard weighs 200 lbs. but that's what he's listed at.

[mvossman]

I am not as familiar with Acuff as most here, but when I think Chris Paul, I think pick and roll. He might be the best pick and roll PG ever to play.if Acuff has that specific utility he’ll have an astonishing NBA career. That would be more exciting to me than Marbury or even Iverson, tbh.

I think all 4 of the guard prospects (Acuff, Flemings, Wagler, Brown) are considered high quality P&R players, but I don't think any is considered Chris Paul level.

[Chicagojk]

I haven't watched a ton of Flemings but I think he is a relatively safe prospect.   He has fit in real well with a deep team that had a lot of older returning players.   To be able to fit in so seamlessly is something he deserves credit for this year.   I think I feel the best about him and Acuff.  

I am really confused on Brown and Wagler.  I hope to watch both in the tourney.  I think both fit the profile of guys who can play off the ball.  The issue is neither has really excelled in that role.   Brown looks like a boom or bust guy to me.   I want to really like him, but he has not sold me yet.  

I loved what I read about Wagler.  I made mention that he could be a smaller Kon in the right environment.   Uses his body to get where he wants, smart player, makes open shots, will compete, etc.    The lack of athleticism just really concerns me.   From what I have read he has a real nice team around him that allows a spread court.

I think this tourney will be a real nice showing for Wagler and Brown.  Not saying scouts will drastically revise their rankings, but we should get a good test on both.  I am pretty solid with both Acuff and Flemings no matter what they do.

[Chicagojk]

I think one of the scariest prospects in the late first round is Alijah Arenas.  I think he will come out.   If you see him dribble the ball, he looks like a pro.   Good size too.  There are multiple issues though.   First the injuries prior to the season.  He came back and played 14 games this year and didn't try to jump in slowly.  He came out chucking.   Shooting 34% from the floor and 21% from three (he did shoot well from the free throw line).  Then you have the dad thing and you wonder if he is ever going to settle into a support role.

If healthy and it works out, he could outperform his pick range similar to what Jaden McDaniels did.  McDaniels had a bad freshman season in college after being a top 10 recruit.    Arenas is a different kind of player, but I think his upside is pretty big.   

At the moment, I would probably look at other guys if he made it to 30.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

His dad played in a different time.  The concern with Boozer is that he is not quick enough to guard the perimeter well, but he also doesn't guard the rim (much bigger deal today than when his dad played).  But he just put up one of the best college seasons of all time.  Better than Flaggs.  There is almost no doubt he will be a very strong offensive player and he probably is the safest pick.

Boozer is very good, but I don't think he's particularly quick or has the foot speed to defend on the perimeter, and he's not really athletic.  He's going to have problems defending the elite NBA PF's and staying in front of wings and guards on switches. He's going to be put in a ton of P & R's.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Another player to watch is Acuff's teammate, Billy Richmond III, at Arkansas. He's athletic, gets after it on defense, has a nose for the ball, and makes winning plays. Not a great spot-up shooter, however. He reminds me of Ron Holland II of the Pistons.