2026 NBA draft thread

[DallasMaverick]

@SethDavisHoops
The @UNC_Basketball star freshman Caleb Wilson has been diagnosed with a fracture in his left, non-shooting hand, the school just announced. There is no timetable yet for his return. Huge blow for the Tar Heels — and for college basketball.

@BrettSiegelNBA
Caleb Wilson, a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, could miss the rest of the college season at UNC with a broken left hand.

Just like AD.

Clearly an injury-prone guy.

No, wait.

It’s the UNC training staff’s fault.

[Scott41theMavs]

Just like AD.

Clearly an injury-prone guy.

No, wait.

It’s the UNC training staff’s fault.

Not going to be too rough on you, but just another reminder that sarcasm about "dumb fans blaming our training staff" doesn't land because the current training staff is objectively abysmal, one last piece of fallout from our good enemy Nico. It's not funny.

[Chicagojk]

Very! I've said it before, but I don't think he has the intangibles. I don't think he loves or even likes the game of basketball. When I watched Dybantsa play against Baylor, late in the game his teammate got an And-1 and the fire and passion he showed for his teammate, in the moment. It stood out! That's what it's all about. Coop has it also. I don't think Peterson does. He's the most talented player, but I'd put my money on Dybantsa, Boozer, and others having a better NBA career...

I agree.   I would say the same thing or all these prospects though.  They are 18,19,20,21 year old people.    You need to really take a clear view on all of them.  They will be different people in their mid 20's.   Some will be much better basketball players.    Some will not be.  Past draft have showed us this every year.    It doesn't always go to plan.

[Chicagojk]

ESPN’s top ten big board released today:

1. Darryn Peterson
2. AJ Dybantsa
3. Cam Boozer
4. Caleb Wilson
5. Kingston Flemings
6. Keaton Wagler
7. Nate Ament
8. Darius Acuff
9. Mikel Brown
10. Karim Lopez

If Mavs pick 7, that 7-9 picks is really tough to seperate.    I could see all three of those guys go multiple outcomes.

[Winter]

If Mavs pick 7, that 7-9 picks is really tough to seperate.    I could see all three of those guys go multiple outcomes.

Same here. I hate choosing in that 7-10 range. I said this earlier, but I think I would happily trade my #7 and #30 and even some seconds for two mid-round firsts between 12-20. Looking at this draft, I continue to think the best value is in the middle.

[Dirknows]

Same here. I hate choosing in that 7-10 range. I said this earlier, but I think I would happily trade my #7 and #30 and even some seconds for two mid-round firsts between 12-20. Looking at this draft, I continue to think the best value is in the middle.

I don't necessarily agree with that big board, as I would have Mullins in the top-10, and definitely not Karim Lopez. Man it would be really nice to somehow land Wagler if we're not picking top-4.

[F Gump]

I don't necessarily agree with that big board, as I would have Mullins in the top-10, and definitely not Karim Lopez. Man it would be really nice to somehow land Wagler if we're not picking top-4.

I've come to a similar conclusion on Wagler  especially since I learned he has the potential to be a PG. I see him mocked along with Ament in the 6-7 range, and would love to see someone else take Ament (who doesnt really interest me at all) as the Mavs turn is coming. 

If Brown can also elevate a bit, I think Mavs would be in good shape, but in that mid-top-10 area I currently prefer Wagler.

[Mavs2021]

I still think this is an eight player draft

1. Darryn Peterson
2. AJ Dybantsa
3. Cam Boozer
4. Caleb Wilson
5. Kingston Flemings
6. Keaton Wagler
7. Nate Ament
8. Mikel Brown

I´m very happy, if the Mavs get any of them. Seems the Bucks actually go for the play-offs and a four game cushion should be safe now. So worst case 8th odds should be a lock. Now it comes down to Mavs vs. Grizzlies for the 7th odds, which means almost 90% to get one of the top 8.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I still think this is an eight player draft

1. Darryn Peterson
2. AJ Dybantsa
3. Cam Boozer
4. Caleb Wilson
5. Kingston Flemings
6. Keaton Wagler
7. Nate Ament
8. Mikel Brown

I´m very happy, if the Mavs get any of them. Seems the Bucks actually go for the play-offs and a four game cushion should be safe now. So worst case 8th odds should be a lock. Now it comes down to Mavs vs. Grizzlies for the 7th odds, which means almost 90% to get one of the top 8.

I tend to agree, but I've not locked in on an order yet other than Mikel Brown is definitely 8th for me.  I like the theory of pairing Ament with Flagg, but I'd have a hard time picking him over Wagler or Flemings.  I need to see more from both, but I could see a world in which I'd take Wagler over Flemings and I really don't know what I'd do if I had the 4th pick.  Wilson has more upside (and probably more bust potential) than those immediately after him.  There is a bust or two lurking somewhere in the top 8.  There always is.

Staying ahead of Memphis...especially if we both move up...brings into play them trading their lottery pick with 17 to swap places with us.  We've only won one more game than Utah and now the NBA is scrutinizing what they are doing more closely.  Heck, even Indy and NOP are 5-5 in their last 10.  We owe the road a lot of games.  So, I'm hopeful we might be able to move up at least one more spot in the lottery odds.

I'd be OK with trading down in a specific situation.  It wouldn't have to be a 2026 pick (like what I mentioned with Memphis).  If we had a 2027 that was sure to convey, it would open up the ability to trade our late 26, our 28 and two picks in 30 (all of which are essentially fake firsts).  Between that and our TPE's, we should be able to get another real NBA player to add to the roster.  BTW, I like your Traore idea.  Adding him and a 2027 pick to move down a spot or two is what I'm talking about depending on who we'd be giving up to do that.  Brooklyn has two picks in 2027.  If getting the better of those picks and Traore to move down still allowed us to draft someone I really like, I'd have to take the call.  It is more than just the players involved as securing that 2027 pick would free up the ability to do other things if/when the opportunity were to arise.

[Winter]

I tend to agree, but I've not locked in on an order yet other than Mikel Brown is definitely 8th for me.  I like the theory of pairing Ament with Flagg, but I'd have a hard time picking him over Wagler or Flemings.  I need to see more from both, but I could see a world in which I'd take Wagler over Flemings and I really don't know what I'd do if I had the 4th pick.  Wilson has more upside (and probably more bust potential) than those immediately after him.  There is a bust or two lurking somewhere in the top 8.  There always is.

Staying ahead of Memphis...especially if we both move up...brings into play them trading their lottery pick with 17 to swap places with us.  We've only won one more game than Utah and now the NBA is scrutinizing what they are doing more closely.  Heck, even Indy and NOP are 5-5 in their last 10.  We owe the road a lot of games.  So, I'm hopeful we might be able to move up at least one more spot in the lottery odds.

I'd be OK with trading down in a specific situation.  It wouldn't have to be a 2026 pick (like what I mentioned with Memphis).  If we had a 2027 that was sure to convey, it would open up the ability to trade our late 26, our 28 and two picks in 30 (all of which are essentially fake firsts).  Between that and our TPE's, we should be able to get another real NBA player to add to the roster.  BTW, I like your Traore idea.  Adding him and a 2027 pick to move down a spot or two is what I'm talking about depending on who we'd be giving up to do that.  Brooklyn has two picks in 2027.  If getting the better of those picks and Traore to move down still allowed us to draft someone I really like, I'd have to take the call.  It is more than just the players involved as securing that 2027 pick would free up the ability to do other things if/when the opportunity were to arise.

It does seem to me that with the TPEs, the #30, and the 2nd rounders, we really have a lot to play with if we want to add something this year.

I just hope that the new GM has a handle on all this. As much as I hate to say this, Riccardi may not be the worst selection for the Mavs as a GM. You'd be getting a GM who had had literally months to think about Mavericks possibilities in this draft. 

I'd rather have Presti or Lindsey given their track record, but I don't think I would be dismissive of Riccardi given this situation - at least not right away.

[Dirknows]

I tend to agree, but I've not locked in on an order yet other than Mikel Brown is definitely 8th for me.  I like the theory of pairing Ament with Flagg, but I'd have a hard time picking him over Wagler or Flemings.  I need to see more from both, but I could see a world in which I'd take Wagler over Flemings and I really don't know what I'd do if I had the 4th pick.  Wilson has more upside (and probably more bust potential) than those immediately after him.  There is a bust or two lurking somewhere in the top 8.  There always is.

Staying ahead of Memphis...especially if we both move up...brings into play them trading their lottery pick with 17 to swap places with us.  We've only won one more game than Utah and now the NBA is scrutinizing what they are doing more closely.  Heck, even Indy and NOP are 5-5 in their last 10.  We owe the road a lot of games.  So, I'm hopeful we might be able to move up at least one more spot in the lottery odds.

I'd be OK with trading down in a specific situation.  It wouldn't have to be a 2026 pick (like what I mentioned with Memphis).  If we had a 2027 that was sure to convey, it would open up the ability to trade our late 26, our 28 and two picks in 30 (all of which are essentially fake firsts).  Between that and our TPE's, we should be able to get another real NBA player to add to the roster.  BTW, I like your Traore idea.  Adding him and a 2027 pick to move down a spot or two is what I'm talking about depending on who we'd be giving up to do that.  Brooklyn has two picks in 2027.  If getting the better of those picks and Traore to move down still allowed us to draft someone I really like, I'd have to take the call.  It is more than just the players involved as securing that 2027 pick would free up the ability to do other things if/when the opportunity were to arise.

It's a risky bet depending on how far we were to trade down. The GM making the pick would have to be absolutely sure they're able to nail this situation, or they could be looking for a new job if it doesn't work out. I like the thought, though.

[myconsumerclub]

I was thinking that Mikel was a bit lower on the totem pole as well but then I found out he was injured and he is just now getting back to 100% and that may be why he exploded for 45 points against NC State hitting 10 of 16 on 3 pointers.

[Chicagojk]

I still think this is an eight player draft

1. Darryn Peterson
2. AJ Dybantsa
3. Cam Boozer
4. Caleb Wilson
5. Kingston Flemings
6. Keaton Wagler
7. Nate Ament
8. Mikel Brown

I´m very happy, if the Mavs get any of them. Seems the Bucks actually go for the play-offs and a four game cushion should be safe now. So worst case 8th odds should be a lock. Now it comes down to Mavs vs. Grizzlies for the 7th odds, which means almost 90% to get one of the top 8.

That may be the top 8.  Not sure though.  I think a few others may jump into that mix.  Acuff being the main one.   The issue is he may be 6'1-6'2 and will need to play point guard.  He has a thick build though.  He has been better than Brown. At Brown's size, you can envision him playing off the ball.   He is a projection though.    Acuff has scored, passed and played better than Brown.  Like Brown, Acuff seems to have a wide range of rankings.    

Was thinking the other day, how would you rank last years draft class from 5-14 to this years?   It is really early, but I think I like this years better.  Not by much though.   Last years draft was also pretty good in this range.

Also way early and we don't know who will stay in the draft, but I thought last years end of the first round was good.  It may be better than this years.   We will see.

[Winter]

That may be the top 8.  Not sure though.  I think a few others may jump into that mix.  Acuff being the main one.   The issue is he may be 6'1-6'2 and will need to play point guard.  He has a thick build though.  He has been better than Brown. At Brown's size, you can envision him playing off the ball.   He is a projection though.    Acuff has scored, passed and played better than Brown.  Like Brown, Acuff seems to have a wide range of rankings.    

Was thinking the other day, how would you rank last years draft class from 5-14 to this years?   It is really early, but I think I like this years better.  Not by much though.   Last years draft was also pretty good in this range.

Also way early and we don't know who will stay in the draft, but I thought last years end of the first round was good.  It may be better than this years.   We will see.

For me that list has a top six.... not a top eight.

I don't think either Ament or Brown is as clear to me as the top six above them. I like them, but there are a lot of players I like between 7 and 20 that are pretty hard to separate.

For instance, Darius Acuff is usually in the top 10 now and Christian Anderson is in the mid-20s. But you look at all the measurements, stats, and competition and it's pretty hard to see a lot of difference. That's why I think there's better value later in the draft than where the Mavs are currently picking.

[DL2RimRocker]

I have no interest in Ament for us.

Wagler is the guy we should shoot for and if we dont get him I'd consider trading back and draft Burries.

[Deebo]

Getting nervous. Draft sim mostly has a getting 8/9. Can’t have that. Need lose more and increase odds for top 5. Top 5 is a must.

[myconsumerclub]

I would drop down and snag Christian Anderson if someone wanted to move up and pick at 6 or 7 and yeah I said 6 because we are at 19 wins and Utah has 18 wins so if they win one more and we both don't win another game then we are tied for the 6th pick and if we dive deeper into the tank we will surely lose more than the JAZZ. All we have to do is shut down Cooper with his ankle issue for a few weeks.

[Smitty]

Big B12 game… #9 Kansas vs #5 Iowa St on ABC at Noon.

Peterson is the headliner but Iowa St has 3 future NBA guys that could/should be available around the late first/second round pick the Mavs have.

Momcilovic, Jefferson, Lipsey. Older guys. But worth the watch.


Then another B12 one later with #16 Texas Tech @ #1 Arizona on ESPN at 5:30.

V-Day might put a damper on that but C. Anderson vs B. Burries is the one to watch from a Mavs perspective.

[Winter]

I watched video on Jefferson (Iowa St.) recently and was impressed. He might be there at #30.

[Mavs2021]

I watched video on Jefferson (Iowa St.) recently and was impressed. He might be there at #30.

You need to get your sh*t together. It´s #29.

Suns pick also improved to #50.Tankathon has projected Krivas. Didn´t somebody here like him? Have to say Lithuanian centers to be serviceable (Sabonis family, Ilgauskas, Valanciunas, Motiejunas) in the NBA is a pretty reliable bet. At #50 and as a complementary 15-18 MPG and situational bruiser to Lively/Gafford he makes some sense.