2026 NBA draft thread

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/2023721591352553894

[KillerLeft]

Why would NO team have interest in a 6'9 250lb forward in the NBA? He has to be a "stretch 5" to have any appeal? That seems like an extreme take...

"Slow footed" was used by another poster as a reason he would be undesirable AT CENTER. Obviously, this would be an even BIGGER issue at literally any other position. 

That's all I'm saying, and I was ASKING A QUESTION. I haven't watched these guys much, but if he's as lacking in athletic gifts as what I've read here for weeks indicates, I think it was a legitimate question. 

RTG's answer was very helpful.

[Winter]

I've watched so many draft videos and podcasts that I'm dizzy. While I'm not sure it helps, the videos I looked at last month are starting to look different now. I'm just noticing things about the top 10 players especially.

For instance Caleb Wilson really has a motor on him. He struggles with perimeter shooting so I never was full invested in him before. But there's no way I would pass this guy up at #4. He can play SF even at 6'10" and he literally does everything well - passes, rebounds, blocks shots, defends, and will score 15-20 ppg even if he doesn't shoot a 3 ball.

The top 3 players may get shuffled around in those three draft spots, but Wilson is easier for me to imagine as an instant starter than either Flemings or Wagner at #'s 5 and 6.

Anyway, I found it instructive to watch these videos 2-3 times if you can manage the time.

[mvossman]

Why would NO team have interest in a 6'9 250lb forward in the NBA? He has to be a "stretch 5" to have any appeal? That seems like an extreme take...

He's a machine. He's good. Like really really really good.

22.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game on 58/39/77 shooting. Leads the NCAA in PTS, RBS, PER, OWS, DWS, WS, OBPM, DBPM, BPM, DRtg.

Again, he is a machine. Wins at every level. Does all the little things extremely well. He's an elite rebounder, solid passer and connector, capable scorer, and well rounded defender. His BBIQ is off the charts. He's a basketball player! Arguably, having a better freshman season than Flagg just had, who lead the NCAA in all the same categories.

Does that mean he's guaranteed to be a star in the NBA? No, but none of these prospects are. If the Mavs have some lotto luck again and are able to draft Boozer, I'd be ecstatic!

Just curious, do you think he will be a good defender in the NBA?  Seems like he is not a rim protector and has limitations on the perimeter.  Don't get me wrong, adding a Kevin Love type talent would be huge on a team starved for talent, but if I were to pick a kind of player from a fit perspective next to Flagg, a Kevin Love type would not be the ideal choice.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I've watched so many draft videos and podcasts that I'm dizzy. While I'm not sure it helps, the videos I looked at last month are starting to look different now. I'm just noticing things about the top 10 players especially.

For instance Caleb Wilson really has a motor on him. He struggles with perimeter shooting so I never was full invested in him before. But there's no way I would pass this guy up at #4. He can play SF even at 6'10" and he literally does everything well - passes, rebounds, blocks shots, defends, and will score 15-20 ppg even if he doesn't shoot a 3 ball.

The top 3 players may get shuffled around in those three draft spots, but Wilson is easier for me to imagine as an instant starter than either Flemings or Wagner at #'s 5 and 6.

Anyway, I found it instructive to watch these videos 2-3 times if you can manage the time.

I've had the same thoughts.  I kind of wrote him off because of the lack of a three.  But, that motor!  He's stepped up in his games against the other top guys.  I'd love to see him paired with Flagg for the next decade plus.

The upside is just higher IMHO than any of the PG's.  I'm still trying to figure out who I'd take if drafting here or there.  But, if you assume Dallas sticks with one of the Big Four if given the choice, then some of the decision will be made for them if they are drafting 6-10.

On a different topic, I'm not sure the C's at 30 are going to be any better than Cisse.  His footspeed, rebounding and shotblocking are really good and he's young enough that there is time for development.  He was highly thought of coming out of HS.  Someone has been doing a really nice job (hint, its Riccardi) with this part of the roster the last two seasons.

[Smitty]

Just curious, do you think he will be a good defender in the NBA?  Seems like he is not a rim protector and has limitations on the perimeter.  Don't get me wrong, adding a Kevin Love type talent would be huge on a team starved for talent, but if I were to pick a kind of player from a fit perspective next to Flagg, a Kevin Love type would not be the ideal choice.

I don't see Kevin Love at all when I watch him. To each their own. I think he will be a really good team defender. I think he has some switchability on the perimeter. I think he can guard up. He lacks the elite lateral quickness to defend the SGA's of the world, but that goes for nearly everyone in the NBA. I agree that I don't see his role in the NBA as being a rim protector. 

In short, the NBA is all about mismatches. He will struggle to defend in space against some of the smaller/quicker guys, but that's not going to be his role in any defense. 

As far as "fit" with Flagg? IDK, are we getting so far away from talking actual basketball, that we don't think two elite 'forwards' are a fit on the court now? I don't know how anyone can confidently say that Boozer doesn't fit with Flagg. Isn't that what makes Flagg special afterall? That he's "easy" to build around? Do we think what he his on 2/17/2026 is who he will be as a basketball player in 12 months, 24 months, 36 months?

I'm not saying it's a perfect fit on paper or that they will be the next whatever duo to take over the NBA, but I think passing on a talent like Boozer because "fit" with two elite 19 year olds is certainly an opinion...

[mvossman]

I don't see Kevin Love at all when I watch him. To each their own. I think he will be a really good team defender. I think he has some switchability on the perimeter. I think he can guard up. He lacks the elite lateral quickness to defend the SGA's of the world, but that goes for nearly everyone in the NBA. I agree that I don't see his role in the NBA as being a rim protector. 

In short, the NBA is all about mismatches. He will struggle to defend in space against some of the smaller/quicker guys, but that's not going to be his role in any defense. 

As far as "fit" with Flagg? IDK, are we getting so far away from talking actual basketball, that we don't think two elite 'forwards' are a fit on the court now? I don't know how anyone can confidently say that Boozer doesn't fit with Flagg. Isn't that what makes Flagg special afterall? That he's "easy" to build around? Do we think what he his on 2/17/2026 is who he will be as a basketball player in 12 months, 24 months, 36 months?

I'm not saying it's a perfect fit on paper or that they will be the next whatever duo to take over the NBA, but I think passing on a talent like Boozer because "fit" with two elite 19 year olds is certainly an opinion...

I don't think anybody said to pass on him.  I am not opposed to the idea mentioned above of trading a few spots back for significant assets.

This comes back to our previous argument.  I think Flagg is a PF and I don't think putting another PF next to him is the ideal fit.  I didn't realize that opinion was so far away from talking basketball.

[Smitty]

I think Flagg is a PF

Tatum is also a PF. So is Giannis. So was Duncan and Dirk and Bird. All very different players, with different skillsets. It's just a position label. I think Flagg's current game and future trajectory make him a fit with just about any other great SF, PF, Forward, Wing, whatever label.

[Winter]

I don't think anybody said to pass on him.  I am not opposed to the idea mentioned above of trading a few spots back for significant assets.

This comes back to our previous argument.  I think Flagg is a PF and I don't think putting another PF next to him is the ideal fit.  I didn't realize that opinion was so far away from talking basketball.

Personally I like Boozer, but I'm not completely wedded to him. One of the things he does is find a way to position himself for a rebound. But the opposing players down low are easily pushed away by his big body.

But I don't think that happens as easily in the NBA. There are plenty of big bodies that he hasn't seen in college.

However, if you watch Boozer, they put him all over the court on offense. He's at the top of the key on some plays, closer to box on other plays, and occasionally out on the wing. And he seems to be a smart player too. As Chicago said, he makes smart plays.

I really doubt you go wrong here even with Flagg in the lineup, but Dybantsa and Wilson in the lineup might have similar challenges as well. I just think you have to go with best player of the top 4 - and that may depend on workouts, interviews and other intangibles. I think for these 4 players at the top you're going to have to trust your front office and coaching staff to help make the call.

[mvossman]

Tatum is also a PF. So is Giannis. So was Duncan and Dirk and Bird. All very different players, with different skillsets. It's just a position label. I think Flagg's current game and future trajectory make him a fit with just about any other great SF, PF, Forward, Wing, whatever label.

I would not classify Tatum as a PF like some of the other guys.  He spends a lot of his time on the perimeter on both sides of the floor.  He is a big wing.  If I was building around Giannis a PF would not be my first choice.

[Smitty]

One of the best things about Flagg is that almost every type of player can fit with him. He's an ideal starting point in many ways. 

I don't know if he'll be as good, better or worse than Dirk, Nash, Luka or Brunson, but I'm pretty confident that building a team around him will be easier than it was with any of those guys. When your best player is also one of your best defenders, things get much simpler.

I agree with this opinion a LOT!

[vfromlmf]

Tatum is also a PF. So is Giannis. So was Duncan and Dirk and Bird. All very different players, with different skillsets. It's just a position label. I think Flagg's current game and future trajectory make him a fit with just about any other great SF, PF, Forward, Wing, whatever label.

Pedro Cerrano: “Jesus, I like him very much, but He no help with curveball.”

Eddie Harris: “You trying to say Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball?”

[Chicagojk]

a better paolo?   Slighlty slower Paolo?  

I actually think Boozer may be the better prospect.   A few weeks ago when people were talking about Boozer's lack of athleticism, it was said he has more dunks this year than AJ.  Not sure if that is the case still.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comme..._banchero/

[Chicagojk]

Not only does Dallas need more shooting, they need the threat of shooting to surround Cooper.   No one is going to care about leaving PJ, Marshall, Martin open.    

Evans from Duke would be a real nice selection at the end of the first.  I don't think he projects as a starter.  Probably a heavy minute rotation player.  He could be grouped with 3-4 other players who can rotate in and out and spread the floor.   Evans has good size but really skinny.  He doesn't turn down many shots but has fit into two different teams.  Last year it was mostly off the bench as a Freshman.  This year as a starter.   

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comme..._as_a_top/

[Chicagojk]

This is a guy that I feel he can be an all defensive team player

Bidunga caught my eye last year and he has really developed this year.  I have not really watched him closely.  He is really athletic and looks to be a good defender.  I just wish he showed any perimeter skill.   I think he looks a little small for a center in the NBA.  Maybe for stretches or with certain teams.  Although because of this I feel he is a tweener.  Center skills with big forward size.  I think the Pelicans Missi is similar.   A lot of people still like him but I get the same feeling on Bidunga.

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/2023554984433033318

[numnuts23]

Boozer is such a smart player. He hardly ever makes the wrong decision and the same can be said about Flagg. If your able to pair those two up on the same team, that would be the dream. If choosing between crazy athleticism over above average athleticism w/ smarts - I'm choose the the basketball smarts every time. The NBA is full of guys who are insanely gifted but have have limited knowledge of how to actually play a team game.

Kyrie
Max/Johnson
Flagg/Naji/Klay
Boozer/PJ/Martin
Lively/Gafford/Cisse

Get you a PG/SG in FA and late 1st. Young starting core mixed with vets. Besides health, there is no reason that team isn't in the playoffs in year 2 of Flagg.

[mvossman]

a better paolo?   Slighlty slower Paolo?  

I actually think Boozer may be the better prospect.   A few weeks ago when people were talking about Boozer's lack of athleticism, it was said he has more dunks this year than AJ.  Not sure if that is the case still.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA_Draft/comme..._banchero/

An ironic comp in light of the recent discussion and the apparent fit issues between Paolo and Wagner (two PF who spend more time inside than on the perimeter).

[F Gump]

Someone has been doing a really nice job (hint, its Riccardi) with this part of the roster the last two seasons.

Why do you credit Riccardi for that?

[KillerLeft]

I agree with this opinion a LOT!

I agree with that opinion, too (whomever made that point seems really smart), but it strikes me as a point made more about defense. Some effort should also be put into the offensive side of the ball, right?