2026 NBA draft thread

[KillerLeft]

Well, Thats my point. Both sides matter. You call Flagg a PF mostly because of his strengths defensively. Being the weak side shot blocker type that AD was so great at early in his career? I don’t disagree. I think he struggles on the perimeter in space at times, but makes up for it with his length. No way to keep him out of those situations entirely. BUT I think he operates way more like a SF on offense and that means his PF needs to be a good CnS guy on the outside because you also have a traditional Big like Lively or Gaff as the low man. That’s why I think PJ and Flagg can fit. PJ is a better perimeter defender and can guard the smaller/quicker forward. Has plenty of switchabilty (best SGA defender in the playoffs) and can also provide some of the weak side rim protection when in rotation or cross matches happen. Flagg gets to guard the bigger/slower forward and if they’re a weak outside shooter (which is likely after looking for better shooting Power Forwards than PJ and finding only 2) can sag off and be that roamer. All you have to do is have a clearly defined role for PJ. He’s now a CnS only guy, that attacks closeouts (which happen to be his strengths). Defensively I don’t know how you can say they aren’t a fit?! Also, who Flagg is right now is not who he’s always going to be. I don’t think I make that point as clearly as I need to?! I’m not looking to build a team around Flagg that fits his exact strengths right now. I think those strengths will change a lot. As soon as this time next season. I expect him to be a much better ballhandler. I expect him to be a much better outside shooter. I expect him to add a lot of different shot types to his game and not always be a drive left finish left guy. I think he will be a very complete offensive player in very short time. Not just a Power Forward only that operates inside.

You had me until the emboldened. I'm not aligned with that opinion, personally. He might operate like a 90's/2000's SF, but not a current one, imho. Can he, given time? Maybe, but I'm not sure that means it should be the goal. 

But, I'll agree with some things you say afterwards. IF I was to pair Flagg with another "4," Jabari Smith would be at or near the top of the list for me. You said it: CNS. 

When I call Flagg a PF, I'm not advocating for or suggesting that he should "only operate inside," just suggesting that he's already GREAT there, and that it's in his and the team's best interest to maximize that advantage. Part of how I'd choose to go about that is to attempt to ensure he was guarded by bigger, slower guys (and hopefully 1-on-1, at that), which would (hang onto your hat) ALSO provide the benefit of him having an advantage from the perimeter off the dribble as his game evolves. 

When a player CAN guard UP, I think they SHOULD. For me, this is the way.