2026 NBA draft thread

[Smitty]

I was listening to the Locked On podcast and Isaac mentioned some Centers he liked around the Mavs late FRP. It got me to look into those guys and add them to my list of names that I already had there. Here's kind of a 'Top-8' for the second first rounder the Mavs have. Some will rise and fall, of course.

Christian Anderson | PG | Texas Tech
Morez Johnson Jr. | F/C | Michigan
Dailyn Swain | G/F | Texas
Isaiah Evans | G/F | Duke
Flory Bidunga | F/C | Kansas
Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina
Meleek Thomas | PG | Arkansas
JT Toppin | PF | Texas Tech

All of these guys are ranked 25-40 on Tankathon. The No Ceilings guys are higher on Johnson Jr. and Swain as of now. They did a mock draft a couple days ago and have a write up for a few of these guys.

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/

Evans is high on my list for the Mavs pick at 29/30. I don't know who I like more between him and Swain...

Swain is a Junior (20) but a 6'8 G/F (Wing) type that can be a 2-way guy. His outside shot is coming around also. In his last 5 games he's 8/18 from deep. If he were even a good 3PT shooter, he'd be talked about in the Top-10.

Evans is a Sophomore (20) but a 6'6 SG type that is a shot maker (taker). Future 6th man role? His shot profile is something the Mavs don't currently have and would be a welcomed addition. He's 15/31 from 3PT in his last 5 games. If he can keep it up and get close to that 40% number like last year, on more attempts, I could see him in going in the low 20's this draft.