2026 NBA draft thread

[DanSchwartzgan]

I find it funny how we are all lemmings. We have no idea what directive (if any) Dumont has given or what the intentions of Ujiri are, but the appointment of Schmitz combined with the combine we all assume now it´s the long-term view.

Does that make you the chief Lemming?  Correct me if I’m confusing you with someone else, but I can’t think of anyone more focused on adding picks for this draft than you.  I’m not sure that trading down for multiple picks from #9 or up from #30 or combining Gafford with #30 to move up or similar means we are “all looking at the draft and trying to add picks”.

Some of us have actually “considered” (and posted about) Giannis and other structures that might turn picks and/or exceptions and/or existing players into things other than 2026 draft picks.  Some of us knew months ago that some of these kids would go back to school for the NIL money and this “historically deep” draft would get less deep.  

There are many ways to skin this cat.  Even multiple ways to do it while prioritizing younger players over older vets.  You are right that we don’t know what Masai’s marching orders are (or even if he has marching orders).  All we can do is look at his words, actions and history and try to surmise.   You can’t look at Schmitz’s skill set and assume it is only about current or future drafts.  He knows the players taken in the last several drafts extremely well.  He knows who he liked and who he thinks are being under-utilized.  If anyone can find the next Avdija or Giddey or NAW, it is Schmitz.

I imagine the strategy is all-of-the-above.  The current and future drafts, the so-called “second draft” strategy, free agency, trades, cap space, TPE’s.  Right now the 2026 draft is up next and we’ve spent months falling in and out of love with these guards.  I will agree that many are so enamored with them that they can’t envision a world where we don’t end up with one of the five.  But, draft day will eventually come and go and we’ll be on to the next shiny new toy.  Thankfully, I think the team takes a broader view of the mission.  I think the better question is to what degree are we prioritizing winning now vs willing 4 years from now and what does threading that needle look like in practical terms.