2026 NBA draft thread

[Chicagojk]

I would be very careful making any conclusions from the combine.   I think you just want to confirm that the prospects came inline with your eye test.   I would not make any case that someone "rose up or rose down" due to the combine.    Or that someone rose because they scored 20 points in some meaningless scrimmage.    I am just not a believer in that.   

I think the combine was big for Acuff and probably solidified  a top 7 pick.  I just don't believe there is a lot of movement despite what some internet draft guys are saying.

[Winter]

I would be very careful making any conclusions from the combine.   I think you just want to confirm that the prospects came inline with your eye test.   I would not make any case that someone "rose up or rose down" due to the combine.    Or that someone rose because they scored 20 points in some meaningless scrimmage.    I am just not a believer in that.   

I think the combine was big for Acuff and probably solidified  a top 7 pick.  I just don't believe there is a lot of movement despite what some internet draft guys are saying.

I think that's true for lottery players - maybe the top 20. But I think a lot of scouts were watching those borderline players in the second round. They had some decisions to make... even for players who might fall just outside the draft.

But I think the top 20-30 players are baked in now.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

I like the creativity. Obviously unrealistic. Maybe even a bit of "draft fever". BUT I have zero interest in trading Kyrie for a draft pick, unless it's top-4 (which isn't happening).  I think Flagg needs a 'Kyrie' for the next step in his development. We could see a Luka-like year 2 leap with a running mate like Kai next to him. Everything the front office does going forward has to be about Flagg and his development. Bringing in 4 or 5 rookies like you suggested and shipping out already good to great players like Kyrie, PJ, Klay, and Max is going backwards, and not doing what's in the best interest for Cooper IMO.

I'll agree that 99% of our trade pontificating will never come to pass, let alone multiple.  However, as much as I like rooting for Kyrie and think he would be good to play with Cooper, I can't help but see that he's about the only valuable asset the Mavs have to add assets that will fit with Flagg's ascending, prime timeline. I fear that if he isn't dealt now, before he requires an extension, that ship may sail.

Hey, we can disagree on which youthful pieces would be best to leave the Draft with, but I hope we can agree that getting more 19-24 year olds, the better, so long as there's a few vets to lead in the locker room. 

And I like the "idea" of Lively. But I am seriously concerned that he's a different form of Roy Tarpley -- they tease you with talent, but can't, for varying reasons, stay on the court.  Maybe Mara isn't it for you. We can agree to disagree (his shuffle drill was guard-like so I don't really see him being played off the court) on him, but I think the Mavs need to be looking very hard at a center sooner than later so they don't paint themselves into a corner on a Lively extension. 

Lastly, if the Mavs could do that OKC trade for #12, I might still be okay with trading #9 for #14 and #18.  The Mavs could get Burries, Carr, Johnson and pray that Okorie makes it to 30.  In this scenario the Mavs still have Kyrie. 

To be clear, in this specific draft, I want as many bites at the apple as possible.

[dirkfansince1998]

The only two guys we've discussed I have almost no interest in for the Mavs are Mara and Lendeborg. I like the profile of the latter, but I just can't wrap my head around drafting a 24 year old with this opportunity. You can say it doesn't matter, but it does to me.

Mara is just the type of player I don't enjoy watching and personally don't believe you can win with nowadays, especially as a highly-paid 1st round pick and expectations that he'd be an integral piece of how the team is constructed. You have Lively, and I'm nowhere near giving up on him. I'm more intrigued with Cisse in some ways than Mara, and I think the focus should be on finding CHEAP insurance for Lively, and when it's time to give up on Lively, I'll hope to have found another player like HIM, or I'll make finding another player like HIM my priority at that time.

Mara is a tough evaluation. We are usually in lockstep when it comes to bigmen. If they cannot defend in space I am not interested unless it's a special talent. And Mara might just be that. Might. In the end it's probably too much of an upside gamble for me. There will be options left that I like more than him.
I have talked myself into Lendeborg but probably not at #9. The Michigan guy that I would actually consider in a non trade scenario is Johnson Jr. 

In a pipe dream scenario with another lottery pick I could actually talk myself into taking both Michigan forwards/small ball bigs. Ujiri's dream come true. The 6'9 visions lives on.

[Smitty]

I would be very careful making any conclusions from the combine.   I think you just want to confirm that the prospects came inline with your eye test.   I would not make any case that someone "rose up or rose down" due to the combine.    Or that someone rose because they scored 20 points in some meaningless scrimmage.    I am just not a believer in that.   

I think the combine was big for Acuff and probably solidified  a top 7 pick.  I just don't believe there is a lot of movement despite what some internet draft guys are saying.

It happens every year in every sport. There will be 100+ articles written about winners and losers of the combine. Risers and fallers. Hot takes. Fake buzz. False reports. All of it. In the end, fans will never know how these teams rank the prospects. Going into the combine or any changes afterwards. It's a data point. It's a piece of the puzzle to build a player's profile and help the decision makers be more successful in predicting success and role at the next level.

We as fans, and those in the media, have our own opinions... and those are ones that rise and fall on 'our boards'.

[Chicagojk]

It happens every year in every sport. There will be 100+ articles written about winners and losers of the combine. Risers and fallers. Hot takes. Fake buzz. False reports. All of it. In the end, fans will never know how these teams rank the prospects. Going into the combine or any changes afterwards. It's a data point. It's a piece of the puzzle to build a player's profile and help the decision makers be more successful in predicting success and role at the next level.

We as fans, and those in the media, have our own opinions... and those are ones that rise and fall on 'our boards'.

One thing I should have noted is the recent change with NIL gives players more options and I expect this draft will clear out even more in the next 12 days.

[dirkfansince1998]

One thing I should have noted is the recent change with NIL gives players more options and I expect this draft will clear out even more in the next 12 days.

If I had to guess. Possible returners...Peat, Tanner, Momcilovic, Able, Richmond III, Moreno, Yessoufou

[Smitty]

@BigBlueDylan
Kentucky C Malachi Moreno has workouts scheduled with the following teams so far, I’ve been told

- Los Angeles Lakers. (25)
- Los Angeles Clippers. (5, 36, 52)
- Miami Heat. (13, 41)
- Dallas Mavericks. (9, 30, 48)

Has also met with
- Portland TrailBlazers.
- New York Knicks. (Workout)
- Boston Celtics.

[DanSchwartzgan]

@BigBlueDylan
Kentucky C Malachi Moreno has workouts scheduled with the following teams so far, I’ve been told

- Los Angeles Lakers. (25)
- Los Angeles Clippers. (5, 36, 52)
- Miami Heat. (13, 41)
- Dallas Mavericks. (9, 30, 48)

Has also met with
- Portland TrailBlazers.
- New York Knicks. (Workout)
- Boston Celtics.

I wouldn't mind this outcome.  I think you can project what he will be pretty easily.  I get the desire for upside, but if all you get is a 10 year high-end backup big who helps your team win his minutes and nothing more, that is a very good use of this pick.

[JamesConway816]

I like the creativity. Obviously unrealistic. Maybe even a bit of "draft fever". BUT I have zero interest in trading Kyrie for a draft pick, unless it's top-4 (which isn't happening).  I think Flagg needs a 'Kyrie' for the next step in his development. We could see a Luka-like year 2 leap with a running mate like Kai next to him. Everything the front office does going forward has to be about Flagg and his development. Bringing in 4 or 5 rookies like you suggested and shipping out already good to great players like Kyrie, PJ, Klay, and Max is going backwards, and not doing what's in the best interest for Cooper IMO.

Luka didnt have a player of Kyrie‘s level in his second year. He made that jump on his own. Flagg will have to do the same.

Keeping Kyrie around has become seriously overrated. You don’t have to move him just to get rid of him but if he is your pathway to another player that can be a longterm building block then by all means I hope they go for it.

[JamesConway816]

@BigBlueDylan
Kentucky C Malachi Moreno has workouts scheduled with the following teams so far, I’ve been told

- Los Angeles Lakers. (25)
- Los Angeles Clippers. (5, 36, 52)
- Miami Heat. (13, 41)
- Dallas Mavericks. (9, 30, 48)

Has also met with
- Portland TrailBlazers.
- New York Knicks. (Workout)
- Boston Celtics.

I havent watched him much but from my first impression Moreno looks like a really strong get if they stay at #30. I think there is a high chance he has a career as a rim running Center as a lower tier starting or a good bench big. Strong build, long, tall, good athlete. A lot to like here Imo.

[hakeemfaan]

The only two guys we've discussed I have almost no interest in for the Mavs are Mara and Lendeborg. I like the profile of the latter, but I just can't wrap my head around drafting a 24 year old with this opportunity. You can say it doesn't matter, but it does to me.

Mara is just the type of player I don't enjoy watching and personally don't believe you can win with nowadays, especially as a highly-paid 1st round pick and expectations that he'd be an integral piece of how the team is constructed. You have Lively, and I'm nowhere near giving up on him. I'm more intrigued with Cisse in some ways than Mara, and I think the focus should be on finding CHEAP insurance for Lively, and when it's time to give up on Lively, I'll hope to have found another player like HIM, or I'll make finding another player like HIM my priority at that time.

When I see Mara, I am thinking stiff.  Then I see his in game play and he can keep up.  The thing that really impressed me was him chasing down a guard on a fast break and blocking the shot and another sequence where he went to the perimeter to guard and still dropped back quickly down low to block the shot. 

Combine numbers can say how Edey is more agile but the eye test is saying this guy moves faster during the game 

His passing is also top notch. 

I wouldn’t take him at 9 because I am still a bit scared but would definitely consider him if we drop down a few spots.  

I am not that high on priority. If he is one of the best players two years from now, we can move him or Lively.

[Smitty]

Flagg will have to do the same.

No he won’t?

Keeping Kyrie around has become seriously overrated. You don’t have to move him just to get rid of him but if he is your pathway to another player that can be a longterm building block then by all means I hope they go for it.

Curious to know what you think Kyrie is “worth”, if it’s a pick? Assuming the salary matching is neutral at worst.

[Chicagojk]

If I had to guess. Possible returners...Peat, Tanner, Momcilovic, Able, Richmond III, Moreno, Yessoufou

Yeah, I think Tanner goes back.  I really like him, but as a sub 6 feet guard you are always going to be late first in all likelihood.    So get some money and try again next year.   With such a deep point guard draft, he could get lost in the shuffle.  He is one of my targets though if Mavs pass on a point guard at 9.

I think Peat stays in.  

Rumors are Yessoufou is going to drop out.  Momcilovic should go back to school.    Able should too.   

Not sure about Richmond or Moreno.  There has been some talk Moreno may have some fans.

[mvossman]

Regarding Kyrie worth, I would take a top 10 pick in this draft and neutral salary for him. I don't think that trade is on the table right now. I don't think teams are going to be willing to trade that much value for a mid 30s player they have not seen on the court in a year and a half. If Masai decides to move him (I think a real possibility) it will most likely be at the TDL (assuming he shows off enough to be worth trading for). I don't know what that package might look like, but I don't value future picks nearly as high as I do picks in this current draft.

[Winter]

Regarding Kyrie worth, I would take a top 10 pick in this draft and neutral salary for him.  I don't think that trade is on the table right now.  I don't think teams are going to be willing to trade that much value for a mid 30s player they have not seen on the court in a year and a half.  If Masai decides to move him (I think a real possibility) it will most likely be at the TDL (assuming he shows off enough to be worth trading for).  

I think you're right. I think this is entirely how it will play out, and it's pretty straighforward. I don't think any team's FO would think trading a top 10 pick for an older Kyrie recovering from a serious injury would be a good idea. I just don't see that happening.

[Chicagojk]

Got to be honest, I have not been on Zuby. I thought he was more of an early second round type probably suited for other teams. Who knows though.

https://x.com/jonchep/status/2055367402058117202?s=61

[MaxiThreeba]

Regarding Kyrie worth, I would take a top 10 pick in this draft and neutral salary for him.  I don't think that trade is on the table right now.  I don't think teams are going to be willing to trade that much value for a mid 30s player they have not seen on the court in a year and a half.  If Masai decides to move him (I think a real possibility) it will most likely be at the TDL (assuming he shows off enough to be worth trading for).  I don't know what that package might look like, but I don't value future picks nearly as high as I do picks in this current draft.

There’s a few teams out there that could convince themselves they’re a Kyrie away from contending at the TDL. 

If the Pistons fall short this year, Kyrie could make a lot of sense next to Cade.  The Hawks could think the same thing about a Daniels/Kyrie backcourt.  Magic, Heat and Bucks (if they keep Giannis) could all talk themselves into a run though really tough to find assets from the Bucks and the Magic are just weirdly put together and owe picks galore.  

I wouldn’t love keeping Kyrie in the West but Houston and Minnesota are two teams that may find themselves in all in mode and rosters that Kyrie could fit in well. 

I’d love for Masai and co. to build on the fly quickly enough that Kyrie is a part of a Mavs team that makes some noise.  But I agree with those saying he’s a real chip (if healthy, happy and hooping) that could net some pieces that fit the Cooper timeline better.

[hakeemfaan]

Killer… watch from the 20:05 mark.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gqhHdVv72es


The more I watch Mara, the more I am talking myself into grabbing him at 9 if he is there. I don’t know how long but a 2 center tandem of Lively and Mara is going to cause some issues.

[JamesConway816]

A lottery pick would be my price tag for Kyrie. Ideally inside the top 10 but thats not a must. The Mavs botched the tank and also didnt get much for AD so the pressure is there to get at least something worthwile for Kyrie. We have seen how quickly a players‘ value around the league can evaporize.

I was looking at the Bucks for a while. Pairing Giannis and Kyrie in exchange for #10 might have been their best shot but that appears to not be an option anymore unfortunately.