2026 NBA draft thread

[loki]

I am not sure of what Denver's limitations are but I agree they would definitely like to move Nnaji.    Moving Cam Johnson would only be if that is needed to sign Watson.  Not sure what they need to do to clear enough space.  It appears he will be a clear Lakers target so they will need to be aggressive.

Moving both Nnaji+Johnson and waiving Valanciunas would definitely be needed if they want to stay under the 2nd apron and Watson is going to get something like $25M. They could fill the roster out with cheap/minimum contracts and just sneak under the apron.

[Mavs2021]

I think Cleveland one is interesting.   Not really interested in the Monk optioin.  OKC typically don't do these deals.  They will probably find value if they decide to move Caruso or Dort and get get something back.  

Would you do Cam Johnson and Denver pick?  Cam Johnson could be a rehab candidate that you could move at the deadline.

If it was legal. 100%. 

OKC might do it, cause I think they have interest to retain Hartenstein and Dort, while Caruso is probably expendable. That they have so many picks makes it more likely that they give up a 17th pick than other teams. Although I agree that Presti is usually great at rolling the assets over.

[myconsumerclub]

shit we are playing way too good to lose against the Bulls

[dirkfansince1998]

Considering that I want the Adelson/Dumont out of Dallas no matter the cost I am very much conflicted about the Mavs future but I am still following the NBA so I thought I might as well use the draft to make a return without getting involved in Mavs management talk.

It's probably not the most popular opinion on this board but I have Boozer and Wilson 1) and 2) in the draft. Out on a number of mentioned guard prospects. Would rather trade down if all that is left in the 8/9/10 range is Brown, Philon or Acuff.

My personal Mavs board top 10...

1) Boozer - Just like Flagg he is the youngest top tier prospect in the draft class and despite that he already looks like he is a level above the rest when it come to IQ and intangibles. He can do it all on the offensive end and I am not nearly as concerned about his defense. His positional play is solid and that's more important than everything else. His net impact on defense for Duke was great. Overall just hard to pass up on what is statistically one of the best college seasons ever.

2) Wilson - Maybe the highest upside pick. Athleticism and defensive versatility to be a Giannis/KG level roaming defender with 1-5 switchability. If the improved touch on offense he showed prior to his injury is for real he is going to be an unstoppable freight train driving to the rim at will.

3) Dybantsa - Just not sure what he really is. As far as body type and movement goes he is almost KD'esque but he isn't as good of a shooter. Also not the biggest fan of his decision making and defense. Still a top tier talent that could easily go 1) in a different year.

And now it gets difficult.

4) Wagler - Among the guards he is probably the high floor/low ceiling option. Maybe it's the DSJ-PTSD speaking but for me that makes him the most desirable option among them. He has no real flaws and probably fits into any given role playing PG/SG next to other players with solid ballhandling ability. He probably isn't the high usage drive and kick creator that others prefer but he rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hands and has a legit off ball game.

5) Peterson - At some point you have to pick him. On paper he should be the next SGA/Kobe but for me the list of red flags is just too long. Decision making, effort, health. He is a top tier scorer from all levels but it's hard to imagine that a player with his tunnel vision will ever turn into a top tier creator for others. Almost THJ-like in the sense that once he gets the ball he is going to shoot it. He has all the tools to be a great defender but effort and off ball awareness are lacking. Overall he is just too big of a risk for me and I would probably trade down if the Mavs are in a position to pick him. Let another team figure out all the question marks.

6) Mara - Once upon a time (two years ago) he was viewed as a top 3 prospect in the world. Combination of touch, passing vision and size is unique. Add elite rim protection and even the expected limitations when it comes to mobility on the perimeter don't scare me. As far as passing goes he is the closest thing to Jokic that I have seen at the center position and even though he probably will never be even half as good as Jokic that's enough for me to gamble on his upside.

7) Burries- Comparable to Wagler but worse with the ball in his hands and not as good of a passer. Basically the number one 3&D prospect in the draft class. Probably the best all around athlet among the guards that are projected to go in the lottery. Strong, quick first step, lateral quickness to stay in front of almost almost everyone.

8) Flemings - Looking at the guards it's once again a low risk approach. Prototype drive and kick ballhandler that just plays a little bit bigger than Acuff or Philon. At least offers the potential to be a net neutral on defense.

9) Steinbach - Comparable to Boozer when it comes to their game in the paint but he lacks the face up game and passing vision. All the fundamentals and all around skills you could ask for. People love the high flying rim protectors but just like in Boozer's case I wouldn't be suprised if a fundamentally sound guy like Steinbach turns out to be a better defender than most 2+ blocks college rim protectors. Probably going to trigger a lot of people when I mention Kleber or Powell as examples of plus defenders with similar measurements and athleticism.

10) Acuff - He seems to be the board favorite and I get that his scoring ability is everything you could ask for after watching undrafted two-way players trying to create of the dribble all season long but I just don't see how to hide him on defense. As far as I can tell we are looking at a Lillard/Young level of defensive liablity. Just ask yourself. Would you use the Mavs pick to draft Trae Young? For me the answer is a clear no. Would rather trade down and add value in other areas.

Completly out on Brown and Philon. Brown screams DSJ. Philon is turnover prone and even though he developed his individual skills (shooting, finishing, handling) he still plays like a first year player. Making the kind of mistakes that would have landed a rookie in RC's doghouse back in the days.
Ament seems to be a measurements pick. Long with great mobility and guard like handles. Would probably take a couple of years for him to ever reach his potential (if ever). Same for Peat and Lopez.
Lendeborg is just too old. Probably one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season but that's what I expect from a player that will be 24 in his first NBA season. Usually guys like him get picked in the 2nd round.

Looking at potential trade down targets and pick 30:

Stirtz - Basically a worse version of Wagler. You don't want him to be the primary ballhandler but he offers a nice mix of on ball/off ball abilities. Might be because he is older but in my opinion he has a better feel for the game than the lottery guards.
Morez Johnson - PF or small ball five that just needs to add a reliable 3 (improved over the season). All teams are looking for the 1-5 switchable defender archtype and in this guard/wing heavy draft class he is one of the better options.

These guys would interest me at 30 but could also be available in the mid/late second round:

Momcilovic and Sandfort - Probably the two best 3-point shooters in college basketball. Both will have a hard time on defense. I think Sandfort offers a little bit more on that end but he isn't as big. Basically Ryan Anderson vs Duncan Robinson. Who would you rather have in the modern NBA?
Bidunga - The usual raw rim protector. But probably the one with the best mobility and potential to defend the perimeter
Braden Smith - Think TJ McConnell. Late second round is where you gamble on an undersized guard. Relentless motor on both ends. Can do a little bit of everything but mostly a pass first playmaker.
Emanuel Sharp - 3&D point of attack defender. Don't expect him to create. He guards the best opposing guards and spots up for three on offense.

[Chicagojk]

Considering that I want the Adelson/Dumont out of Dallas no matter the cost I am very much conflicted about the Mavs future but I am still following the NBA so I thought I might as well use the draft to make a return without getting involved in Mavs management talk.

It's probably not the most popular opinion on this board but I have Boozer and Wilson 1) and 2) in the draft. Out on a number of mentioned guard prospects. Would rather trade down if all that is left in the 8/9/10 range is Brown, Philon or Acuff.

My personal Mavs board top 10...

1) Boozer - Just like Flagg he is the youngest top tier prospect in the draft class and despite that he already looks like he is a level above the rest when it come to IQ and intangibles. He can do it all on the offensive end and I am not nearly as concerned about his defense. His positional play is solid and that's more important than everything else. His net impact on defense for Duke was great. Overall just hard to pass up on what is statistically one of the best college seasons ever.

2) Wilson - Maybe the highest upside pick. Athleticism and defensive versatility to be a Giannis/KG level roaming defender with 1-5 switchability. If the improved touch on offense he showed prior to his injury is for real he is going to be an unstoppable freight train driving to the rim at will.

3) Dybantsa - Just not sure what he really is. As far as body type and movement goes he is almost KD'esque but he isn't as good of a shooter. Also not the biggest fan of his decision making and defense. Still a top tier talent that could easily go 1) in a different year.

And now it gets difficult.

4) Wagler - Among the guards he is probably the high floor/low ceiling option. Maybe it's the DSJ-PTSD speaking but for me that makes him the most desirable option among them. He has no real flaws and probably fits into any given role playing PG/SG next to other players with solid ballhandling ability. He probably isn't the high usage drive and kick creator that others prefer but he rarely makes mistakes with the ball in his hands and has a legit off ball game.

5) Peterson - At some point you have to pick him. On paper he should be the next SGA/Kobe but for me the list of red flags is just too long. Decision making, effort, health. He is a top tier scorer from all levels but it's hard to imagine that a player with his tunnel vision will ever turn into a top tier creator for others. Almost THJ-like in the sense that once he gets the ball he is going to shoot it. He has all the tools to be a great defender but effort and off ball awareness are lacking. Overall he is just too big of a risk for me and I would probably trade down if the Mavs are in a position to pick him. Let another team figure out all the question marks.

6) Mara - Once upon a time (two years ago) he was viewed as a top 3 prospect in the world. Combination of touch, passing vision and size is unique. Add elite rim protection and even the expected limitations when it comes to mobility on the perimeter don't scare me. As far as passing goes he is the closest thing to Jokic that I have seen at the center position and even though he probably will never be even half as good as Jokic that's enough for me to gamble on his upside.

7) Burries- Comparable to Wagler but worse with the ball in his hands and not as good of a passer. Basically the number one 3&D prospect in the draft class. Probably the best all around athlet among the guards that are projected to go in the lottery. Strong, quick first step, lateral quickness to stay in front of almost almost everyone.

8) Flemings - Looking at the guards it's once again a low risk approach. Prototype drive and kick ballhandler that just plays a little bit bigger than Acuff or Philon. At least offers the potential to be a net neutral on defense.

9) Steinbach - Comparable to Boozer when it comes to their game in the paint but he lacks the face up game and passing vision. All the fundamentals and all around skills you could ask for. People love the high flying rim protectors but just like in Boozer's case I wouldn't be suprised if a fundamentally sound guy like Steinbach turns out to be a better defender than most 2+ blocks college rim protectors. Probably going to trigger a lot of people when I mention Kleber or Powell as examples of plus defenders with similar measurements and athleticism.

10) Acuff - He seems to be the board favorite and I get that his scoring ability is everything you could ask for after watching undrafted two-way players trying to create of the dribble all season long but I just don't see how to hide him on defense. As far as I can tell we are looking at a Lillard/Young level of defensive liablity. Just ask yourself. Would you use the Mavs pick to draft Trae Young? For me the answer is a clear no. Would rather trade down and add value in other areas.

Completly out on Brown and Philon. Brown screams DSJ. Philon is turnover prone and even though he developed his individual skills (shooting, finishing, handling) he still plays like a first year player. Making the kind of mistakes that would have landed a rookie in RC's doghouse back in the days.
Ament seems to be a measurements pick. Long with great mobility and guard like handles. Would probably take a couple of years for him to ever reach his potential (if ever). Same for Peat and Lopez.
Lendeborg is just too old. Probably one of the most impactful players in college basketball this season but that's what I expect from a player that will be 24 in his first NBA season. Usually guys like him get picked in the 2nd round.

Looking at potential trade down targets and pick 30:

Stirtz - Basically a worse version of Wagler. You don't want him to be the primary ballhandler but he offers a nice mix of on ball/off ball abilities. Might be because he is older but in my opinion he has a better feel for the game than the lottery guards.
Morez Johnson -  PF or small ball five that just needs to add a reliable 3 (improved over the season). All teams are looking for the 1-5 switchable defender archtype and in this guard/wing heavy draft class he is one of the better options.

These guys would interest me at 30 but could also be available in the mid/late second round:

Momcilovic and Sandfort - Probably the two best 3-point shooters in college basketball. Both will have a hard time on defense. I think Sandfort offers a little bit more on that end but he isn't as big. Basically Ryan Anderson vs Duncan Robinson. Who would you rather have in the modern NBA?
Bidunga - The usual raw rim protector. But probably the one with the best mobility and potential to defend the perimeter
Braden Smith - Think TJ McConnell. Late second round is where you gamble on an undersized guard. Relentless motor on both ends. Can do a little bit of everything but mostly a pass first playmaker.
Emanuel Sharp - 3&D point of attack defender. Don't expect him to create. He guards the best opposing guards and spots up for three on offense.

My rankings are different, but thanks for the well thought out post.

[Chicagojk]

My levels of my draft board will probably look like this....maybe someone drops or someone jumps up, but for now.....

Top 4---- Mavs are on the fast track
5-7---Will be happy, but some risk/fit potential concerns
7-9--Similar level of talent as my 5-7 but with a tad/a little more risk.  Actually i am not sure where I will have Philon at the moment...so maybe it should be 7-8.  At the same time, Brown also concerns me.    
10 and above---Things get dicey for me.

[Smitty]

   

So, coin flip day is on or around April 20th (one week). The draft lottery is May 10th.

The only real difference is if the Mavs lose the coin flip, falling to 9 is much higher, and even pick 10 comes into play. Also, no shot at 7.

Best case... Win the flip and your most probable outcomes in order: Pick 8, Top-4, Pick 7, Pick 9, Pick 10

[Chicagojk]

So, coin flip day is on or around April 20th (one week). The draft lottery is May 10th.

The only real difference is if the Mavs lose the coin flip, falling to 9 is much higher, and even pick 10 comes into play. Also, no shot at 7.

Best case... Win the flip and your most probable outcomes in order: Pick 8, Top-4, Pick 7, Pick 9, Pick 10

Thanks.  This visual helps.  Yeah, the main difference is the high chance at 9.   That is not ideal, but could be ok if someone drops.  I would not want to be there.   6 % at 10 also hurts.   Interesting that the top 4 odds are pretty much the same.

[Winter]

One of the things I think we pass on: undersized point guards. We have one already, and this draft is filled with them. Acuff is the exception at the appropriate lottery position, but that's it. I would prefer to look at other positions for 1st and 2nd round value. Trade for a veteran PG if necessary, but let's not spend the lottery on something we already have.

Quick edit: I also wonder where Kidd and the new GM will stand on the PG position in general. Kidd has never seemed wedded to a specific proto-type

[Scott41theMavs]

So, coin flip day is on or around April 20th (one week). The draft lottery is May 10th.

The only real difference is if the Mavs lose the coin flip, falling to 9 is much higher, and even pick 10 comes into play. Also, no shot at 7.

Best case... Win the flip and your most probable outcomes in order: Pick 8, Top-4, Pick 7, Pick 9, Pick 10

Yeah, they need to go Qui-Gon on that coin flip.

[Scott41theMavs]

One of the things I think we pass on: undersized point guards. We have one already, and this draft is filled with them. Acuff is the exception at the appropriate lottery position, but that's it. I would prefer to look at other positions for 1st and 2nd round value. Trade for a veteran PG if necessary, but let's not spend the lottery on something we already have.

Quick edit: I also wonder where Kidd and the new GM will stand on the PG position in general. Kidd has never seemed wedded to a specific proto-type

I would be approximately 500x happier with one of those "undersized guards" than I would with Ament.

Everyone talks about someone 5-10 not taking a guard. If that happens, that non-guard pick will be the big reach, and probably the big bust, of the draft.

[Winter]

I would be approximately 500x happier with one of those "undersized guards" than I would with Ament.

Everyone talks about someone 5-10 not taking a guard. If that happens, that non-guard pick will be the big reach, and probably the big bust, of the draft.

I don't think that would need to be a slotted A or B choice.  I wouldn't take Ament period. In fact I doubt Ament is in the top #12 when the draft finally happens.

[Chicagojk]

One of the things I think we pass on: undersized point guards. We have one already, and this draft is filled with them. Acuff is the exception at the appropriate lottery position, but that's it. I would prefer to look at other positions for 1st and 2nd round value. Trade for a veteran PG if necessary, but let's not spend the lottery on something we already have.

Quick edit: I also wonder where Kidd and the new GM will stand on the PG position in general. Kidd has never seemed wedded to a specific proto-type

What do you consider undersized?    I don't buy Acuff is 6'3.  I guess we will see, but I label him as undersized.

Flemings is listed at 6'3, and I think that may be pretty close.  Maybe 6'3 with shoes.   Philon was measured at 6'2.75 barefoot at the combine last year so he is pretty close to 6'4.    

Besides Acuff, I don't think many of the lottery guards are considered undersized.    I think some of the mid to late first potential guards are definitely undersized.  

I do agree that I am less interested in a pure point guard than a guy who can play off the ball and on the ball.

[Chicagojk]

Ament won’t be on my wishlist for the Mavs, but I could see a team talking themselves into him.

6’10, top 5 recruit entering college. Will be 19 to start next season. I could see a team thinking what he looks like in two years from now when he fills out and gets stronger. Right now, despite him getting a ton of free throws, physical play really bothers him. Makes his percentages really ugly.

https://youtu.be/Et_kH0PWPXs?si=LrTeuSkNq4xNWxFo

[Winter]

What do you consider undersized?    I don't buy Acuff is 6'3.  I guess we will see, but I label him as undersized.

Flemings is listed at 6'3, and I think that may be pretty close.  Maybe 6'3 with shoes.   Philon was measured at 6'2.75 barefoot at the combine last year so he is pretty close to 6'4.    

Besides Acuff, I don't think many of the lottery guards are considered undersized.    I think some of the mid to late first potential guards are definitely undersized.  

I do agree that I am less interested in a pure point guard than a guy who can play off the ball and on the ball.

Sorry, let me put it this way.

Acuff is a debatable topic between 5-10 in the lottery even for the Mavs. After that initial pick of ours, however, I simply am not interested in any of the late first-round or second round PGs over a capable wing. There seems like a nice selection of wings in the late 1st round. I think the better use of the draft for the Mavs in our current draft position is a wing who can shoot.

I don't expect Flemmings to be there when we pick with our initial pick... but he might be.

[dirkfansince1998]

What do you consider undersized?    I don't buy Acuff is 6'3.  I guess we will see, but I label him as undersized.

Flemings is listed at 6'3, and I think that may be pretty close.  Maybe 6'3 with shoes.   Philon was measured at 6'2.75 barefoot at the combine last year so he is pretty close to 6'4.    

Besides Acuff, I don't think many of the lottery guards are considered undersized.    I think some of the mid to late first potential guards are definitely undersized.  

I do agree that I am less interested in a pure point guard than a guy who can play off the ball and on the ball.

Same. Eye test is telling me that Acuff is clearly smaller than Philon.
Flemings was measured in 2023 ( Nike camp). 6'1 barefoot. Reasonable to assume that he added another inch. Probably not much more.

Cannot wait for the measurements. Especially the wingspan. From the eyetest Philon should be in the plus range. Acuff gives me t-rex vibes but most reports I found list him with a plus wingspan.

[Winter]

Same. Eye test is telling me that Acuff is clearly smaller than Philon.
Flemings was measured in 2023 ( Nike camp). 6'1 barefoot. Reasonable to assume that he added another inch. Probably not much more.

Cannot wait for the measurements. Especially the wingspan. From the eyetest Philon should be in the plus range. Acuff gives me t-rex vibes.

Regarding Acuff and Flemings, I'm not sure how much I care if either stands at 6"2". Lots of good PGs have been that size. I'm not saying I would pick them necessarily. That depends on who is available. Under 6'2" though, you're losing me entirely. 

It's using the pick #30 in the draft on an undersized PG that would bother me.

[OldMavsFan]

I have been reading through out this season that this is a really strong draft, but from what I am reading and from what I have seen, that doesn't seem to be true. I understand the Mavs are make a huge deal on this draft since they have little chance of having a top 10 pick for 5 years, but I don't really see there is a sure fire top 20 player in this draft. I am not saying there won't be, Jokic, Dirk and a number of others became superstars, but there is no Wemby or Flagg even as I see it and from the chatter he and of mock draft boards.

I do wonder if the Mav will target the player with the most upside and a shot at being the teams second star, even if they think the player takes 2 or 3 years to become the star and go for the higher ceiling over someone who has a higher floor, but with limited upside. The other thing, I hope happens is the Mavs will consider a trade, there seem to be a lot of these one and done players that really needs 3 or 4 years to grow into the league, skill and body wise.

[windjc]

So the draft where people were saying Cooper would have gone #6, is now not that strong. Funny how that works.

[Mavs2021]

So the draft where people were saying Cooper would have gone #6, is now not that strong. Funny how that works.

I still think the top 4 are ridiculously strong and that the NBA scouting usually does not let the special talent slip anymore. I´m not that married to the 8th or 9th pick. The isolation scoring stats of Anderson and Swain only reinforced my interest in them. I´m really so confused by Anderson. Best assist numbers in the class, good 3pt shooter on high volume, excellent iso scorer, younger than Burries and Philon. What am I missing?

If we move up, find an extra pick for Anderson and Swain is there at #30, we have a special core imho.

Anderson
Swain
Flagg
Wilson
Lively

10 years of Dirk surrounded by prime JET, Howard, Marion and Tyson.