2026 NBA draft thread

[Winter]

Anyone important caught up in the recent game fixing charges? I don't follow close enough to know any of the names or whether they mean anything to the draft.

I hadn't connected the two. I hope the fixing thing doesn't impact anything regarding the draft. I don't recognize the players named and can't seen anything connected from the articles. Initially, it was players fixing games by "under-performing." I suspect it would little impact on the draft.

[Chicagojk]

Ament.  Real tough evaluation.  A lot of the similar skills as Rishacher.  Has been up and down this year.  More in line of your typical freshman.  Very little explosive plays.  Still has scored 15 pts a game.  Hasn’t shot well.  You can see the potential of a skilled 6’10 guy or you can see a guy who will not get a second contract.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTgB7XLjg...eTd0NHFnaQ==

It would be fascinating being in a draft room when teams looking at forwards discussed Ament vs Peat.   Two drastically different players.

https://x.com/brhoops/status/2011678510512029826

[Winter]

Noceilings mock draft had Ament at #22 - which I think is a more honest evaluation of him than earlier drafts.

Peat, Wagler, and Lindenborg have been staying pretty stable from about #10 - 14

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/2026-nba-mock-draft-v3

[ballsrchr]

I don't even know if this guy will declare for the draft, or not, but he's worth a look for a low draft pick--or even undrafted. His name is Robbie Avila (I think), a center, 6' 10", a senior. His vertical jump is about...1". But he plays a lot like Jokic, has a lot of BBIQ, and seems to be a leader on the floor. Great passing and shoots 3PT at 38% career clip...45% for the 25/26 season. Interesting player.

[Winter]

I don't even know if this guy will declare for the draft, or not, but he's worth a look for a low draft pick--or even undrafted.  His name is Robbie Avila (I think), a center, 6' 10", a senior.  His vertical jump is about...1".  But he plays a lot like Jokic, has a lot of BBIQ, and seems to be a leader on the floor.  Great passing and shoots 3PT at 38% career clip...45% for the 25/26 season.  Interesting player.

You're right. And by the looks of it a great passer and shooter.

He also looks like he should be in engineering school and not on a basketball court   Probably the most un-athletic player I've ever seen. Seriously, I could see the fans just loving this guy...  kind of like Eddie the Eagle - the Olympic skier from England that everybody couldn't get enough of.

He has the body of Will Farrell, and the passing touch of Jokic.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_q...iana+state

[Chicagojk]

With good reason, Caleb Wilson gets a lot the press, but his teammate has also had a great season as a skilled big man. Will probably be a first round draft pick as well

https://youtu.be/kL3q2mHBiY8?si=6tj2P_Z2EsRCp2z0

[Winter]

With good reason, Caleb Wilson gets a lot the press, but his teammate has also had a great season as a skilled big man.  Will probably be a first round draft pick as well

https://youtu.be/kL3q2mHBiY8?si=6tj2P_Z2EsRCp2z0

I was just going to post something on Veesar. Interesting player. Moves pretty well for 7' footer and has a shot. I've seen mock drafts with him between #10-15. Analysts say he has a high motor and can do just about anything you want a center to do.

[Chicagojk]

Watching Peterson for the first time. He is putting on a little bit of a show.

For Baylor, just first glance I think I like Tounde above Carr. Carr has a nice shot though.

[ThisIStheYear]

Watching Peterson for the first time.  He is putting on a little bit of a show.

For Baylor, just first glance I think I like Tounde above Carr.  Carr has a nice shot though.

Damn. That guy is good. He’s the #1 pick for sure.

[Chicagojk]

It is pretty amazing watching these 3.5 top prospects (Wilson gets the .5).   Just like Cooper last year, they keep on raising the bar.  They are just too good for college.

For most freshman, you really like to see them struggle, rebound and start figuring stuff out.  You want to see them bang their head a few times and fail.  That is typical for most Freshman.    You want to see how they respond.

Every few years, you get one who from day one is too good and just proves it day after day.  This year you have 3.5.   Quite amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iIx-djNpGo

[DanSchwartzgan]

It is pretty amazing watching these 3.5 top prospects (Wilson gets the .5).    

I'm just now starting to look at the guys in the top 10 or so.  If Dallas were to snag #4, is it automatically Wilson, or is there an argument for taking someone else?  If Dallas somehow got #3 and Wilson and Boozer are both there, is it automatically Boozer?

[Winter]

I'm just now starting to look at the guys in the top 10 or so.  If Dallas were to snag #4, is it automatically Wilson, or is there an argument for taking someone else?  If Dallas somehow got #3 and Wilson and Boozer are both there, is it automatically Boozer?

So far, Wilson hasn't moved out of the #4 slot in any mock draft I've seen.

And Boozer has stayed at either 1,2 or 3 (mostly 3) in the mock drafts. Boozer has been groomed for this draft in much the way Flagg was. Lots of tournaments, lots of awards. He also looks the part in every video I see. Not very explosive, but that's about the only complaint anyone has.

Some analysts I've seen have said there's a gap after #4. Flemings is usually there or somewhere close at #5, then the next 5 after that are pretty close in most drafts. Usually a combination of Brown, Lendenborg, Wagler, Acuff, Peat, then maybe Mullins, Philon, Steinbach, and possibly Quaintance (that guy is all over the map because on injuries). Then maybe 5 more players who generally flesh out the top 20.

[Chicagojk]

I'm just now starting to look at the guys in the top 10 or so.  If Dallas were to snag #4, is it automatically Wilson, or is there an argument for taking someone else?  If Dallas somehow got #3 and Wilson and Boozer are both there, is it automatically Boozer?

If Boozer lasted to third and the Mavs had the third pick, he would be my pick.  I assume though that Wilson may have some fans.   The second half of the season will be important.   As is the UNC vs Duke games.

I don't think Wilson automatically is #4 either.  I think it is most likely he does go 4th, but i could see teams really liking another player ahead of him.

[Chicagojk]

I'm just now starting to look at the guys in the top 10 or so.  If Dallas were to snag #4, is it automatically Wilson, or is there an argument for taking someone else?  If Dallas somehow got #3 and Wilson and Boozer are both there, is it automatically Boozer?

https://x.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/2013572173034598537

[KillerLeft]

I'm just now starting to look at the guys in the top 10 or so.  If Dallas were to snag #4, is it automatically Wilson, or is there an argument for taking someone else?  If Dallas somehow got #3 and Wilson and Boozer are both there, is it automatically Boozer?

This might be a foolish take, but due to the inescapable fact that Flagg is the one variable already set, I have very little interest in Boozer, Wilson or even Dybansta.

I know, I know...best player available. I just REALLY think a ball-handling guard is the 2nd domino that will get this thing moving along.

[Chicagojk]

Alabama sophomore Philon. He has made a huge bump this year after being in a support role as a freshman. Good size. Not a great athlete but is wiggly in ability to change speeds. His shot has really improved.

In one of the comments of the video it says he is only 5 months older than Brown jr.

https://youtu.be/xGOhUPYpISk?si=0ixUmhaPoy8e8xOv

[Winter]

Alabama sophomore Philon.  He has made a huge bump this year after being in a support role as a freshman.  Good size.  Not a great athlete but is wiggly in ability to change speeds.  His shot has really improved.

In one of the comments of the video it says he is only 5 months older than Brown jr.

https://youtu.be/xGOhUPYpISk?si=0ixUmhaPoy8e8xOv

Took his name out of the draft last year and went back to school. Good decision.

[Chicagojk]

Took his name out of the draft last year and went back to school. Good decision.

He has been fabulous this year.   At the moment though, I will be a little disappointed if he was the pick we drafted in 2026.    Maybe my opinion changes, but I am hoping for something better.

Watching him, I sort of see a smaller, less athletic, not as good SGA (without the free throws). They have some of the same movements.

[Winter]

He has been fabulous this year.   At the moment though, I will be a little disappointed if he was the pick we drafted in 2026.    Maybe my opinion changes, but I am hoping for something better.

Watching him, I sort of see a smaller, less athletic, not as good SGA (without the free throws).  They have some of the same movements.

Totally agree with that. In my opinion though, every PG above him has warts too. So I'm still unclear on whether a rookie PG from the draft is the way to go for this team.

[Chicagojk]

Totally agree with that. In my opinion though, every PG above him has warts too. So I'm still unclear on whether a rookie PG from the draft is the way to go for this team.

Yeah, for me unless elite if a prospect is primarily point guard and cannot also play with a point guard than I am not really interested.