2026 NBA draft thread

[KillerLeft]

Tatum is also a PF. So is Giannis. So was Duncan and Dirk and Bird. All very different players, with different skillsets. It's just a position label. I think Flagg's current game and future trajectory make him a fit with just about any other great SF, PF, Forward, Wing, whatever label.

But that's the point we're making. 

Whom from that list is most like Flagg, in your opinion? Bird, to me, is the least similar, and yet that seems to be what about 50% of us think he'll be (not me). I think Giannis is probably the best comparison (maybe Tatum), and I personally hate the idea of the ball being in either of their hands too much, personally. 

It's not the "label" that we can't get past, it's the assessment of what he does well and maybe more importantly what he does best. That's how I see it, anyway.

If I were running the team, my goal would be to put Flagg into situations wherein he was 1-on-1 from about 17' in, not above the break. I think we'd see a consistently dominant offensive player in those circumstances. For me, that means there are at least three DANGEROUS shooters on the floor with him. The only three dangerous shooters on this whole TEAM are Kyrie, Thompson and Christie. That's a problem, imho. I think more shooting (in the top 6-7 guys, not just on the roster) is an important goal.

[KillerLeft]

The more I watch Flagg, the more I see a more modern version of Kevin Garnett, tbqmfh.

...or (and I've said this before) a version of the player Lamar Odom was supposed be, could've been and briefly was (before he was a Maverick). I actually still think that's the very best comparison.

[khaled1987]

For me, this is all a moot discussion.

Fit is the worst thing to think about when you do a draft.

You go for talent and the one that has the biggest chance of stardom in the NBA.

The Kings thought about fit in 2018 and passed on Luka, they later learned the lesson and got Halliburton.

When it didn't work, they managed to trade him for an All NBA center.

If Boozer is the best player, available where we draft, you take him.

He fits great with Flagg? Great.
He is a questionable fit? You have a highly coveted young asset and you can flip him or Cooper (because there is a chance Boozer is the better player) for what you want

You only trade down if you don't think he is the best player, while you know other teams does.

And in a draft that is hyped like this one, I doubt any GM would risk trading downtbh

[DanSchwartzgan]

Why do you credit Riccardi for that?

Because that is his actual job.  While Nico was here (first as Senior Director of Pro Personnel and then as Asst. GM), he was in charge of Scouting and Player Evaluation.  The last four or so of his 12 in Brooklyn were as Director of Scouting Operations.  It’s basically has part of the split with Finley and was his area of responsibility under Nico.

[KillerLeft]

Because that is his actual job.  While Nico was here (first as Senior Director of Pro Personnel and then as Asst. GM), he was in charge of Scouting and Player Evaluation.  The last four or so of his 12 in Brooklyn were as Director of Scouting Operations.  It’s basically has part of the split with Finley and was his area of responsibility under Nico.

Interesting. What's Finley's part of the split?

[Chicagojk]

For me, this is all a moot discussion.

Fit is the worst thing to think about when you do a draft.

You go for talent and the one that has the biggest chance of stardom in the NBA.

The Kings thought about fit in 2018 and passed on Luka, they later learned the lesson and got Halliburton.

When it didn't work, they managed to trade him for an All NBA center.

If Boozer is the best player, available where we draft, you take him.

He fits great with Flagg? Great.
He is a questionable fit? You have a highly coveted young asset and you can flip  him or Cooper (because there is a chance Boozer is the better player) for what you want

You only trade down if you don't think he is the best player, while you know other teams does.

And in a draft that is hyped like this one, I doubt any GM would risk trading downtbh

Nicely said.  I had a bias against Boozer entering this year.  Son of a former good player.  A guy who used his strength and size to dominant high school basketball.   In that 6'8 to 6'9 range.    It took me about two games watching him to change my opinion.  I have said before, he is the best player on the floor every night but doesn't need to prove it every possession.  He plays a thinking mans game with force.   Him and Cooper on the court together would be just devastating.   Sure, he may not pan out....every prospect has a route where it doesn't work out.   I would probably not even take him #1, but he would be a real consideration.  Just watch his games.    See some of the negatives, but then also notice all the crazy stuff he is doing.   I think Cooper has more upside due to position and skill, but Boozer may be having a better season than Cooper from last year.    Pretty crazy.  He is also 6 months younger than Coop.

[Chicagojk]

For me, this is all a moot discussion.

Fit is the worst thing to think about when you do a draft.

You go for talent and the one that has the biggest chance of stardom in the NBA.

The Kings thought about fit in 2018 and passed on Luka, they later learned the lesson and got Halliburton.

When it didn't work, they managed to trade him for an All NBA center.

If Boozer is the best player, available where we draft, you take him.

He fits great with Flagg? Great.
He is a questionable fit? You have a highly coveted young asset and you can flip  him or Cooper (because there is a chance Boozer is the better player) for what you want

You only trade down if you don't think he is the best player, while you know other teams does.

And in a draft that is hyped like this one, I doubt any GM would risk trading downtbh

Nicely said.  I had a bias against Boozer entering this year.  Son of a former good player.  A guy who used his strength and size to dominant high school basketball.   In that 6'8 to 6'9 range.    It took me about two games watching him to change my opinion.  I have said before, he is the best player on the floor every night but doesn't need to prove it every possession.  He plays a thinking mans game with force.   Him and Cooper on the court together would be just devastating.   Sure, he may not pan out....every prospect has a route where it doesn't work out.   I would probably not even take him #1, but he would be a real consideration.  Just watch his games.    See some of the negatives, but then also notice all the crazy stuff he is doing.   I think Cooper has more upside due to position and skill, but Boozer may be having a better season than Cooper from last year.    Pretty crazy.  He is also 6 months younger than Coop.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Tatum is also a PF. So is Giannis. So was Duncan and Dirk and Bird. I think Flagg's current game and future trajectory make him a fit with just about any other great SF, PF, Forward, Wing, whatever label.

I think some of the issue is the ability to imagine (or forecast) what Flagg will become versus what he is currently.  Today, he’s closer to Giannis, but with a jump shot (Flagg is .376% on 3’s his last 20 games).  But, over time Flagg’s bag is going to be more like Tatum’s, but with better size.  

The trick in picking forward’s to pair with him is some see him as Giannis and insist on a certain archetype and some see him as (eventually being) Tatum and think a different archetype is needed.  I think he’s going to be a bit of both.

[KillerLeft]

I think some of the issue is the ability to imagine (or forecast) what Flagg will become versus what he is currently.  Today, he’s closer to Giannis, but with a jump shot (Flagg is .376% on 3’s his last 20 games).  But, over time Flagg’s bag is going to be more like Tatum’s, but with better size.  

The trick in picking forward’s to pair with him is some see him as Giannis and insist on a certain archetype and some see him as (eventually being) Tatum and think a different archetype is needed.  I think he’s going to be a bit of both.

I think either of those comps are squarely in my paradigm for what he'll become, and neither of those comps would be complemented adequately by either of the other significant forwards currently on the Mavs roster. 

PJW and Tatum would be an awful fit, imho.

[Dirknows]

I think either of those comps are squarely in my paradigm for what he'll become, and neither of those comps would be complemented adequately by either of the other significant forwards currently on the Mavs roster. 

PJW and Tatum would be an awful fit, imho.

Reminds me of a taller Kawhi on offense. Not quite the volume 3 point shooter as Tatum, but not as poor as Giannis. And I don't think either Naji or PJW would do well with Kawhi.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I think either of those comps are squarely in my paradigm for what he'll become, and neither of those comps would be complemented adequately by either of the other significant forwards currently on the Mavs roster. 

PJW and Tatum would be an awful fit, imho.

I think you’ve made a good point in the past about playing Flagg where he has the greatest advantage.  That may be Flagg at PF, but in a switch-heavy offense, does it matter that much?  You probably want him defending the other team’s weakest offensive forward to preserve him and take advantage of his off the ball defensive instincts.

I think Smitty has made a good point of asking who is the attainable target that gives you move for the buck than PJW…paraphrasing.  I had been searching the league for someone I like next to Flagg and was pleased that I came up with Jaden McDaniels.  The next day he posted that and I thought “crap, is he enough of a better fit to go through all you’d have to go through to swap them out (PJW would definitely be a poor fit with Randall and Gobert).  The tough thing about Forwards who can spread the floor for Flagg is they rarely also play D.  So a Cam Johnson or MPJr is good in theory (offensively), but you give up something defensively.  Is the overall product better with someone like that?  Is it worth the extra salary required (in most cases) or the assets you have to give up to make the switch?  I don’t think PJ is the long term answer either, but moving on from him doesn’t guarantee you are better off.


I think the skill set is more important than the label.  We need a forward who can take the other teams best forward on D and knock down 3’s and punish close-outs (being able to throw a pass on the way to the basket would be nice too, especially as we put more shooting on the floor).  But, they can’t be a slow-footed 250 pound guy or a glorified 6’5” shooting guard who is good at D.  Obviously if either of those is a star, you can figure it out.  But, short of that, I’ve got something in mind that is hard to find (and probably will have to be projected rather than currently present with these college Freshmen).

[KillerLeft]

I think you’ve made a good point in the past about playing Flagg where he has the greatest advantage.  That may be Flagg at PF, but in a switch-heavy offense, does it matter that much?  You probably want him defending the other team’s weakest offensive forward to preserve him and take advantage of his off the ball defensive instincts.

I think Smitty has made a good point of asking who is the attainable target that gives you move for the buck than PJW…paraphrasing.  I had been searching the league for someone I like next to Flagg and was pleased that I came up with Jaden McDaniels.  The next day he posted that and I thought “crap, is he enough of a better fit to go through all you’d have to go through to swap them out (PJW would definitely be a poor fit with Randall and Gobert).  The tough thing about Forwards who can spread the floor for Flagg is they rarely also play D.  So a Cam Johnson or MPJr is good in theory (offensively), but you give up something defensively.  Is the overall product better with someone like that?  Is it worth the extra salary required (in most cases) or the assets you have to give up to make the switch?  I don’t think PJ is the long term answer either, but moving on from him doesn’t guarantee you are better off.


I think the skill set is more important than the label.  We need a forward who can take the other teams best forward on D and knock down 3’s and punish close-outs (being able to throw a pass on the way to the basket would be nice too, especially as we put more shooting on the floor).  But, they can’t be a slow-footed 250 pound guy or a glorified 6’5” shooting guard who is good at D.  Obviously if either of those is a star, you can figure it out.  But, short of that, I’ve got something in mind that is hard to find (and probably will have to be projected rather than currently present with these college Freshmen).

Ok, this is interesting and furthers the plot. 

You seem to be assuming that Flagg should be treated like an offensive superstar, despite the fact that he's already a defensive superstar. I'm not saying you're wrong...but that hadn't crossed my mind. 

I've been operating with the idea that Flagg will guard the others team's best forward, not "save it" for offense. Hence my post that Smitty quoted about how it will be easier to build around him than Dirk/Nash/Brunson/Luka. Hence my comparison to Garnett. You might have the right of that part, I'm not sure, but just so you know where I'm coming from...

I think they need a plus POA defender badly, but I don't think that has to be the other forward, and in fact I doubt it will be. I think it will be a guard. So, a forward who can shoot and is not a plus defender (but hopefully a good team defender) is what I had in mind. I'll say this again, in full knowledge that I'll get clowned: I think Thompson is a better fit with Flagg at the other forward spot than either PJW or Naji Marshall. I think one or both could actually be traded for air and draft capital and the on court product would IMPROVE by virtue of simply playing Thompson more and offering Flagg more space to operate.

I don't think Flagg has to be the primary offensive option to be the primary offensive option, if that makes sense. Dirk wasn't.

[KillerLeft]

This thread is kind of veering off topic, and I apologize for that, but thanks to Dan's contribution to the conversation (mostly from the other thread), I feel compelled to share this:

If I were making the ideal lineup out of what the Mavs currently have on hand (assuming health), it would be the following:

Kyrie
Christie
Thompson
Flagg
Lively

Marshall, PJW and Gafford would all be non-closing bench players for me. That is, imho, the best combination of offensive spacing AND defense the roster can put together. It's not the best defensive lineup, but it's the best compromise of what's good for the team in the aggregate of both sides of the ball without taking a specific opponent's approach into consideration (as always, styles make fights). Frankly, with Flagg/Llively manning the back line, I think the defense would still outpace the offense.

THAT's the lineup I would try to improve upon. I feel so strongly that Marshall, PJW and Gafford's roles would be lessened moving forward, that I wouldn't be aiming to replace THEM so much as I would be aiming to use them to replace the weaker links in the chain of the top 5 I laid out above. I fully understand that some might not see it that way, but I DO see it that way, because of synergy and fit.

Hopefully, a player will be drafted that can replace one of those 5 "starters/closers" (whatever - they don't have to start, but that would be my highest minute lineup when healthy) immediately, and then...can 1 or 2 of the high priced bench players be moved to replace another? Maybe keep one of them to be the 6th/7th man/leader of the 2nd unit?

[mvossman]

Reminds me of a taller Kawhi on offense. Not quite the volume 3 point shooter as Tatum, but not as poor as Giannis. And I don't think either Naji or PJW would do well with Kawhi.

Yep.  I made this comp a while ago.  I think he might operate a little more inside, but there are a lot of similarities right down to work ethic.

[KillerLeft]

Yep.  I made this comp a while ago.  I think he might operate a little more inside, but there are a lot of similarities right down to work ethic.

It's a good comp. 

I personally don't see the ball being in Flagg's hands as much as Kawhi handles it, and if things go that way I'll always wonder if it was a mistake. But yes, good comp.

[Dirknows]

Mikel Brown has really come on as of late, 29 points. The 7 turnovers isn't great, but his shooting numbers continue to rise. I'll be curious to see if he is actually 6-5, seems a bit shorter than that to me.

[Chicagojk]

We have seen some huge rebounds from players in the past who never did anything in the nba, but I think Florida center Chinyelu deserves mention. He is not popping up on many first rounds but I think he may be a first round pick. Offense is limited and he doesn’t block a ton of shots but is also very good on defense. Here are his rebound totals for a rolling Florida team: 17,11,20,16,17,11,7, 21,10,12,16.

He also shares the court with another big and a 6’9 wing.

[KillerLeft]

Mikel Brown has really come on as of late, 29 points. The 7 turnovers isn't great, but his shooting numbers continue to rise. I'll be curious to see if he is actually 6-5, seems a bit shorter than that to me.

Hey, even if he's 6'3" that's less of of an issue than what Nembhard is up against, yeah? And look how much we all love him! That's how starved we are for competent on-ball play.

[Smitty]

I agree with that opinion, too (whomever made that point seems really smart), but it strikes me as a point made more about defense. Some effort should also be put into the offensive side of the ball, right?

Well, Thats my point. Both sides matter. You call Flagg a PF mostly because of his strengths defensively. Being the weak side shot blocker type that AD was so great at early in his career? I don’t disagree. I think he struggles on the perimeter in space at times, but makes up for it with his length. No way to keep him out of those situations entirely. BUT I think he operates way more like a SF on offense and that means his PF needs to be a good CnS guy on the outside because you also have a traditional Big like Lively or Gaff as the low man. That’s why I think PJ and Flagg can fit. PJ is a better perimeter defender and can guard the smaller/quicker forward. Has plenty of switchabilty (best SGA defender in the playoffs) and can also provide some of the weak side rim protection when in rotation or cross matches happen. Flagg gets to guard the bigger/slower forward and if they’re a weak outside shooter (which is likely after looking for better shooting Power Forwards than PJ and finding only 2) can sag off and be that roamer. All you have to do is have a clearly defined role for PJ. He’s now a CnS only guy, that attacks closeouts (which happen to be his strengths). Defensively I don’t know how you can say they aren’t a fit?! Also, who Flagg is right now is not who he’s always going to be. I don’t think I make that point as clearly as I need to?! I’m not looking to build a team around Flagg that fits his exact strengths/weaknesses right now. I think those strengths will change a lot and the weaknesses will be few and far between. As soon as this time next season. I expect him to be a much better ballhandler. I expect him to be a much better outside shooter. I expect him to add a lot of different shot types to his game and not always be a drive left finish left guy. I think he will be a very complete offensive player in very short time. Not just a “Power Forward only” that operates inside.

[KillerLeft]

Well, Thats my point. Both sides matter. You call Flagg a PF mostly because of his strengths defensively. Being the weak side shot blocker type that AD was so great at early in his career? I don’t disagree. I think he struggles on the perimeter in space at times, but makes up for it with his length. No way to keep him out of those situations entirely. BUT I think he operates way more like a SF on offense and that means his PF needs to be a good CnS guy on the outside because you also have a traditional Big like Lively or Gaff as the low man. That’s why I think PJ and Flagg can fit. PJ is a better perimeter defender and can guard the smaller/quicker forward. Has plenty of switchabilty (best SGA defender in the playoffs) and can also provide some of the weak side rim protection when in rotation or cross matches happen. Flagg gets to guard the bigger/slower forward and if they’re a weak outside shooter (which is likely after looking for better shooting Power Forwards than PJ and finding only 2) can sag off and be that roamer. All you have to do is have a clearly defined role for PJ. He’s now a CnS only guy, that attacks closeouts (which happen to be his strengths). Defensively I don’t know how you can say they aren’t a fit?! Also, who Flagg is right now is not who he’s always going to be. I don’t think I make that point as clearly as I need to?! I’m not looking to build a team around Flagg that fits his exact strengths right now. I think those strengths will change a lot. As soon as this time next season. I expect him to be a much better ballhandler. I expect him to be a much better outside shooter. I expect him to add a lot of different shot types to his game and not always be a drive left finish left guy. I think he will be a very complete offensive player in very short time. Not just a Power Forward only that operates inside.

You had me until the emboldened. I'm not aligned with that opinion, personally. He might operate like a 90's/2000's SF, but not a current one, imho. Can he, given time? Maybe, but I'm not sure that means it should be the goal. 

But, I'll agree with some things you say afterwards. IF I was to pair Flagg with another "4," Jabari Smith would be at or near the top of the list for me. You said it: CNS. 

When I call Flagg a PF, I'm not advocating for or suggesting that he should "only operate inside," just suggesting that he's already GREAT there, and that it's in his and the team's best interest to maximize that advantage. Part of how I'd choose to go about that is to attempt to ensure he was guarded by bigger, slower guys (and hopefully 1-on-1, at that), which would (hang onto your hat) ALSO provide the benefit of him having an advantage from the perimeter off the dribble as his game evolves. 

When a player CAN guard UP, I think they SHOULD. For me, this is the way.