2026 NBA draft thread

[F Gump]

"the future MBT needs to avoid betting the farm on another KP-like trade just because Coop has so much potential" --- Everyone agrees that the Mavs need to avoid another KP mistake. 

But the problem/reality is that a KP-like trade is also the very thing they should pursue IF they could get get the right "KP" (young, all-star, all-NBA potential, seems to perfectly complement the star you have and fill major needs, wants out of his team). Find the young running mate. Lock him in. Grow together.

Hopefully that guy will be the one they pick in the draft. But however they get someone, it's gonna be uncertain. No guarantees.

[dirkfansince1998]

"somehow you are already thinking of the Mavs as a potential contender." --- You are creating a strawman. No one is saying they will be an instant contender. Everyone is saying they have the potential to win games and start to be a factor in the league, using the talent they already have, plus what they can acquire. So they need to try to win. Let it go where it goes.

And trying to win scares you. ~shrug~ It doesn't scare me. I welcome it. Winning needs to be the goal. Go for it.

There's nothing gained in losing. Obviously getting to where they want to go, both with new talent, old talent, trades, development, and team play, it won't all happen on day one, but who doesn't know that?

Takes some real audacity to accuse me of using strawmans considering that your attempts to refute my case are based around the narrative that I don't want the Mavs to win. But to be fair I kinda missed this. Hard to find people that actually offer contra in discussions like this. Probably too abstract and theoretical for most people.

Maybe it's me missing the conversations during the season but a lot of this feels like copium because reality isn't nearly as promising as you portray it. Flagg, this years pick that basically has to be a star, maybe healthy Kyrie and the rest of the vets compared to the top teams in the league...just not going to happen. The GM that can build upon a foundation like this and build a contender without accumulating more assets doesn't exist.
I would love to share your optimism but I just don't see where the improvement is coming from. Trades and new talent? You need assets to make that happen. Or is this supposed to turn into plan powder again? Wait for the magical summer where capspace is going to solve the Mavs issues. Sorry. Been there done that. Not interested.

[Chicagojk]

The early entries

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2026-...larations/

[F Gump]

"I just don't see where the improvement is coming from. Trades and new talent? You need assets to make that happen."

I think they are better than a 25-win team, the instant they stop tanking. I don't think the talent cupboard is bare (although players who are tanking look lousier than they are).

The potential improvement comes from "we are winning" mindset (rather than we are tanking), plus
1 addition of a top-10 draft pick who could be really good,
2 perhaps the addition of a MLE talent, and/or TPE addition,
3 healthy players instead of players sitting a week for a hangnail,
4 roster that might be tweaked to be better (via trade) in needed areas, and
5 the growth of CF (which I think will be another huge step upwards).

How much better does all that make them? Impossible to say. But from what I see in the NBA, if you already have a good talent base, it doesn't take a complete addition of a whole roster of new talent to make a team way better. Just one or two, when it's the right one, makes a massive upgrade because of the multiplier on the play of the other talent already there.

I also think that CF alone (and his presence is certain) will have a HUGE impact on improvement of the team. He will be way way better. That will have a major trickle-down effect on everyone. Wait n see. (Just give me one more player with similar upside trajectory, which I hope they get via the lottery.)

[dirkfansince1998]

The early entries

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2026-...larations/

Quaintance and Arenas could have benefited from another year in college. Really wonder if Quaintance has some kind of guarantee from a team in the lottery.

[mvossman]

And trying to win scares you. ~shrug~ It doesn't scare me. I welcome it. Winning needs to be the goal. Go for it.

This statement can easily be construed as an argument for spending cap/assets on win now players instead of focusing on long term improvement.  I think that would be a mistake.

[F Gump]

This statement can easily be construed as an argument for spending cap/assets on win now players instead of focusing on long term improvement.  I think that would be a mistake.

But that's not what I've been saying, is it? I would hope I don't have to write a dissertation in each and every post to keep someone from misconstruing this discussion. 

The Mavs will be in the roster-building game. They will be trying to win. Their window to being the best in the NBA will follow the arc of CF's career. You can do ALL those things without going all-in with your future assets this season. I trust they will hire an Expert GM who is smart enough to understand what all of us here understand. (Presti, please.)

Let me add that doesn't mean they should NEVER have or trade for a veteran player who is "on the wrong timeline." From here to the top, it should be a game of amassing more assets as you go. One of the reasons I want Presti is because he, more than almost anyone else in the NBA, understands that.

[michaeltex]

But that's not what I've been saying, is it? I would hope I don't have to write a dissertation in each and every post to keep someone from misconstruing this discussion. 

The Mavs will be in the roster-building game. They will be trying to win. Their window to being the best in the NBA will follow the arc of CF's career. You can do ALL those things without going all-in with your future assets this season. I trust they will hire an Expert GM who is smart enough to understand what all of us here understand. (Presti, please.)

Let me add that doesn't mean they should NEVER have or trade for a veteran player who is "on the wrong timeline." From here to the top, it should be a game of amassing more assets as you go. One of the reasons I want Presti is because he, more than almost anyone else in the NBA, understands that.

I would add that it is important to develop a culture of winning, which has not been present for the last two seasons. This team now has a 19yo heart who has said he's tired of losing, so you determine who among the current contracts is on board and who is ready for their next team.

Matthews, Jordan and Harrison were all shutting out Luka during his rookie year and the MBT cleaned house to open a path for the team to grow. That may include some older players, which isn't saying much since Coop's only 19, that may bring key contributions in the interim and contribute to growing the winning culture.

[mvossman]

I would add that it is important to develop a culture of winning, which has not been present for the last two seasons. This team now has a 19yo heart who has said he's tired of losing, so you determine who among the current contracts is on board and who is ready for their next team.

Matthews, Jordan and Harrison were all shutting out Luka during his rookie year and the MBT cleaned house to open a path for the team to grow. That may include some older players, which isn't saying much since Coop's only 19, that may bring key contributions in the interim and contribute to growing the winning culture.

I haven't really seen anything this season that resembled what we saw in Luka rookie season.  I don't think there is anybody that needs to be moved from a locker room standpoint.  I just think they need to get younger and accumulate assets, and if that means losing a few more games this coming season than otherwise then so be it.

[F Gump]

I haven't really seen anything this season that resembled what we saw in Luka rookie season.  I don't think there is anybody that needs to be moved from a locker room standpoint.  I just think they need to get younger and accumulate assets, and if that means losing a few more games this coming season than otherwise then so be it.

I don't see "younger" as a prerequisite for getting a player. The vast majority of players they get now are not going to be here in 2031 and 2032 anyhow.

I want marketable (or growable) assets, paths to value, and sometimes certain "not younger" players can fill that need too. If a GM candidate can only see "young" as a player that can add value, and wanted to replace everyone with kids, I wouldn't want him.

SUPERIOR player evaluation skills are needed in the new GM, but that extends beyond the draftees. One vital need is the ability to assess the players that are available around the league, and see "value" that can be harvested when a good player is essentially in the bargain bin.

Presti gets it. That's one reason why I think he's needed and worth the chase. (Presti please.)

[Chicagojk]

ESPN mock.  I am pretty burned out on the top of the draft and will be until the lottery is set.   I do feel like the 30th pick is more interesting at the moment with the declarations (some will go back).   At 30 they have us taking Jefferson from Iowa State.    Looking at the names, I think i would be in favor of looking up into the 20's.  I like a lot of those names.  After 30, I would take picks 31, 32 and 35 over Jefferson at the moment.  With the second rounder, they have us taking Arkansa Brazile.  This is most likely a two way.  Pickings get slim in the second round, but I would probably look at a different direction.   Brazille does have NBA talent, just needs a lot of work on being a basketball player.

https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/48...r-peterson

[Smitty]

ESPN mock.  I am pretty burned out on the top of the draft and will be until the lottery is set.   I do feel like the 30th pick is more interesting at the moment with the declarations (some will go back).   At 30 they have us taking Jefferson from Iowa State.    Looking at the names, I think i would be in favor of looking up into the 20's.  I like a lot of those names.  After 30, I would take picks 31, 32 and 35 over Jefferson at the moment.  With the second rounder, they have us taking Arkansa Brazile.  This is most likely a two way.  Pickings get slim in the second round, but I would probably look at a different direction.   Brazille does have NBA talent, just needs a lot of work on being a basketball player.

https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/48...r-peterson

This is actually a really good mock draft IMO. At least it aligns very closely with my own rankings. A few differences here and there, but it does put an emphasis on getting a GM in here before the draft and being creative to trade up in the low 20's to get "your guy" (my guy).

I have been very meh on Jefferson. I don't get how he's been mocked near the lottery throughout the year. This at least puts him closer to where he should go (second round).

[Winter]

ESPN mock.  I am pretty burned out on the top of the draft and will be until the lottery is set.   I do feel like the 30th pick is more interesting at the moment with the declarations (some will go back).   At 30 they have us taking Jefferson from Iowa State.    Looking at the names, I think i would be in favor of looking up into the 20's.  I like a lot of those names.  After 30, I would take picks 31, 32 and 35 over Jefferson at the moment.  With the second rounder, they have us taking Arkansa Brazile.  This is most likely a two way.  Pickings get slim in the second round, but I would probably look at a different direction.   Brazille does have NBA talent, just needs a lot of work on being a basketball player.

https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/48...r-peterson

I'd pick Jefferson if it actually panned out that way. He's the quintessential point-forward. His assist averages look more like a PG (4.8). He passes well, plays defense, and can run an offense. I think he'll get a lot of minutes somewhere.

He'll get penalized because of his age, but I'd still take him at 30.

Brazille is going to need some time. Maybe a lot of time. Karaban is interesting, but it's hard to see him having much impact.

[Chicagojk]

I'd pick Jefferson if it actually panned out that way. He's the quintessential point-forward. His assist averages look more like a PG (4.8). He passes well, plays defense, and can run an offense. I think he'll get a lot of minutes somewhere.

He'll get penalized because of his age, but I'd still take him at 30.

Brazille is going to need some time. Maybe a lot of time. Karaban is interesting, but it's hard to see him having much impact.

I love guys with good Bball IQ and Jefferson has that.   He had a great year.   I am just worried about fit.   Is he actually a good enough player to have the ball a lot?  That typically falls with your better players and your role players fit in.   I am not saying it won't work but role players with that main strength always concerns me.   The shooting is also a concern.  he shot well this year but wasn't a good shooter prior to this year.   The extra length of the three point line makes me worry he is like a Marshall shooter where no one will worry about.   

So my concerns are a guy who really makes smart decisions with the ball but is not good enough to handle the ball a lot and a guy who is not a threat from three point line.  Those are my concerns.   Personally, I would have Karaban over him because I am confident his strengths work in the NBA.

[dirkfansince1998]

ESPN mock.  I am pretty burned out on the top of the draft and will be until the lottery is set.   I do feel like the 30th pick is more interesting at the moment with the declarations (some will go back).   At 30 they have us taking Jefferson from Iowa State.    Looking at the names, I think i would be in favor of looking up into the 20's.  I like a lot of those names.  After 30, I would take picks 31, 32 and 35 over Jefferson at the moment.  With the second rounder, they have us taking Arkansa Brazile.  This is most likely a two way.  Pickings get slim in the second round, but I would probably look at a different direction.   Brazille does have NBA talent, just needs a lot of work on being a basketball player.

https://www.espn.co.uk/nba/story/_/id/48...r-peterson

Would also prefer some of the guys in the 30s and 40s over Jefferson. Tanner at #30 would be awesome. Not sure about Brazile. Seems like a longshot and I would prefer someone that doesn't need to develop fundamental basketball skills to even be a fringe rotation player. And if the Mavs really want a development project on a two-way deal they can always look at the undrafted market. My favorit for this kind of role would be Rafael Castro.
Looking at this mock draft Emanuel Sharp is my favorite among players that would still be available at #48. Budget Cason Wallace. Shooting. Secondary ballhandling. But most importantly pesty onball defense.

[Chicagojk]

Would also prefer some of the guys in the 30s and 40s over Jefferson. Tanner at #30 would be awesome. Not sure about Brazile. Seems like a longshot and I would prefer someone that doesn't need to develop fundamental basketball skills to even be a fringe rotation player. And if the Mavs really want a development project on a two-way deal they can always look at the undrafted market. My favorit for this kind of role would be Rafael Castro.
Looking at this mock draft Emanuel Sharp is my favorite among players that would still be available at #48. Budget Cason Wallace. Shooting. Secondary ballhandling. But most importantly pesty onball defense.

Yes Sharp is a good name.  Houston has had some players in the second round recently who have stuck.  I like his teammate better though, but Sharp brings the shooting that Uzan doesn't really bring.

[Chicagojk]

They have Peat going in 24th.  I am sorry if he is slipping into the 20's I am aggressively moving up for him.   I know he doesn't shoot it well, is a little small and didn't rebound as well as I hoped but he is a 19 year old man child who fit in really well with a deep team and seemed to be fine playing his role.   Sign me up for that every day as a future asset if he falls.

[Winter]

Just saw a new draft with Dallas taking Taris Reed at #30.

I wouldn't mind seeing that.

[Chicagojk]

sam veceinie mock draft. What really hurts is seeing Memphis and Atlanta (New Orleans) moving up. Ouch.

Burries at 8. Mot saying I dislike him but for some reason I am having trouble getting excited about him being the pick.

Yessoufou at 30. I would be fine with this stab. Talent gets a little dicey at 30 though. More so if a few guys pull out.

Brazile with the second round picks.

[Chicagojk]

sam veceinie mock draft. What really hurts is seeing Memphis and Atlanta (New Orleans) moving up. Ouch.

Burries at 8. Mot saying I dislike him but for some reason I am having trouble getting excited about him being the pick.

Yessoufou at 30. I would be fine with this stab. Talent gets a little dicey at 30 though. More so if a few guys pull out.

Brazile with the second round picks.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7159791...eb-wilson/