2026 NBA draft thread

[Mavs2021]

My way too early Mock:

Wizards: Dybantsa
Jazz: Peterson
Grizzlies: Boozer
Bulls: Wilson
Clippers: Flemings
Nets: Ament
Kings: Acuff
Hawks: Mara
Mavs: Brown
Bucks: Wagler

Ament would be a massive reach, but certainly not impossible. Mara seems a possibility. Then you have to ask yourself whether trading down to #12 is an option, cause one of Philon, Wagler, Brown and Burries will be there. Maybe even two of them will be available, if the Warriors activate win now mode and select Lendeborg.

[dirkfansince1998]

Who do we like slotted there? I'm looking.

"We" translating to potential Ujiri picks based on his track record. Lopez and Ament as long and athletic forwards with handles. Or a super athletic big like Quaintance Not necessary my preference.
"We" as in me personally. Versatile defenders like Johnson Jr and Graves. A pick and roll big like Steinbach.

The catch for me is that I don't necessarly think that the top tier guards are more talented (if at all) than some of the guys that could be available at #30. I am really high on Tanner, Anderson and Okorie. Even though they are undersized (so is Acuff).
And even some of the 2nd round guard prospects are really promising. Smith might have the highest bball IQ in the entire draft class (kinda needs it to make up for his lack of size and athleticism). Sharp looks like a budget Cason Wallace.

[KillerLeft]

My way too early Mock:

Wizards: Dybantsa
Jazz: Peterson
Grizzlies: Boozer
Bulls: Wilson
Clippers: Flemings
Nets: Ament
Kings: Acuff
Hawks: Mara
Mavs: Brown
Bucks: Wagler

I mean, half of this board has been drooling over Wagler for months. The other half (myself included) is hyper focused on pulling a potential star point guard out of this draft. Point guard, specifically.

Assuming there is someone with a clue here in time to vet Brown’s medical information, and they are comfortable making that type of investment in him, that’s exactly what I would have wanted anywhere outside of the top four, personally. I think I like Flemings a bit better, but not enough to disagree with anyone who feels strongly about it, and there are loads of people out there who say Brown is likely to be the most physically imposing of the on-ball guards.

If this is how it plays out, I will be fine, personally.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

Feels like that Kyrie return is a little light.  *shrug*

Well the full trade includes Kispert, Risacher and Hield as salary. But if the Mavs can get more (and I do think he'll fetch a haul), awesome.

[Mavs2021]

I hate it so much that Orlando don´t own their pick. Suggs + #18 for Irving feels like a natural trade. I wonder whether the Thunder would do Caruso + #17 for #30. I really want Steinbach (or Anderson).

[Chicagojk]

After thinking about it some and before draft crazy season starts, I think Wagler
Is the most likely scenario for the clippers. Some duplication there but I think it works.

I don’t think Acuff gets by the Kings.

6 with the nets and 8 with the hawks are the real interesting spots for the mavs. I think the hawks takes one of the guards the mavs desire. The nets are in no mans land for their needs. Maybe Burries but there is higher players available there imo. Really fun spots to look.

[Winter]

There's usually some team transactions that effect 1st round picks. Trades, slot shuffling (OKC will get phone calls), and eventually our GMs own thinking will probably change everything on this board for the Mavs. Guys we like will fall in the late first round. Guys like Meleek Thomas or Taris Reed or J. Jefferson ... maybe Okorie or Karaban.

#30 might be fun. That's where Schmitz will need to earn his pay.

[david75090]

Mock

1. Peterson (they need a scoring guard)
2. Dybantsa (one way or the other)
3. Boozer (grit and grind)
4. Wilson (next MJ in Chicago)
5. Wagler/Burries (defensive SG potential)
6. Wagler/Burries, no clue whatsoever, what the Nets do here. Draft more guards, reach or trade down?
7. Acuff (it´s the Kings)
8. Flemings (speedy scoring guard suits the Hawks)
9. Brown (if the medical is clear, otherwise no clue)

First time I saw Brown, the name "Steph Curry" came to mind. I would be satisfied with this outcome.

[Chicagojk]

https://x.com/IsaacLHarris/status/205356...deo/1?s=46

[ThisIStheYear]

To quote Ujiri: "Free agency is kinda dead"

It’s just mostly dead. It’s not all the way dead.  The Mavs are going to have to score in free agency before the bill on Cooper comes due.

[DanSchwartzgan]

First time I saw Brown, the name "Steph Curry" came to mind. I would be satisfied with this outcome.

If Brown has a good week, he jumps the entire bunch and goes to the Clippers at 5.  Wagler (or Burries) makes sense at 6 to Brooklyn and I agree with the notion that Acuff won't get past the Kings.  I could see Mara going 8th to Atlanta.

In that case, it is Flemings and Burries (or Wagler) available at 9.  Not the worst outcome really.  We just need one team to reach outside the current mocks for that to happen.  

The thing about moving down to 12 is one of those guys plus Philon or Ament is guaranteed to be available (if OKC takes the other).  If OKC take Yaxel, then two of Flemings, Burries, Ament and Philon make it to 12.  There is plenty to like at 17.  I like giving our draft experts two shots at it if there isn't someone we absolutely love at 9.  Of course, Atlanta might be thinking the same way and they end up being the OKC trade partner.

[david75090]

I'm sticking with my Kyrie and #30 to Atlanta for #8 and #23.

The Mavs take Burries and Brown to form the future backcourt.

I've been the Captain of the "Burries Hype Train" since the beginning. I've heard numerous scouts and basketball heads say they believe Burries will be a better pro than he showed in college.

I think Burries is just-a-guy, journeyman type.

[Chicagojk]

Disappointing day. Oh well.


Ok moving on…John Poulakidas is Daryn Peterson without creatine issues.

[Mavs2021]

https://x.com/IsaacLHarris/status/205356...deo/1?s=46

If Brown is 85% positive on the back, I´d take him at #9. People compare him to DSJ, but I have never seen one-handed full-court passes over the whole defense for a lay-up or see half-court alley-oops into tight windows from DSJ. I have seen him hurt popcorn vendors in the 5th row.

Give me Brown or Burries and I´m happy. I´m meh on the rest of these guards. They might turn out be special, but I´d be a lot more open to trading down.

[DanSchwartzgan]

https://x.com/IsaacLHarris/status/205356...deo/1?s=46

Gafford + #9 to LAC for #5 (Brown?) + expiring Bogdanovic?  Cisse feels sooo much like a Masai/Schmitz guy.  

I almost feel he's a lock for 3rd Center (BTW, I don't think Bagley brings enough 2-way game to be a fit any longer).  Yeah, he creates bench offense, but the points go out as fast as they come in with him in the game.

[dirkfansince1998]

It’s just mostly dead. It’s not all the way dead.  The Mavs are going to have to score in free agency before the bill on Cooper comes due.

What Ujiri means is that top tier talent doesn't reach free agency these days. Just need to look at this years class. Big moves happened at the deadline. No real target remaining unless you want to go after past their prime stars or overpaid role players.
There are targets in the MLE range and the Mavs need to hit on them but anything that resembles plan powder is a terrible idea. Max capspace in free agency never delivered in the past. Is even less likely to deliver something useful on a depleted market.

[ThisIStheYear]

Are the Clippers going to take a PG?

No. But 5 is too high for Burries. They may take Wagler and play him at the 2. But, maybe they’d take 9 and 30 for 5 and the Mavs could have their pick of point guards. I probably wouldn’t if I were the Mavs. But seems like a consideration.

[DanSchwartzgan]

No. But 5 is too high for Burries. They may take Wagler and play him at the 2. But, maybe they’d take 9 and 30 for 5 and the Mavs could have their pick of point guards. I probably wouldn’t if I were the Mavs. But seems like a consideration.

I forgot about Mathurin, but posted a Clippers deal involving Gafford for Expiring Bogdanvic (and swapping 9 for 5).  They need a center.

[Winter]

Gafford + #9 to LAC for #5 (Brown?) + expiring Bogdanovic?  Cisse feels sooo much like a Masai/Schmitz guy.  

I almost feel he's a lock for 3rd Center (BTW, I don't think Bagley brings enough 2-way game to be a fit any longer).  Yeah, he creates bench offense, but the points go out as fast as they come in with him in the game.

The nice thing about Bagley's play with the Mavs is that he might actually bring something back in a trade now. And Cisse absolutely feels like #3.

[Chicagojk]

Unfortunately, I would rate Jazz above the Mavs moving forward. That could change but they are going to have a group of nice players. Although the existing players may strike when they learn they will need to play 82 games and not 45.

While it sucks, at least Mavs left this draft with the 6th pick (coop) and the 9th pick per Mashburn.