2026 NBA draft thread

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Kyrie is coming off an entire year missed.

There is no scenario where it makes sense to trade him right now. The Mavs were unwatchable last year. Step 1 is putting a real team out on the floor, a product fans like me want to watch. People forget this is an entertainment business.

It’s a little premature to be talking about windows and ideal contending rosters.

[dirkfansince1998]

Kyrie is coming off an entire year missed.

There is no scenario where it makes sense to trade him right now. The Mavs were unwatchable last year. Step 1 is putting a real team out on the floor, a product fans like me want to watch. People forget this is an entertainment business.

It’s a little premature to be talking about windows and ideal contending rosters.

Want to watch can translate to various things. I would be less interested in a Flagg lead team that has no future because the rotation doesn't feature any players that are on the same timeline as Flagg. Others might be happy as long as the Mavs play some kind of role in april. Even if it is just the play-in.
There probably is a sweetspot inbetween but I would lean heavily towards a youth movement.

[Smitty]

@BrettSeigelNBA
Early talk surrounding the Thunder (#12 & #17) from rival executives is that Sam Presti and OKC will be looking to move one of these top-20 picks for future draft assets.

[Chicagojk]

Good height for Wagler. Less then optimal wingspan and reach

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...34490?s=61

[cow]

Kyrie is coming off an entire year missed.

There is no scenario where it makes sense to trade him right now. The Mavs were unwatchable last year. Step 1 is putting a real team out on the floor, a product fans like me want to watch. People forget this is an entertainment business.

It’s a little premature to be talking about windows and ideal contending rosters.

I'd say there are unlikely scenarios that make sense and would be a combination of being blown away with future draft assets and/or moving up in this draft to "their guy".  I don't think the Mavs or Kyrie are in any rush to move on, so we can wait for the best haul.  When/if Giannis gets moved is the first domino that needs to fall.

[dirkfansince1998]

Boozer

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/2053924773999096172

Wilson

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/2053925809950253311

[Chicagojk]

Really surprised by Acuff. Great measurables for him

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...13624?s=61

[Chicagojk]

Flemings

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...87241?s=61

[Scott41theMavs]

Really surprised by Acuff.  Great measurables for him

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...13624?s=61

Thanks for posting these.

[Scott41theMavs]

Flemings

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...87241?s=61

Didn't know he was that little.

[dirkfansince1998]

Flemings

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...87241?s=61

Functionally smaller than Acuff. Could be the combine loser.

[RasheedsBigWhiteSpot]

@BrettSeigelNBA
Early talk surrounding the Thunder (#12 & #17) from rival executives is that Sam Presti and OKC will be looking to move one of these top-20 picks for future draft assets.

Would you trade the Lakers pick for #12?
If the Mavs did get a second pick like this would you entertain taking Mara?

[Chicagojk]

Brown jr

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205393...41010?s=61

[dirkfansince1998]

Would you trade the Lakers pick for #12?
If the Mavs did get a second pick like this would you entertain taking Mara?

Yes. Not sure about Mara but I think this years class is special and I would want as many picks as possible.
But knowing our luck and Presti's magic it would probably result in a season ending injury for Luka and a top three pick for OKC in 2029.

[Smitty]

Would you trade the Lakers pick for #12?
If the Mavs did get a second pick like this would you entertain taking Mara?

Yes and yes

[mvossman]

Functionally smaller than Acuff. Could be the combine loser.

Fleming may have just dropped to 9.

[KillerLeft]

Kyrie is coming off an entire year missed.

There is no scenario where it makes sense to trade him right now. The Mavs were unwatchable last year. Step 1 is putting a real team out on the floor, a product fans like me want to watch. People forget this is an entertainment business.

It’s a little premature to be talking about windows and ideal contending rosters.

I understand where you're coming from here, but ultimately disagree. I'd hope that bringing in a real basketball person (persons, actually) finally signals a change away from that type of thinking. 

If every single move they make isn't about building a championship team...I don't know what we're all doing here. I understand that you're not suggesting the opposite of that - not trying to straw man the argument. I'm just saying, I have no interest in topping out as 49-52 win team and losing in the first round for a couple of seasons before having to rebuild again. I'd just as soon get to work doing it now, personally.

[Chicagojk]

Brown jr

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205393...41010?s=61

Draft express had a follow up tweet saying the reach # may be wrong as it doesn't match up what they had in the past. Likely 8'3.5, not 8'9.5"

[KillerLeft]

Really surprised by Acuff.  Great measurables for him

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205392...13624?s=61

Wow, there goes any chance of him making it to #9. Way better than expected.

[Chicagojk]

Ament

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/205393...63648?s=61