2026 NBA draft thread

[Smitty]

We will see if accurate but I have been thinking the general fan has been too low on Ament.

https://x.com/mavsfilmroom/status/206078...65011?s=46

Not me. I’ve probably been the only one that thinks Ament will go higher than the consensus. I’ll say it again, the Nets feel like the Ament team. If he makes it to 9, I think he will be in high consideration for the Mavs as well. Media and fans may have a clear “Top 9” which has been talked about a ton, even broken down into tiers, but every team will see it differently. Ament specifically could be 5 on one teams board and 15 on another teams. It only takes one to have a high grade on any of these guys and then all of a sudden the consensus “top 9” isn’t the “top 9”. 

For Ament specifically, 1 average college season isn’t going to change every scouts opinion. Some, sure... But he has been on the watchlist for years and the full body of work will win out for some, if not most.

[mvossman]

I think he's a lot better than those numbers and if he returned for another college season he'd be the number one pick in '27.

People talk about context a lot and he was sort of given the Cooper Flagg treatment early on. In high school he was a skinny perimeter-oriented prospect who relied heavily on his outside shot and rarely played through contact. At Tennessee, his role was drastically altered to force him out of his comfort zone. The coaching staff tasked him with putting pressure on the rim, drawing fouls, and acting as a primary driver. He also gained 26 pounds of muscle at Tennessee on a 5000 calorie per day diet which is insane -- and he's still growing.

Ament is physical, draws fouls, and despite what you said he is a good defender with the length to become elite.

If you judged Cooper Flagg based on his first 10-15 NBA games you'd really miss the boat on your eval. Same with Ament. He's not Flagg (obviously) but he showed tremendous growth until he got hurt. And he played hurt in the NCAA tournament. That's toughness. I don't see any reason to believe the good stretch was a fluke and no reason why he won't continue to develop in the NBA into an All-Star caliber player.

I'm not sure comparing 15% of Flagg rookie season and Ament's entire freshman season is appropriate.  My question was based on legit curiosity.  I wonder what the history is with guys like this?  I may tend to overrate on court performance over projection, but according to that PRISIM article by Nate Silver it seems that the NBA tends to rely too much on projection.

[Winter]

I don't think the NBA sees many 6'10" wings with a solid face-to-the-basket game to go along with decent rebounding and passing. It's a little bit unique. His defense is better than adequate. I mean if he was more explosive and better at the rim, he'd be Caleb Wilson and be talked about in the top 5 instead of the top 4.

But when you watch games, it always feels like he should stand out more or be a little more dominant. That may be something GMs feel like they can bring out of him. It's hard to know even when I listen to podcasts about his projected profile.

He does shoot over 5 3-pointers a game, so you'd have to think he would open up the floor a bit for this Mavs offense.

[KillerLeft]

Look, if the Mavs' talent evaluators think Ament is going to be Kevin Durant, I'm all for it. Like I've been saying, there's really not much to lose in the short term, in my opinion. If it takes a year or three, that's fine. But, after a certain amount of time, he'd better be Kevin Durant. Otherwise, you've wasted a fairly good pick in a deep draft. Personally, I'd be more inclined to take a more "sure" thing this time around, but if there's an upside play they really like I can see it.

I have NO interest in Mara, whatsoever. That's the only pick they could make that would truly piss me off.

[mvossman]

I don't think the NBA sees many 6'10" wings with a solid face-to-the-basket game to go along with decent rebounding and passing. It's a little bit unique. His defense is better than adequate. I mean if he more more explosive and better at the rim, he'd be Caleb Wilson and be talked about in the top 5 instead of the top 4.

But when you watch games, it always feels like he should stand out more or be a little more dominant. That may be something GMs feel like they can bring out of him. It's hard to know even when I listen to podcasts about his projected profile.

He does shoot over 5 3-pointers a game, so you'd have to think he would open up the floor a bit for this Mavs offense.

Actually he shot less than 4 three pointers a game.  Folks keep telling me he played good defense in college, but I have not seen any evidence of that.  As for the Wilson comp, Wilson is wildly more athletic, had double the stocks, almost 10% better TS%, more points, rebounds and assists with less turnovers.  I think there is a much bigger difference between the two than you are suggesting.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I just now got to listen to the Schmitz Q&A.  I’m not sure I heard him describing Ament or Mara as he was going through attributes.  I kept hearing Morez Johnson in what he was describing.  He’s probably similar to Beef-Stew if he can’t hit an NBA 3.  If his shot transates, he might be Wendell Carter, Naz Reid and maybe even Horford.  Some of those guys could play next to Lively, but the shot really matters.

I get that most mocks don’t have him this high, but I clearly heard Schmitz say they want the guy who would have gone higher in a future re-draft.  So, he won’t be beholden to the opinions of NBA mock-draft websites.

A trade-down that nets Johnson and Okorie is probably my favorite outcome at this point.

[vfromlmf]

I just now got to listen to the Schmitz Q&A.  I’m not sure I heard him describing Ament or Mara as he was going through attributes.  I kept hearing Morez Johnson in what he was describing.  He’s probably similar to Beef-Stew if he can’t hit an NBA 3.  If his shot transates, he might be Wendell Carter, Naz Reid and maybe even Horford.  Some of those guys could play next to Lively, but the shot really matters.

I get that most mocks don’t have him this high, but I clearly heard Schmitz say they want the guy who would have gone higher in a future re-draft.  So, he won’t be beholden to the opinions of NBA mock-draft websites.

A trade-down that nets Johnson and Okorie is probably my favorite outcome at this point.

I've had my eye on a Johnson + Carr trade down but both of those players seems to be rising. Johnson could even sneak into the lottery. I like Okorie too. And don't sleep on Quaintance.

There are also trade-up scenarios where you could end up with a Guard and a Forward or Big. For example, Kyrie to MIL. Something like Brown + Ament would be an exciting swing for the fences.

This does seem to be a draft where a good scouting department can find two future starters with the Mavs assets.

[Winter]

I just now got to listen to the Schmitz Q&A.  I’m not sure I heard him describing Ament or Mara as he was going through attributes.  I kept hearing Morez Johnson in what he was describing.  He’s probably similar to Beef-Stew if he can’t hit an NBA 3.  If his shot transates, he might be Wendell Carter, Naz Reid and maybe even Horford.  Some of those guys could play next to Lively, but the shot really matters.

I get that most mocks don’t have him this high, but I clearly heard Schmitz say they want the guy who would have gone higher in a future re-draft.  So, he won’t be beholden to the opinions of NBA mock-draft websites.

A trade-down that nets Johnson and Okorie is probably my favorite outcome at this point.

It does seem like both Ament and Mara might be players that teams below us might want to move up to get. There's some interesting options with an OKC trade down. If you knew in advance what the Bucks and Golden State were committed to, an OKC trade down could still net you Burries. Then you could have your pick of Johnson, Okorie or Carr at 17.

[mvossman]

I just now got to listen to the Schmitz Q&A.  I’m not sure I heard him describing Ament or Mara as he was going through attributes.  I kept hearing Morez Johnson in what he was describing.  He’s probably similar to Beef-Stew if he can’t hit an NBA 3.  If his shot transates, he might be Wendell Carter, Naz Reid and maybe even Horford.  Some of those guys could play next to Lively, but the shot really matters.

I get that most mocks don’t have him this high, but I clearly heard Schmitz say they want the guy who would have gone higher in a future re-draft.  So, he won’t be beholden to the opinions of NBA mock-draft websites.

A trade-down that nets Johnson and Okorie is probably my favorite outcome at this point.

I did not really get the impression they were planning on moving down.  I think they are planning on taking BPA at 9.  A difference maker with high BBIQ and character.  

When going through the exercise of who I would take at 10, I kept coming back to this guy.  I have said I don't want a power forward that can't shoot, but this guy can play legit center minutes.  I agree this is the most likely non guard they draft at 9.  I would rather they stick with one of the guards, but if they "reach" I would rather it be this guy than Ament or anybody else.

[Winter]

Johnson feels more NBA-ready than most of the bigs outside the top 4. I love what I hear about the guy, especially after Vecinie talked about what a dedicated worker he was. I have a hard time imagining him being a pick above #12, but that's largely because all these mock drafts have just beat that into me over time. He feels like such a great complimentary player on this Mavs roster.

[DanSchwartzgan]

Johnson feels more NBA-ready than most of the bigs outside the top 4. I love what I hear about the guy, especially after Vecinie talked about what a dedicated worker he was. I have a hard time imagining him being a pick above #12, but that's largely because all these mock drafts have just beat that into me over time. He feels like such a great complimentary player on this Mavs roster.

It isn’t a reach if you are right.  Everyone has been programmed, not only by these mock drafts, but by our need for a guard.  What would the conversation be if we had Luka and Brunson still and were drafting 9th?

[KillerLeft]

It isn’t a reach if you are right.  Everyone has been programmed, not only by these mock drafts, but by our need for a guard.  What would the conversation be if we had Luka and Brunson still and were drafting 9th?

Sure, but...they DO need guards. No way around it. I'd say their pathetic backcourt situation is THE reason they're drafting 9th to begin with, so it's tough for me to see the point of your hypothetical. I mean, if the point is that they'd probably want to trade down in that scenario, I think you're probably right about that, but they REALLY need guards, and guards are the guys projected to be the best picks where they'll draft, so...I don't see the issue, personally. I think this is kind of "best case scenario" territory, given the realities of their situation.

[vfromlmf]

“A difference maker with high BBIQ and character.” Yes….

but he also said “multiple”

But what does that mean exactly? A "multiple" defender can switch seamlessly between perimeter guards and interior big men. A “multiple” player on offense is not locked into a traditional role. For example, a forward who can initiate the offense like a point guard, post up, or space the floor as a shooter allows a team to run diverse actions.

The archetype is 6’ 7” - 6’ 10” with 7’+ wingspan and 215 pounds plus.

Here’s you list:

Dybantsa
Peterson
Boozer
Wilson
-------------
Ament
Lendeborg
Lopez
Mo Johnson
Quaintance
Graves
Cenac
Taris Reed
Baba Miller

[Chicagojk]

I see the appeal of Ament.   Sort of a little brother to Coop.   Even if he is about a week older than Cooper and two inches taller.   Just seeing him being around and copying Cooper would be a great learning experience.   Even if their skills are different and Ament will never be Cooper.  I just think having someone his age to compare himself to would be a real benefit.  In three years you could look and have two 22 year old ultra tall wings who are both uber skilled.  That is the vision.   Will it be a reality...that is a different question.

Anyway, back to Givony's comment. If Dallas had one of Wagler/Flemings and one of Brown/Burries available at 9, that would be a home run for me.   I would prefer the Wagler/Flemings direction but it at least gives you optionality.   BTW, I was thinking if Dallas left 9 with Wagler/Flemings, I would still be in favor of taking another guard if they could move up from 30.    A Wagler/Ebuka draft would be awesome...even if it duplicates things a little early on.

[mvossman]

Sure, but...they DO need guards. No way around it. I'd say their pathetic backcourt situation is THE reason they're drafting 9th to begin with, so it's tough for me to see the point of your hypothetical. I mean, if the point is that they'd probably want to trade down in that scenario, I think you're probably right about that, but they REALLY need guards, and guards are the guys projected to be the best picks where they'll draft, so...I don't see the issue, personally. I think this is kind of "best case scenario" territory, given the realities of their situation.

They do.  And my preference is they stick with one of the guards at 9.  But if these guys think there is a guy who is "the guy", then they should probably pull the trigger.  If that is what they are thinking, then hopefully they move up from 30 and get one of the next tier guards they like.  If they go this route, Coby White would make a lot of sense for the full MLE if possible.

[Razzmatazz_Hopskidillydoo]

I won't be disappointed with an Ament or Burries pick at 9. But my hope is Brown or Flemings would be the pick (I'd be ecstatic if its Mikel).

If the Mavs trade down, my hope is for Morez.

Now for the 30th pick - if the Mavs went for Ament at 9, I'd go for a PG/SG. But if the Mavs picked a guard, then it's Baba Miller.

Mavs need someone who can at least keep up with Wemby's speed at the perimeter, Baba can be that for the Mavs. I know its too early to think of matching the Spurs, but I see the Baba Miller types as the one who can bother Wemby the most (and there's not a lot of them). Ament could too, but, funnily I see Baba could do a better job at it.

[Scott41theMavs]

My "dream scenario" for this draft is that 1) the Mavs draft the best guard available (or one of the top four who isn't a guard, if someone falls that far, lol) at #9 (NO TRADE DOWNS), and 2) acquire another pick in the 10-15 range and grab Morez, Steinbach, or Carr. I would prefer they burn the 30 in the latter trade if they don't believe a guy worth their while will be in that range. An alternative to #2 would be 3) trading for a pick in the 16-25 range and grabbing one of those three if they fell that far, or Swain or Evans.

The only way I would be willing to part with Kyrie this summer would be for the proposed deal with the Bucks that nets us #10 plus (or to one of the teams picking 1-8 if it doesn't involve a trade up), but the Bucks' motivation for that would be as a last-ditch effort to keep Giannis, and I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed. Perhaps also if the Thunder want to give us Caruso + 12 and 17 and undoing our future pick swap for him (they're not, lol). I'm not big at all on using Kyrie to move up in the draft (presuming picks 1-4 are not available).

[ThisIStheYear]

I'm sure there will be some surprises, but I hope Mavs won't be one of them.  I have been struggling with who I would pick if the Mavs were at 10 and the draft went chalk, and I am really glad Mavs won't be in that spot.  Philon and Okorie scream 6th man to me and given this FO known preference for positional size, I would be surprised if they wanted one of those guys over the top 9.

Ament is the most likely surprise. Teams just highly value freshmen. I think the standard draft models factor in significant projected improvement between years 1 and 2 of college and not as much afterwords. That’s probably correct too. Ament isn’t already up in tier 2 because of terrible shooting. If the Mavs believe that’s an abberation, then he could be the pick for sure. His measurables are elite. Okorie should rise up too based on his elite production as a freshman, with a plus wingspan compensating for concerns about height. I could only see the Michigan players breaking through the freshman monopoly of the top picks, or an international player.

[DanSchwartzgan]

The only way I would be willing to part with Kyrie this summer would be for the proposed deal with the Bucks that nets us #10 plus (or to one of the teams picking 1-8 if it doesn't involve a trade up), but the Bucks' motivation for that would be as a last-ditch effort to keep Giannis, and I'm pretty sure that ship has sailed. Perhaps also if the Thunder want to give us Caruso + 12 and 17 and undoing our future pick swap for him (they're not, lol). I'm not big at all on using Kyrie to move up in the draft (presuming picks 1-4 are not available).

Does it feel like Chet for Giannis is going to happen.  The money works with Caruso also going out once you get to July, but the Thunder would need to find some savings elsewhere (Dort?).  OKC certainly has the draft capital to jump to the top of the suitor board.  

It is easy for Mav’s fans (myself included) to just say OKC will value 9 and give up 12 and 17.  But, there are 28 other teams that they could deal with.

[windjc]

Does it feel like Chet for Giannis is going to happen.  The money works with Caruso also going out once you get to July, but the Thunder would need to find some savings elsewhere (Dort?).  OKC certainly has the draft capital to jump to the top of the suitor board.  

It is easy for Mav’s fans (myself included) to just say OKC will value 9 and give up 12 and 17.  But, there are 28 other teams that they could deal with.

My prediction is that because everyone acts like Presti is a god, OKC will slowly decline now. They are going to be stuck paying out max contracts to guys that aren’t actually worth it.