2026 NBA draft thread

[hakeemfaan]

He’s dead last for me. Of THE5... I kinda hope he goes 5 to the Clips. But I can see a world where MBJ goes 5 and Ament goes 6. Then Acuff 7 obviously. My hope would be that Wagler goes to the Hawks and Mavs get Burries/Flemings. I know I’m on an island with this opinion but I just don’t see Wagler as anything special. A 2/3 off-ball player with no way to beat an NBA player off the dribble. I can’t get there with the Luka/Hali comparisons. I just think he’s too reliant on the step back because he can’t get by anybody, even at the college level.

Let's assume Wagler doesn't pan out as a starter level guard.  He still has an elite skillset in just shooting.  Albeit off the bench, players have had a long pro career without any handles and just being able to hit the 3 ball, and this guy will have better handles than those types of players.

So his floor just like Burries is still very high.  Although I like Flemings more than Burries if both are available, Flemings floor is a bit lower than both Burries and Wagler because as others have said he has only one defined role, and if he doesn't pan out there, we don't know what else he can be used as.

[Razzmatazz_Hopskidillydoo]

I have Wagler ahead of Burries simply because he can handle the ball better, has better vision, can shoot extremely well.

But his offense will be too one-dimensional.

More like a 3 and D PG.

I would think his shooting will translate and hold, and that's going to make him have an edge over Burries.

For me it's:
Brown > Flemmings > Acuff > Wagler > Burries > Philon > Stritz > Okorie > De Larrea > Anderson

[hakeemfaan]

Dirk was terrible his rookie year. That’s why I continue to say I don’t want the best rookie in the class. I want the best PLAYER. It’s up to M&M to select that guy.

Dirk was coming off some 3rd division German league at 19.  He was still the best player in the Nike Hoops Summit playing against Rashard Lewis and Al Harrington.  I remember Norm at that time saying Jerry West thought Dirk had the most talent in the class.  Dirk came in and completely outplayed Samaki Walker one on one and stupidly thought he was ready.  He was not ready for the physicality and pace, which is understandable considering which division he came from.

I was very high on Ament at the start for the same reasons. Size, ability to get to the line, FT # which bodes well for his jump shot. It's just that as I watch his shot, all the other negatives start coming out. Also look at Dirk's play then and Ament. Dirk had better foot speed and athleticism as well.

Again, if the Mavs draft Ament, of course, I'll hope and pray that he does well.

BTW. I'm also always for looking at the long term and not immediate rewards when it comes to the draft, but others talked me out of it for this particular scenario, because the Mavs really don't have too many good picks to play around with for the rest of the decade. They better get this one correct.

[KillerLeft]

BTW. I'm also always for looking at the long term and not immediate rewards when it comes to the draft, but others talked me out of it for this particular scenario, because the Mavs really don't have too many good picks to play around with for the rest of the decade. They better get this one correct.

What they can't do is take a swing on upside and get it wrong, agreed. 

But, a swing on upside that they get right is the best case scenario, nay? As Mike D'Antoni (probably) once said to James Harden: "But what if you MAKE them?"

[SleepingHero]

I love Flemings, as I’ve said often. Despite zero credible reporting about it, I can’t shake the feeling that Dallas doesn’t. Not sure why I feel that way, honestly, but I do.

Of course just my opinion, but I've basically locked myself into my office and watched 45 (slightly exaggerated, more like 20 lol) NCAA games on YouTube of all the prospects and my lasting impression on Flemmings is that he's just too tiny out there.

His mid range game is solid. He cares on defense. His athleticism is there. 

But for whatever reason he just plays smaller than his size would suggest. It gives me DSJ vibes a bit.

[hakeemfaan]

What they can't do is take a swing on upside and get it wrong, agreed. 

But, a swing on upside that they get right is the best case scenario, nay? As Mike D'Antoni (probably) once said to James Harden: "But what if you MAKE them?"

That's why Masai and Schmitz are getting paid what they are while we are on our couch and on message boards.

You have to have some sort of indicator that certain things can change in a few years, but certain things are there right now which show he can have a long career.

For eg, when Shai was drafted, his long range shooting was the question mark as well as his release, but other aspects of his game (defense, finishing touch, midrange) were all solid.   

With Ament, he is a scorer who is poor at shooting the 2, poor at shooting the 3, poor at finishing, not blowing by anyone athletically, and not getting much separation on his shots.  Again, I've heard the other side that he had a growth spurt and that he was a very good shooter in HS. 

That's the vetting and info that teams have that we don't. So if they draft him, they must feel confident. I'm just telling you from the limited info that I have from watching his tape, he has a lot of things that need fixing.

[Jakeospikez]

Something interesting about Flemings is, even though he has the smallest wingspan, his standing reach is 8'2.5" which is the same as Burries & Acuff. Not sure how much that actually matters for a lead guard though. He's still 6'4 in shoes regardless.

Wonder if it's feasible to be both the primary POA defender and lead guard on offense and not tire out. Maybe doable in spurts with Flagg helping lead the offense. A taller Davion Mitchell type POA defender that can also be a lead guard is a great player.

[Smitty]

@GoodmanHoops
I asked 10 NBA executives to rank these 5 guards. This is how it played out - with first-place votes in parentheses:

MIkel Brown Jr. (4)
Darius Acuff Jr. (2)
Braydon Burries (2)
Kingston Flemings (1)
Keaton Wagler (1)

[hakeemfaan]

Something interesting about Flemings is, even though he has the smallest wingspan, his standing reach is 8'2.5" which is the same as Burries & Acuff. Not sure how much that actually matters for a lead guard though. He's still 6'4 in shoes regardless.

Wonder if it's feasible to be both the primary POA defender and lead guard on offense and not tire out. Maybe doable in spurts with Flagg helping lead the offense. A taller Davion Mitchell type POA defender that can also be a lead guard is a great player.

He is not small for a PG. Brunson and Nash were shorter and did fine. Reed Sheppard is shorter. Wingspan measurement is also affected by shoulder width and Flemings has a smaller frame which will reduce his wingspan.

The biggest knock on him is that he didn't shoot a lot of 3s which is a valid criticism. There are so many positives to his game and his 3 pt % was pretty good too. So it bodes well that he can take more 3s and not fall off much, but it's still to be seen.

The issue though for him is that if he doesn't pan out, there is no other place for him on the floor. Burries and Wagler can still find a spot as an off the ball player.   Ament will always be 6'10" and with above average dribbling skills for his size.  So their floors are higher than Fleming's.

[KillerLeft]

@GoodmanHoops
I asked 10 NBA executives to rank these 5 guards. This is how it played out - with first-place votes in parentheses:

MIkel Brown Jr. (4)
Darius Acuff Jr. (2)
Braydon Burries (2)
Kingston Flemings (1)
Keaton Wagler (1)

Yeah, Brown Jr. ain't making it to #9. F.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

I've also heard that Atlanta sees great value in Swain at No. 23, but the Hawks have been signaling for some time that they are prepared (and perhaps even prefer) to trade their second pick in the first round after No. 8 for future draft capital. It sounds as though Atlanta will invite external trade interest for that pick until it is actually on the clock to make the selection Tuesday night.

marcstein.substack.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Brooklyn Nets have attempted to move up into the top-four range of the NBA Draft by dangling their No. 6 pick with future first-round draft picks, league sources told HoopsHype.

[Luka77]

He is not small for a PG. Brunson and Nash were shorter and did fine. Reed Sheppard is shorter. Wingspan measurement is also affected by shoulder width and Flemings has a smaller frame which will reduce his wingspan.

The biggest knock on him is that he didn't shoot a lot of 3s which is a valid criticism. There are so many positives to his game and his 3 pt % was pretty good too. So it bodes well that he can take more 3s and not fall off much, but it's still to be seen.

The issue though for him is that if he doesn't pan out, there is no other place for him on the floor. Burries and Wagler can still find a spot as an off the ball player.   Ament will always be 6'10" and with above average dribbling skills for his size.  So their floors are higher than Fleming's.

Bro, please stop with the Bruson comparisons with Flemmings.  What makes Brunson so effective is he is built like a tank and has elite footwork when he gets into the paint.

Bruson had 10+ lbs on Flemmings when coming into the league and was much more stocky.  Bruson was/is built like a bowling ball, while Flemmings is wiry. This girth helps Bruson with his physicality in the paint and in the mid-range, where he can bump and use his shoulder to create space for his mid-range jump shot.   So this, plus the wing span difference that you spoke about do make Flemmings small.

Moreover, the Brunsons ' mid-range game is set up by his footwork (swivels, step-throughs, post work) in the paint, something Flemmings has never shown in this game.  Also, it helps that Bruson is left-handed which throws many defenders off and all of his post moves are the opposite of most players in the league.  

When you combine Brunson's NBA body with the elite footwork and left-handed shooting is how you get a guard like Brunson becoming so effective in the mid-range.  

Flemmings mostly beats his man by threatening with elite speed and pulling up in the midrange.  This is much more difficult to do in the NBA, where you have longer and more athletic defenders.

[hakeemfaan]

Bro, please stop with the Bruson comparisons with Flemmings.  What makes Brunson so effective is he is built like a tank and has elite footwork when he gets into the paint.

Bruson had 10+ lbs on Flemmings when coming into the league and was much more stocky.  Bruson was/is built like a bowling ball, while Flemmings is wiry. This girth helps Bruson with his physicality in the paint and in the mid-range, where he can bump and use his shoulder to create space for his mid-range jump shot.   So this, plus the wing span difference that you spoke about do make Flemmings small.

Moreover, the Brunsons ' mid-range game is set up by his footwork (swivels, step-throughs, post work) in the paint, something Flemmings has never shown in this game.  Also, it helps that Bruson is left-handed which throws many defenders off and all of his post moves are the opposite of most players in the league.  

When you combine Brunson's NBA body with the elite footwork and left-handed shooting is how you get a guard like Brunson becoming so effective in the mid-range.  

Flemmings mostly beats his man by threatening with elite speed and pulling up in the midrange.  This is much more difficult to do in the NBA, where you have longer and more athletic defenders.

Was Nash built like a tank? Is Shai built like a tank? How about Tony Parker who had a very good mid range shot?  Sure you can throw other things that they had to counter just as I throw other things that Fkemings has. 

Am I saying that I know for sure he can get his shot off among the trees ? Of course I don’t know. Does anyone know for sure if Ament or Burries or Brown will pan out? 

All these guys have weaknesses and question marks.  I am just saying that not shooting a high volume of 3 point shots is not a big concern for me when it comes to Flemings.

[Smitty]

Yeah, Brown Jr. ain't making it to #9. F.

I don’t think it was ever an option if the back checked out. I think you said the same of Flemings a week or so ago. In the end none of us know who will or won’t be available at #9. Obviously I have Brown and Acuff in a tier above the rest, but in the end it doesn’t matter what you and I think. 

Hell, they’re just as likely to pick a Wing/Big as a Guard at 9+. This draft will be an entertaining one. That much I know.

[KillerLeft]

Obviously I have Brown and Acuff in a tier above the rest, but in the end it doesn’t matter what you and I think.

Nope, but it does matter what "league executives" think. I thought YOU posted that, right?

[Luka77]

Was Nash built like a tank? Is Shai built like a tank? How about Tony Parker who had a very good mid range shot?  Sure you can throw other things that they had to counter just as I throw other things that Fkemings has. 

Am I saying that I know for sure he can get his shot off among the trees ? Of course I don’t know. Does anyone know for sure if Ament or Burries or Brown will pan out? 

All these guys have weaknesses and question marks.  I am just saying that not shooting a high volume of 3 point shots is not a big concern for me when it comes to Flemings.

Nash threatened defenders with his elite shooting, esp. a pull-up three, which allowed him to set up his drives and assit for others, this is something Flemmings rarely does.  Shai is way different than Flemmings, I won't even bother going through the differences.

The player you mentioned that most plays like Flemmings is Toney Parker.   And I remember drafting a point guard who was comped as the next Toney Parker, his name was Devin Harris.  Who I think Flemming's game and upside most resemble.   Devin also had a much longer wingspan, which not only helps defensively but also with finishing around the rim.

So, for all those who are in favor of drafting Flemmings with the ninth pick, would you be okay if Flemmings had a similar career to Devin Harris?

[Smitty]

Nope, but it does matter what "league executives" think. I thought YOU posted that, right?

Sure, but those 10 executives may not be GM’s and I’m pretty confident that that the new MBT wasn’t polled, as tight lipped as they’ve been…

[F Gump]

I think trade down talk is fun and exciting and could work out but it is also risky.  Just give me the pick at 9 and then try to trade up a bit from 30.  Leave with a eventual starter and an eventual rotation player.  With a good cap sheet with tradeable pieces moving forwards.  While trading back doubles your chances with picks, it also lowers the risk you get a core player. 


That is my opinion.  Schmitz job is to hit 9 and then work some magic with the second pick.

I'm with you.

[hakeemfaan]

Nash threatened defenders with his elite shooting, esp. a pull-up three, which allowed him to set up his drives and assit for others, this is something Flemmings rarely does.  Shai is way different than Flemmings, I won't even bother going through the differences.

The player you mentioned that most plays like Flemmings is Toney Parker.   And I remember drafting a point guard who was comped as the next Toney Parker, his name was Devin Harris.  Who I think Flemming's game and upside most resemble.   Devin also had a much longer wingspan, which not only helps defensively but also with finishing around the rim.

So, for all those who are in favor of drafting Flemmings with the ninth pick, would you be okay if Flemmings had a similar career to Devin Harris?

Bro..You're asking me to stop comparing to Brunson and then comparing Flemings to Harris when Flemings is closer to Brunson than Harris? Harris was a very inconsistent shooter.  Even towards the end of his career when Harris was much better, his jump shot never evoked much confidence at all.

I can go through each of the counters on differences between Nash, Brunson, Flemings, but the truth is I don't think it's going to sway you and none of us, including I, know if Flemings can be even remotely as successful as the other two. Heck, Devin for all his negatives, had a long career in the NBA, and many prospects who have fallen by the wayside would do anything to have his career.  I don't know for sure if Flemings will even have Devin's career.

At this point all of us are just speculating and projecting based on what we've seen. I feel confident his mid range will translate. I am also not putting him above other guards. All I have said consistently is that if it's between Burries and Flemings, and the other guards are gone, I hope the Mavs get one of them.