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2026 NBA draft thread
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07-04-2026, 09:02 AM
Marc Stein
@TheSteinLine · 16h League sources tell @TheSteinLine and @DLLS_Sports that Spanish rookie Sergio De Larrea has signed a four-year, $16.3 million contract with the Mavericks at a full 120% of the rookie scale.
07-04-2026, 10:06 AM
(07-04-2026, 09:02 AM)speedkilz88 Wrote: Marc Stein This is awesome news and the acquisition of his Spanish national teammate Aldama probably didn’t hurt. I’d love to see Biberovic come over, too. That buyout will be tricky. Ishchenko probably needs a couple more years development to me.
Top international prospect committed to ucla next year. Due to his age, he will play two years in college before being draft eligible. The same is so for Marcus Spears kid.
I really wonder if we see most of the top Europeans come to college and very few stay in Europe playing against adults. Seems to work money wise too https://x.com/cbb_central/status/2075233...08784?s=46 https://x.com/brendanrmarks/status/20752...41603?s=46
07-09-2026, 08:37 PM
(07-09-2026, 08:24 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: Top international prospect committed to ucla next year. Due to his age, he will play two years in college before being draft eligible. The same is so for Marcus Spears kid. Mavs need to win the lottery in 2028. 
07-13-2026, 07:23 AM
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed Isaiah Evans to a four-year, $9.3 million deal, which includes three fully guaranteed years and a fourth-year team option, league sources told @hoopshype. Evans was the 33rd pick of the 2026 NBA Draft and was an All-ACC Team selection at Duke.
x.com 
07-13-2026, 12:20 PM
Didn’t find a dedicated Ishchenko thread, so I put it here - it’s part three of me prompting ChatGPT to give an extensive NBA scout projection of our international newcomers after Biberovic in the summer league game 2 thread and de Larrea in his trade thread.
I put a special emphasis on doing a deep research through Russian outlets to gather insights. As always „handle with care“, but I hope there are some interesting nuggets in there. If not - sorry for the reading or scrolling marathon: NBA Scouting Report: Vsevolod Ishchenko – Projection with the Dallas Mavericks Vsevolod Ishchenko is one of the more unusual developmental wings in the 2026 NBA draft class. At approximately 6'8" and 218 pounds, with reported length around a 7-foot wingspan, he has the physical dimensions of an NBA forward but much of the movement profile of a guard. Dallas acquired his rights after he was selected 56th overall, having apparently identified him well before draft night rather than simply taking a random late-second-round flyer. He entered the draft after a breakout season with Lokomotiv Kuban, winning the VTB United League’s Young Player of the Year award. Across 48 league appearances, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in roughly 23.5 minutes while shooting 52.8% on twos, 45.1% from three and 78.1% at the free-throw line. The three-point percentage was excellent, but it came on only 1.5 attempts per game, so it should be viewed as encouraging evidence rather than proof that he is already an elite-volume shooter. From an NBA scouting perspective, I would describe him as: A long, physically mature two-way wing with efficient shooting indicators, strong transition ability, useful connective passing, positional rebounding and defensive playmaking potential. His NBA ceiling will depend on whether his handle, shot volume, lateral defense and half-court processing become reliable enough for him to contribute when the game slows down. He is less of an offensive specialist than Tarik Biberović and less of a primary creator than Sergio de Larrea. His best pathway is becoming a versatile, low-maintenance wing who contributes across several categories without needing the offense built around him. --- Offensive Projection The shooting is promising, but the volume matters Ishchenko’s 2025–26 shooting percentages immediately attract attention. He made approximately 45% of his VTB three-pointers, finished above 50% overall and converted around 78–80% of his free throws. Dallas’ official announcement cited a slightly different three-point figure based on its statistical sample, but every available data set presents the same general picture: he was extremely efficient from the perimeter during his final season in Russia. (NBA.com) The important scouting question is not whether 45% is impressive. It is whether the percentage accurately represents his NBA shooting level. There are reasons for optimism: - His base is generally balanced. - He has comfortable range beyond the FIBA line. - His release point is high enough for a player of his size. - He shows soft touch from the free-throw line and on interior finishes. - He can shoot after relocating rather than only from a completely stationary position. - His lower body generates power without excessive forward momentum. There are also reasons for caution: - He attempted only about 1.5 threes per game in VTB competition. - He was often selective rather than functioning as a high-volume movement shooter. - Some attempts came with substantial space because defenses did not treat him as the primary offensive threat. - His release can be more deliberate when the pass arrives outside his shooting pocket. - He has not yet shown that he can maintain efficiency while doubling or tripling his attempt rate. For NBA translation, shot volume often matters almost as much as shot percentage. A player who makes 39% on six attempts per game creates more offensive gravity than one who makes 45% on one or two attempts. NBA defenses will initially test Ishchenko by helping away from him, closing short and asking him to shoot without hesitation. His first offensive requirement will therefore be psychological as much as mechanical: He must become willing to take every structurally correct three-point attempt. If he hesitates, brings the ball down or drives into traffic instead of shooting, the spacing value disappears. If he confidently reaches four or five attempts per 36 minutes while remaining around league average, the rest of his game becomes much easier to use. --- The NBA three-point line At the top of the floor, the FIBA three-point line is 6.75 meters from the basket and the NBA line is 7.24 meters away. The difference is 49 centimeters, approximately 19 inches. For Ishchenko, the raw distance should not be a major obstacle. He has enough size, lower-body strength and shooting touch to extend his range. His NBA draft profile also highlighted his perimeter efficiency and shooting touch as central strengths. (NBA.com) The more significant adjustment will be the nature of the attempts. In the NBA, he will need to make: - Faster corner and wing spot-ups - Threes after sprinting into transition - Relocation attempts after initially passing up the ball - Above-the-break shots against late switches - Attempts with longer defenders arriving from greater distances - Shots after receiving passes with less time to organize his feet The corner may become especially important. The NBA corner three is not longer than the FIBA corner shot, and Ishchenko’s size should allow him to release over many closeouts. If he becomes reliable from both corners, he can earn minutes before the rest of his offensive game is fully developed. My projection is that distance itself will have only a modest effect. Shot preparation, decisiveness and defensive pressure will matter much more. --- The real adjustment: Role definition and processing speed The Russian game allowed Ishchenko to contribute in several areas without forcing him into one narrow archetype. He could rebound, run, cut, attack a rotating defense, make an extra pass and defend multiple positions. That broad utility helped him become one of Lokomotiv’s most impactful young players. Russian coverage also noted his strong team plus-minus and two-way influence during his breakout season. (Чемпионат) In the NBA, he will initially receive a much more restricted role. He will not be asked to explore the possession. He will be expected to make an immediate decision: - Shoot - Drive - Pass - Cut - Screen - Relocate That transition can be difficult for versatile young players. Ishchenko sometimes plays with a slight pause. He sees the defense, considers the available option and then acts. That was often acceptable in the VTB League because his physicality and length allowed him to survive after the defense recovered. NBA defenders will eliminate those windows much faster. The central offensive adaptation is therefore: Can he turn his broad feel for the game into fast, simple and repeatable NBA decisions? He does not need to become a primary creator. He needs to eliminate indecision. A strong NBA version of Ishchenko would rarely hold the ball longer than two seconds unless he is attacking a clear advantage. --- NBA spacing NBA spacing should benefit Ishchenko because many of his best offensive moments occur against an already-moving defense. He is more comfortable attacking: - A long closeout - A rotating low defender - A broken transition floor - A mismatch created by a switch - A gap opened by another creator He is less comfortable breaking down a completely set defender from a stationary isolation. Dallas can therefore place him in lineups where star or lead guards create the initial advantage. Once the first defender is beaten, Ishchenko’s combination of size, stride length and passing awareness becomes useful. In a spaced NBA offense, he should have opportunities to: - Catch in the corner and attack the baseline - Cut from the weak side when his defender turns his head - Receive the ball on the second side and drive through an open gap - Screen for a guard and slip into space - Run in transition after defensive rebounds - Make the extra pass against rotating coverage The spacing will not automatically make him a creator. It will make his existing complementary skills easier to access. His fit is therefore much better beside high-usage creators than in a lineup that asks him to generate offense from nothing. --- Athleticism Ishchenko’s athletic profile is one of the main reasons he is an intriguing NBA project. He is not a spectacular above-the-rim athlete, but he is unusually fluid for a 6'8", 218-pound wing. The NBA’s draft profile emphasized his transition movement, downhill attacks, body control and ability to absorb contact. (NBA.com) His physical strengths are functional rather than theatrical. He possesses: - Long strides - Good open-floor speed - Strong balance through contact - Coordination at his size - Useful deceleration - Enough vertical pop to finish when given a runway - A frame that can already absorb professional contact - Length that improves his defensive and finishing margin NBA Athletic Grades - Straight-line speed: 8/10 - First-step explosiveness: 6.5/10 - Vertical explosiveness: 7/10 - Lateral quickness: 6.5/10 - Body control: 8.5/10 - Coordination for size: 8.5/10 - Functional strength: 8/10 - Deceleration: 7.5/10 - Open-floor athleticism: 8.5/10 He is at his best when he can build momentum. Once he has two or three strides, he covers significant ground and becomes difficult for smaller defenders to stop without fouling. From a standstill, however, he lacks the elite first step required to consistently beat NBA wings in isolation. That distinction is important. He should be evaluated as a transition and advantage athlete, not as an isolation athlete. --- Cutting Cutting could become one of Ishchenko’s most dependable NBA skills. Because he has played in a structured professional environment, he understands that off-ball movement is connected to the positioning of the ball handler and the help defense rather than simply running randomly toward the rim. He shows potential as: - A baseline cutter - A 45-degree cutter from the wing - A backdoor threat against top-locking defenders - A cutter after setting a guard screen - A transition rim runner - A weak-side rebounder after a teammate’s drive His size gives him a larger finishing target than most guards, while his speed makes him difficult to recover to once he has a step. The biggest improvement will involve timing his cuts for NBA spacing. If he cuts too early, he can occupy the driving lane. If he remains stationary too long, the defense can load up against the primary creator. With Dallas, his best cutting opportunities should come when defenders turn their attention toward the team’s lead ball handlers. He does not need plays called for him to create points in that environment. --- Ball Handling Ball handling is one of the primary swing skills in Ishchenko’s projection. He is not a non-handler. He can: - Push after defensive rebounds - Attack a closeout - Use a basic crossover - Change hands in transition - Take contact while maintaining his line - Make simple passes off one or two dribbles However, his handle is not yet consistently tight enough for sustained NBA creation. The NBA’s official draft profile specifically identified tightening his handle as an area that could unlock more of his game. (NBA.com) His current limitations include: - A relatively high dribble - Limited counters after the first move is stopped - Vulnerability when smaller defenders crowd his body - Difficulty changing direction in confined space - A tendency to expose the ball when gathering - Inconsistent comfort with his weaker hand - Limited ability to separate against switching wings The issue became visible during his early Summer League exposure. In Dallas’ game against the Lakers, he recorded six turnovers in approximately 22 minutes, a reminder that NBA-style pressure can disrupt his handle and decision-making even before he faces full-strength NBA defenses. One Summer League game should not determine his projection, but it illustrates the exact developmental concern seen on his Russian film. (Спортс’’) He does not need an advanced isolation package. For his intended role, he needs a dependable functional handle that allows him to: 1. Attack a hard closeout. 2. Take two controlled dribbles. 3. Protect the ball from a dig defender. 4. Finish or make the correct pass. 5. Avoid turning a small advantage into a neutral possession. If he reaches that level, he can become a strong complementary wing. If the handle remains loose, teams will run him off the line and pressure him into turnovers. --- Finishing Ishchenko is a better finishing prospect than many shooting wings because of his frame, coordination and willingness to absorb contact. He converted 52.8% of his two-point attempts in the VTB League, a solid figure for a young perimeter player operating against professionals. (Чемпионат) His finishing strengths include: - Long extension around the rim - Good balance after contact - Ability to finish from different angles - Strong stride length - Comfort attacking from the wing - Useful touch off the glass - Capacity to use his body against smaller defenders - Ability to draw fouls He attempted approximately 3.5 free throws in only 23.5 minutes per game, which is a meaningful indicator. It suggests he was not simply floating around the perimeter; he regularly forced contact and put pressure on the defense. (Спортс’’) The concerns are related to NBA rim protection. He does not possess overwhelming vertical lift, and his gather can be exposed when he attacks in a straight line. Against NBA centers, he will need to avoid trying to finish every drive directly at the rim. Important developmental counters include: - A controlled floater - More frequent use of the inside hand - Earlier extension before the shot blocker arrives - Jump stops in traffic - Passing after drawing the low defender - Finishing through the defender’s outside shoulder - Better use of the rim as protection His finishing should translate best in transition and against rotating defenses. It will be less dependable in static half-court situations where an NBA rim protector is already waiting. --- Passing and Connective Play Ishchenko is not a primary playmaker, but he has more passing ability than a conventional 3-and-D prospect. His 2.0 assists per game do not fully define his value because he was not consistently placed in an initiating role. (Спортс’’) He demonstrates the ability to: - Make the extra pass - Find a cutter after attacking a closeout - Advance the ball in transition - Deliver simple drive-and-kick passes - Recognize a mismatch - Move the ball without overdribbling - Pass over smaller defenders because of his height The danger is that his passing ambition occasionally exceeds his handle and processing speed. He may see an opening but deliver the pass late, leave his feet before deciding or attempt to thread a ball through NBA-length defenders. His turnover issues are therefore connected to both ball security and decision-making. The ideal version is not a point forward. It is a wing who keeps the offense alive. That distinction matters. Dallas should not ask him to run 15 pick-and-rolls. It should ask him to turn a good possession into a better one. --- Transition Offense Transition is probably Ishchenko’s most immediately translatable offensive area. He runs well, rebounds his position and can begin the break without waiting for an outlet pass. The NBA’s scouting profile specifically identified his fluidity in transition and downhill body control. (NBA.com) He can contribute as: - A defensive rebounder who pushes the ball - A wing filling either outside lane - A trailer arriving for an open three - A cutter behind a retreating defense - A secondary ball handler making a hit-ahead pass - A physical finisher against smaller guards The NBA pace should help him because the open floor reduces the importance of his average first step. In transition, he does not have to beat a defender from a standstill. He can use momentum, stride length and body control. He must still improve his ball security. Smaller NBA guards will reach from behind, and longer wings will attack his gather. His transition role should initially involve simple decisions rather than extended coast-to-coast creation. --- Rebounding Rebounding is a meaningful part of Ishchenko’s projection. He averaged approximately 4.6–4.7 rebounds in fewer than 24 minutes per game, which is excellent production for a perimeter player. (Спортс’’) His rebounding value comes from: - Size - Strong hands - Positional awareness - Willingness to help big men - Ability to rebound outside his immediate area - Balance through contact - Capacity to start the break after securing the ball Russian interviews suggest that his rebounding was not accidental. After one strong performance, he explained that the coaching staff had specifically instructed him to help the big men on the glass, and he carried out that responsibility effectively. (lokobasket.com) This is valuable for Dallas because a wing who finishes the defensive possession and immediately advances the ball can increase pace without requiring a formal outlet. I project him as an above-average positional rebounder in the NBA. --- Defense Defense is the area that could turn Ishchenko from an interesting second-round selection into a long-term NBA rotation player. His physical profile is promising: - 6'8" height - Approximately 218 pounds - Reported length around seven feet - Strong frame - Active hands - Good rebounding - Professional defensive experience - Ability to defend more than one perimeter position His 1.3 steals per game in limited minutes support the impression that he can generate defensive events. (Спортс’’) He is particularly effective when he can use his length away from the ball. He shows potential in: - Digging at drivers - Jumping passing lanes - Rotating from the weak side - Contesting without being directly attached to the shooter - Switching onto bigger players - Rebounding after a successful possession - Disrupting actions with his reach His defense is less certain at the point of attack. The main questions are: - Can he stay in front of quick NBA guards? - Can he navigate screens without falling behind? - Can he maintain a low stance? - Can he recover after losing the first step? - Can he avoid reaching when beaten? - Can he defend explosive wings without opening his hips too early? He is physically strong enough to survive contact, but strength does not automatically equal lateral mobility. Ishchenko may initially be most effective defending shooting guards and less explosive small forwards. Asking him to chase elite point guards or absorb power forwards for long stretches would place too much pressure on his weaknesses. His best defensive projection is: A versatile team defender who creates steals, rebounds, survives switches and handles secondary perimeter assignments without becoming a matchup target. I do not project him as a primary stopper. --- Screen Navigation Screen navigation could determine whether Ishchenko is trusted in high-level NBA lineups. At 6'8", he is a large target for screeners. If he plays upright, he can be caught squarely and removed from the action. He must improve: - Anticipation of screen angles - Ability to get narrow around contact - Recovery speed - Communication on switches - Rear-view contests - Discipline when trailing - Reconnection to the ball handler NBA teams will test him with: - High pick-and-rolls - Dribble handoffs - Pindowns - Guard-to-guard screens - Spain pick-and-roll - Re-screen actions His length gives him a margin for recovery, but it cannot fully compensate for poor positioning. This is likely to be one reason he spends developmental time in the G League or receives inconsistent NBA minutes early in his career. --- Defensive Versatility Ishchenko’s defensive value should come from covering a range of ordinary matchups rather than dominating one elite matchup. A realistic assignment range would be: - Larger point guards - Shooting guards - Average-sized wings - Selected small-ball forwards He may struggle against: - Small, explosive lead guards - Elite change-of-direction scorers - Powerful forwards who establish deep position - High-volume movement shooters who force him through repeated screens The term “switchable” should therefore be used carefully. He has enough size to switch. The question is whether he can consistently finish the possession after switching. If his footwork improves, his physical profile gives Dallas several defensive options. If it does not, opponents will identify the mismatch despite his impressive measurements. --- Half-Year Projection The first six months should be considered a development and evaluation period rather than an immediate rotation breakthrough. His transition will involve: - Faster closeouts - More ball pressure - Better rim protection - Greater spacing - More complex screening actions - A narrower offensive role - Increased defensive accountability - Adapting to the NBA schedule - Learning terminology and coverage details - Competing for minutes in a deep wing rotation His first two Summer League appearances showed both sides of the projection. In his debut, he produced seven points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 27 minutes while making two of four field goals. In the next game, he scored eight points with four rebounds and two steals, but also committed six turnovers. Those games are far too small a sample for definitive conclusions, yet the combination of efficient flashes, rebounding, defensive activity and ball-security problems matches his established profile. His initial NBA role would likely be: - End-of-rotation wing - Transition runner - Defensive energy player - Corner shooter - Secondary rebounder - G League developmental assignment - Occasional injury-replacement option Projected first six months: - 6–13 NBA minutes per game when active - 3–5 points - 1.5–3 rebounds - 0.5–1 assist - 34–37% from three - Low offensive usage - Positive transition flashes - Inconsistent ball security - Matchup-dependent defensive minutes - Significant possibility of G League time The most important indicators will not be raw scoring. Dallas should evaluate: - Does he shoot open threes without hesitation? - Can he defend without fouling? - Can he attack one closeout without losing the ball? - Can he execute rotations correctly? - Does he rebound against NBA athletes? - Can he keep the offense moving? If he succeeds in those areas, his minutes could grow even without major scoring production. --- One-Year Projection After a full season, Ishchenko should have a clearer NBA identity. The ideal first-year development would include: - Faster shot preparation - Greater three-point volume - Improved weak-hand handling - Lower turnover rate - Better screen navigation - Stronger understanding of NBA spacing - More reliable closeout decisions - Consistent defensive effort Projected production after one year: - 13–19 minutes per game - 5–8 points - 3–4 rebounds - 1–2 assists - 35–38% from three - Useful steal rate - Transition and cutting production - Occasional closing minutes in favorable matchups - Greater comfort at both wing positions I would not expect him to become a full-time starter after one season. A successful first year would mean he has established himself as a credible ninth or tenth man who can enter a game without damaging the team’s structure. His route to a larger role would then depend on whether the shooting becomes high-volume enough to create gravity and whether the defense becomes trustworthy enough for playoff basketball. --- Long-Term Offensive Projection Ishchenko’s long-term offensive ceiling rests on four swing skills. 1. Three-point volume The percentage is encouraging, but will he take enough attempts? He must become a player defenses cannot leave, not merely a player with an attractive percentage. 2. Closeout handling Can he attack the first rotation without turning the ball over? This will determine whether defenders can simply run him off the line. 3. Processing speed Can he make immediate shoot-drive-pass decisions? His role will depend on simplicity and speed rather than complex creation. 4. Finishing counters Can he score against length without relying exclusively on strength and momentum? A floater, inside-hand finish and stronger passing reads would raise his efficiency. If all four develop, he could become a starting-level complementary wing. If only the shooting translates, he may still survive as a bench specialist. If the shot volume and handle both fail to develop, his NBA pathway becomes much narrower. --- NBA Comparisons No comparison is exact, particularly for a player whose NBA role has not yet been defined. ### Stylistic comparisons There are elements of: - Deni Avdija, in terms of open-floor movement, size, rebounding and physical downhill play, although Avdija is a substantially more advanced creator. - Simone Fontecchio, as a big complementary wing who can shoot, attack space and handle physical matchups. - Naji Marshall, in terms of size, connective play, transition value and broad wing utility, though Marshall developed more improvisational ball handling. - Cedi Osman, because of his transition energy, cutting and ability to contribute without functioning as a primary option. - Christian Braun, in the general sense of a low-usage wing whose athleticism, rebounding and transition play can supplement his shooting. These are role and trait references, not predictions of identical careers. --- Ceiling A starting-caliber two-way wing who contributes approximately: - 10–13 points - 5–6 rebounds - 2–3 assists - 1–1.5 steals - 37–39% from three At his ceiling, he would defend multiple perimeter positions, run the floor, rebound, attack closeouts and make enough threes that defenses must respect him. He would not need high usage to influence winning. That player could fit in closing lineups because he would provide size without sacrificing mobility, shooting or ball movement. --- Median Outcome A useful eighth or ninth man who plays both wing positions. In that role, he would: - Defend secondary scorers - Rebound - Run in transition - Make open threes - Cut behind ball-watching defenders - Move the ball - Provide lineup flexibility This is the outcome I currently consider most likely. It would represent strong value for the 56th pick. --- Floor A productive European player or G League wing whose tools never fully become NBA skills. In that outcome: - His three-point volume remains too low - His handle is vulnerable - He cannot stay in front of NBA guards - Defenders run him off the line - Turnovers erase his connective value - He lacks one elite skill strong enough to demand minutes His floor is lower than Biberović’s because Biberović has a more established specialist identity. Ishchenko’s pathway depends on several complementary traits developing together. --- NBA Scout Summary Strengths: - Excellent size for a perimeter player - Strong, NBA-ready frame - Reported plus wingspan - Efficient shooting indicators - Good free-throw generation - Strong transition runner - Physical downhill driver - Above-average positional rebounder - Useful connective passing - Active hands defensively - Potential to guard multiple wing positions - Professional experience against older players - Low-maintenance offensive profile - Young Player of the Year in the VTB United League - Competitive and team-oriented mentality Weaknesses: - Low three-point attempt volume - Shooting percentage may overstate current NBA gravity - Handle becomes loose under pressure - Limited isolation creation - Average first step in the half court - Needs faster offensive decisions - Turnover-prone when asked to do too much - Lateral defense remains uncertain - Screen navigation needs development - Not an elite vertical athlete - Must improve finishing counters against NBA rim protection - Does not yet possess one fully proven elite NBA skill --- Overall Projection | Category | Grade | | Shooting projection | 7.8/10 | | Shot versatility | 6.8/10 | | Transition offense | 8.5/10 | | Cutting | 7.8/10 | | Ball handling | 6.0/10 | | Connective passing | 7.2/10 | | Finishing | 7.4/10 | | Athleticism | 7.8/10 | | Functional strength | 8.2/10 | | Defense | 7.0/10 | | Defensive playmaking | 7.8/10 | | Rebounding | 8.4/10 | | Positional size | 9.0/10 | | NBA readiness | 6.8/10 | | Long-term upside | 7.9/10 | --- Final Assessment Vsevolod Ishchenko projects as a physically mature, versatile NBA wing whose best qualities are size, transition play, rebounding, efficient shooting indicators and defensive activity. His 45% VTB three-point season is encouraging, but the low attempt volume means he must prove he can shoot quickly and confidently enough to create genuine NBA gravity. The central developmental question is whether his complementary skills remain functional under NBA pressure. His handle is presently vulnerable, his first step is average in the half court and his lateral defense must improve. However, he does not need to become a primary creator. A tighter closeout game, faster decisions and dependable team defense would give him a clear pathway to rotation minutes. His median outcome is a useful eighth or ninth man who defends wings, rebounds, runs the floor and makes open shots. His ceiling is a starting-caliber two-way connector producing roughly 10–13 points and five rebounds while shooting efficiently from three. His floor is a high-level European player whose low shot volume, loose handle and uncertain point-of-attack defense prevent him from securing a stable NBA role. For the 56th pick, he represents a worthwhile developmental investment with more two-way upside than the typical late-second-round selection. ![[-]](https://www.mavsboard.com/images/collapse.png)
The following 5 users Like Knutsen's post:• FireNicoHarrison, KillerLeft, mvossman, Scott41theMavs, Winter
07-13-2026, 01:06 PM
Magic two-way rookie Izaiyah Nelson suffered a fracture in his left ankle and will require surgery, the team announced:
x.com 
07-13-2026, 01:07 PM
07-13-2026, 01:25 PM
07-13-2026, 01:41 PM
07-13-2026, 01:54 PM
(07-13-2026, 01:41 PM)mvossman Wrote: He is a troll that occasionally makes a thoughtful post. I have learned to ignore the trolling (although he still gets me occasionally). Yes, but that particular schtick is a very weird thing to troll about - unless the agenda is to say, "Maybe Nico wasn't that bad," or "Maybe Casey wasn't that great," or "Maybe our worst-in-the-league injury problem isn't due to the medical staff." I don't get it. (07-13-2026, 01:54 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Yes, but that particular schtick is a very weird thing to troll about - unless the agenda is to say, "Maybe Nico wasn't that bad," or "Maybe Casey wasn't that great," or "Maybe our worst-in-the-league injury problem isn't due to the medical staff." I don't get it. His agenda is generally to point out how much the board overreacts to things. For example, not ever injury happened because of the medical staff. Obviously injuries happen to all teams regardless of medical staffs. No doubt this board overreacts plenty, but I think his trolling is misplaced on this one. The difference in injury incidence between the Casey years and the non Casey years is massive, and its not surprising the Nicks just had their most healthy season. The evidence is overwhelming and if anything we may be underestimating the impact.
The following 4 users Like mvossman's post:• From Dirk to SCREW YOU Nico, KillerLeft, rocky164, Scott41theMavs 
07-13-2026, 02:24 PM
(07-13-2026, 01:54 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Yes, but that particular schtick is a very weird thing to troll about - unless the agenda is to say, "Maybe Nico wasn't that bad," or "Maybe Casey wasn't that great," or "Maybe our worst-in-the-league injury problem isn't due to the medical staff." I don't get it. I actually read it at face value, haha. The Magic seem to have been snake bitten in recent years when it comes to injuries or maybe Isaac's injury history is just casting a negative shadow on my perspective.
07-13-2026, 02:25 PM
(07-13-2026, 02:09 PM)mvossman Wrote: His agenda is generally to point out how much the board overreacts to things. For example, not ever injury happened because of the medical staff. Obviously injuries happen to all teams regardless of medical staffs. No doubt this board overreacts plenty, but I think his trolling is misplaced on this one. The difference in injury incidence between the Casey years and the non Casey years is massive, and its not surprising the Nicks just had their most healthy season. The evidence is overwhelming and if anything we may be underestimating the impact. Pretty much how I look at it. It's just weird to highlight that "overreaction," which in the case of the Mavs, was nearly never overreaction. 
07-13-2026, 05:07 PM
DallasMaverick is the board contrarian.
Just like the rest of us.
07-13-2026, 05:11 PM
07-13-2026, 07:39 PM
(07-13-2026, 01:54 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Yes, but that particular schtick is a very weird thing to troll about - unless the agenda is to say, "Maybe Nico wasn't that bad," or "Maybe Casey wasn't that great," or "Maybe our worst-in-the-league injury problem isn't due to the medical staff." I don't get it. When it comes to trolls, the "ignore" function is your friend.
07-14-2026, 07:56 AM
Ultimately, the draft should be judged based on Rez vs Burries and Sergio vs. Maleek. It may be that the Mavs couldn’t have gone wrong.
07-14-2026, 12:57 PM
(07-14-2026, 07:56 AM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: Ultimately, the draft should be judged based on Rez vs Burries and Sergio vs. Maleek. It may be that the Mavs couldn’t have gone wrong. This probably needs to be evaluated in pairs, since the Mavs needed a PG out of those 2 picks -- but if they drafted Burries, not likely they needed 2. Morez-DeLarrea vs Burries-Thomas Who knows how those 4 careers will turn out. But we do already know one thing, which is that the path the Mavs chose yielded players who fit the new FO roster-building preference for positional size. The Burries-Thomas path would have had brought in relatively smaller players. If all 4 work out as solid NBA players, you will probably be glad you picked the bigger players. |
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