2026 NBA Draft Thread

[pmatic]

 

[frshstunna]

Not sure who said it first, but I’ve now heard 5 different podcasts mention some version of the following phrase about a random prospect:

“He could play in the finals right now” ok? What a meaningless non-statement

I assure you nobody was looking at Jose Alvarado saying, hmm he could play in the NBA finals right now

Same thing with “NBA ready”, the phrase is used every draft but is wrong for most prospects that get the label

 

[pmatic]

 

[HOU$TON]

 

[rolaholic]

 

[pmatic]

 

[pmatic]

 

[B Sox]

But why

 

[ill steelo]

Wall is normally sharp. Way off base

Coming off 65 losses, fit isn’t a thought here

 

[elpablo21]

OKC in on Ament?

not sure how to feel about that

 

[NickFolarin]

I really want the Wizards to get Peterson, just because I want AJ in Utah

 

[pmatic]

My hastily put together top 15 big board.

Spoiler

Cam Boozer - Big, skilled, smart and wins. Could be the engine on offense, but the athletic-defensive concerns are valid.
AJ Dybansta - A future 25 ppg scorer, but I wonder if he can drive winning or is he just an empty calories scorer.
Darryn Peterson - I lean more toward prep pedigree than what he did at KU. I think there's a decent chance he comes out on top as best player out of the draft.

Caleb Wilson - Super athletic forward with a high motor, but needs to develop a jumper and get stronger.

Keaton Wagler - Worry about his athleticism-strength, but he's tough, can shoot and draws fouls.
Mikel Brown Jr. - Boom or bust, I think he can lead an elite offense if everything goes right.
Darius Acuff Jr. - Very reminiscent of Dame Lillard, but he's an absolute zero on defense.
Brayden Burries - Older freshman with a dynamite jumper and feasts in transition.
Kingston Flemings - Steady two-way guard with both poise and speed. Jumper and finishing needs to develop.

Morez Johnson - Jack of all trades big man. No real weaknesses, no standout trait-skill.
Dailyn Swain - 6'7 point forward with a so-so jumper. Will he be good enough on-ball to warrant having the ball in his hands?
Yaxel Lendborg - Old, athletic combo forward. Not sure I buy the jump shot, but the **** **** Up factor is real.
Aday Mara - 7'3 rim protector with passing skills and good finisher. Slow, non-shooter and poor conditioning.
Ebuka Okorie - Elite speed guard that gets where ever he wants. If he had higher prep pedigree, he'd be a top 10 pick.
Cam Carr - Skinny 6'5 guard that can score in bunches with three point shooting and athletic pop.

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[datznasty]

Landeborg, Ament, Burres, Mara, Swain for me with our 12 and 17. If we can use Topic to trade up even 1 spot I’d do it too because we gotta clear a roster spot.

 

[frshstunna]

I’m high on Peterson, AJ, Wilson, Carr, Okorie, Stirtz and Maleek Thomas

Low on Quintance, Wagler, Ament, Cenac, Mara and Yaxel

I’ll guess Peterson would be the best player out of this class

 

[HOU$TON]

Rooting for my dawg. 2nd best guard in the draft.

 

[pmatic]

 

[datznasty]

OKC in on Ament?

not sure how to feel about that

He talks Pacifically about OKC here and his solo workout after he attended a game during the WCFs, he declined workouts with Mavs and Bucks,, so might be a promise here. I can be sold, but he could be Ousmane Dieng too. Yaxel looks more brolic to me but admittedly I have 5 minutes of YT video on both is my entire knowledge.

 

[pmatic]

#Pacifically

 

[datznasty]

oof, 43% at the rim in college is crazy

 

[elpablo21]

He talks Pacifically about OKC here and his solo workout after he attended a game during the WCFs, he declined workouts with Mavs and Bucks,, so might be a promise here. I can be sold, but he could be Ousmane Dieng too. Yaxel looks more brolic to me but admittedly I have 5 minutes of YT video on both is my entire knowledge.

Everyone think he sucks but if he goes to OKC he'll probably become an all nba player

 

[Arthur Shelby]

 

[WASHED KING]

50/50 on Ament.

Saw him play when he was in high school at CBG. Just seems like he doesn’t have a natural feel for the game.

Like his whole game has been built on cones and workouts not playing pickup if that makes sense. Just lacks that natural creativity you would want to see.

 

[pmatic]

I've read the Pelicans are high on Ament too. Of course I learn he's from Manassas and it makes sense why Troy Weaver is going hard after him.

 

[WASHED KING]

I've read the Pelicans are high on Ament too. Of course I learn he's from Manassas and it makes sense why Troy Weaver is going hard after him.

Yup.

Plays like he’s from the suburbs too.