2026 NBA Draft Prospects

[Mark_83]

Interesting deep cut center prospect for the second round. Bouncy and athletic big who can finish above the rim and shows excellent touch. Has a nice hookshot in the post, switchable on defense, and plays with a high motor. Healthy, but poor man's Robert Williams.

Watch on YouTube

[grant101]

Reminds me of Nash, but Nash has a hook shot running away from the rim, so that he can finish at rim. I think Tanner will have trouble finishing at rim, and unsure his defense with his size and strength.

I might prefer older prospect like Xaivian Lee who is a bit taller with more consistent combo guard ability.

Tanner is nothing at all like Nash. Very different types of players altogether. I also think you might be underrating him quite a bit.Tanner is one of the quickest, bounciest guards in the NCAA, especially for his size. He has had zero problem finishing at the rim in his NCAA career thus far, as evidenced by his 88% efficiency on shots at the rim last year. He does this with a combination of quickness/shifiness, touch, and athleticism (hops, hangtime, body control).

Defensively, he's one of the most disruptive on-ball defenders in the NCAA. He's averaging almost 3 steals a game (2.7) which is almost double the number of turnovers he averages (1.5). He's got elite hands and anticipation and put relentless pressure on the ball handler at the point of attack. Size is his only real limitation on defense, but he compensates for it by just being a straight up dawg like Shead. He'll pickup his man full court, battle through screens, and basically stops just short of criminal harassment on the opposing point guard. Despite this he only commits 2.4 fouls a game, numbers which are comparable to Jose Alvarado's Senior season at Georgia Tech, except he's only a Sophomore.

Watch on YouTube

I love when guards have high steal rates. It’s usually a pretty good indication of defensive effort, and Tanner excels. I think he’s more of a combo guard, but the defence and athleticism should give him a chance to prove himself (ala Chucky Hepburn). This draft is super deep at PG. one that I think is being severely underrated (and has an outside chance of being at the top of the pile) is Christian Anderson. Throwback floor general with a beautiful shot. Lacks the burst you probably want, but as heady as they come and a killer in the PNR. He knows how to play the game and the shot alone will ensure he makes a team. He’s a steal if he drops to the second

https://youtu.be/hhjTNJ8eGz4?si=nZkxfrsQ2sQc61rL

[Mark_83]

Reminds me of Nash, but Nash has a hook shot running away from the rim, so that he can finish at rim. I think Tanner will have trouble finishing at rim, and unsure his defense with his size and strength.

I might prefer older prospect like Xaivian Lee who is a bit taller with more consistent combo guard ability.

Tanner is nothing at all like Nash. Very different types of players altogether. I also think you might be underrating him quite a bit.Tanner is one of the quickest, bounciest guards in the NCAA, especially for his size. He has had zero problem finishing at the rim in his NCAA career thus far, as evidenced by his 88% efficiency on shots at the rim last year. He does this with a combination of quickness/shifiness, touch, and athleticism (hops, hangtime, body control).

Defensively, he's one of the most disruptive on-ball defenders in the NCAA. He's averaging almost 3 steals a game (2.7) which is almost double the number of turnovers he averages (1.5). He's got elite hands and anticipation and put relentless pressure on the ball handler at the point of attack. Size is his only real limitation on defense, but he compensates for it by just being a straight up dawg like Shead. He'll pickup his man full court, battle through screens, and basically stops just short of criminal harassment on the opposing point guard. Despite this he only commits 2.4 fouls a game, numbers which are comparable to Jose Alvarado's Senior season at Georgia Tech, except he's only a Sophomore.

Watch on YouTube

I love when guards have high steal rates. It’s usually a pretty good indication of defensive effort, and Tanner excels. I think he’s more of a combo guard, but the defence and athleticism should give him a chance to prove himself (ala Chucky Hepburn). This draft is super deep at PG. one that I think is being severely underrated (and has an outside chance of being at the top of the pile) is Christian Anderson. Throwback floor general with a beautiful shot. Lacks the burst you probably want, but as heady as they come and a killer in the PNR. He knows how to play the game and the shot alone will ensure he makes a team. He’s a steal if he drops to the second

https://youtu.be/hhjTNJ8eGz4?si=nZkxfrsQ2sQc61rL

I've been on Anderson since early November. I wouldn't say he's underrated in draftnik circles though, as he's a pretty buzzy name right now. I have him on my high follow list, but like you said, there are concerns about his game translating because a lot of his value comes from his elite IQ and feel for the game. His game is actually more comparable to Nash than Tanner's is because he's going to have to create advantages with his brain and skill rather than his raw physical tools. I definitely think he can do that, but there is some risk. Fun fact, he's actually German, and has been compared to Schroeder (but I don't really see it).

I'm not sure where he'll go in the draft if at all but one of the players I've really enjoyed watching is German point guard Christian Anderson from Texas Tech. He's a true throw back point guard, who plays with pace, has a great feel and internal clock, and is rarely ever sped up. He's also a high level shooter with deep range, and high IQ. Hes not the strongest, quickest, or most athletic guy, but the kid can just play.

Freshman: 35gm 10.6pts 3reb 2.2ast 1.2stl -- 42.9/38/80.2
Sophomore: 2gm 26pts 4.5reb 9ast 3.5stl -- 48.4/55/84.2

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUdY2hyaXN0aWFuIGFuZGVyc29uIGJhc2tldGJhbGw%3D

[Mark_83]

On another note. As much as I like Alijah Martin (I pushed for him at the draft, and wish he was getting more opportunity) I really don’t know why we even picked him given our depth chart and if we had no intention of playing him; especially given our needs in the front court. We could have taken Maxime Raynaud or Amari Williams who would likely be seeing minutes right now.

[grant101]

Tanner is nothing at all like Nash. Very different types of players altogether. I also think you might be underrating him quite a bit.Tanner is one of the quickest, bounciest guards in the NCAA, especially for his size. He has had zero problem finishing at the rim in his NCAA career thus far, as evidenced by his 88% efficiency on shots at the rim last year. He does this with a combination of quickness/shifiness, touch, and athleticism (hops, hangtime, body control).

Defensively, he's one of the most disruptive on-ball defenders in the NCAA. He's averaging almost 3 steals a game (2.7) which is almost double the number of turnovers he averages (1.5). He's got elite hands and anticipation and put relentless pressure on the ball handler at the point of attack. Size is his only real limitation on defense, but he compensates for it by just being a straight up dawg like Shead. He'll pickup his man full court, battle through screens, and basically stops just short of criminal harassment on the opposing point guard. Despite this he only commits 2.4 fouls a game, numbers which are comparable to Jose Alvarado's Senior season at Georgia Tech, except he's only a Sophomore.

Watch on YouTube

I love when guards have high steal rates. It’s usually a pretty good indication of defensive effort, and Tanner excels. I think he’s more of a combo guard, but the defence and athleticism should give him a chance to prove himself (ala Chucky Hepburn). This draft is super deep at PG. one that I think is being severely underrated (and has an outside chance of being at the top of the pile) is Christian Anderson. Throwback floor general with a beautiful shot. Lacks the burst you probably want, but as heady as they come and a killer in the PNR. He knows how to play the game and the shot alone will ensure he makes a team. He’s a steal if he drops to the second

https://youtu.be/hhjTNJ8eGz4?si=nZkxfrsQ2sQc61rL

I've been on Anderson since early November. I wouldn't say he's underrated in draftnik circles though, as he's a pretty buzzy name right now. I have him on my high follow list, but like you said, there are concerns about his game translating because a lot of his value comes from his elite IQ and feel for the game. His game is actually more comparable to Nash than Tanner's is because he's going to have to create advantages with his brain and skill rather than his raw physical tools. I definitely think he can do that, but there is some risk. Fun fact, he's actually German, and has been compared to Schroeder (but I don't really see it).

I'm not sure where he'll go in the draft if at all but one of the players I've really enjoyed watching is German point guard Christian Anderson from Texas Tech. He's a true throw back point guard, who plays with pace, has a great feel and internal clock, and is rarely ever sped up. He's also a high level shooter with deep range, and high IQ. Hes not the strongest, quickest, or most athletic guy, but the kid can just play.

Freshman: 35gm 10.6pts 3reb 2.2ast 1.2stl -- 42.9/38/80.2
Sophomore: 2gm 26pts 4.5reb 9ast 3.5stl -- 48.4/55/84.2

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUdY2hyaXN0aWFuIGFuZGVyc29uIGJhc2tldGJhbGw%3D

Fair enough - I’ve been busier than usual this year, so haven’t followed the convo here till recently. I agree with your earlier assessment. Also agree that he plays nothing like Schroeder. He plays like if a 90s era guard was allowed to shoot 3s consistently.

I think the meh burst/athleticism puts a cap on how high he goes, particularly considering the competition at pg. i think there’s a good chance he ends up going later than he should as a result (then again, I also thought Walter Clayton would last till the 2nd round last year). I have the PGs as Brown, Acuff, Anderson/Philon. Philon is the sexier pick, but I’m a sucker for old-school pgs. Fun class!


Edit: completely forgot about Stirtz and that some have Kingston Fleming as a pg. new rankings: Brown, Fleming, Acuff, Stirtz, Anderson/Philon. They’re all pretty close too.

[grant101]

Catching up on Yaxel (a personal favourite if he drops to us) and came away really impressed with Morez Johnson. He's really taken a step from last year at Illinois. Much more assertive. Reminds me of the old school power forward types (e.g. Antonio and Dale Davis). We don't necessarily need more PFs that are just OK shooters, but talent is talent. He's going to play in the league for a while. Really solid all around player.

Watch on YouTube

;t=9s

On another note, I get that the team wants to upgrade the roster and get off of some bad contracts (IQ primarily), but I REALLY hope we don't trade out of this draft. It's even stronger than last year, with high-level talent throughout the first round. Go ahead and trade 2027. That draft looks like a stinker outside the tippy top.

[Psubs]

Catching up on Yaxel (a personal favourite if he drops to us) and came away really impressed with Morez Johnson. He's really taken a step from last year at Illinois. Much more assertive. Reminds me of the old school power forward types (e.g. Antonio and Dale Davis). We don't necessarily need more PFs that are just OK shooters, but talent is talent. He's going to play in the league for a while. Really solid all around player.

Watch on YouTube

;t=9s

On another note, I get that the team wants to upgrade the roster and get off of some bad contracts (IQ primarily), but I REALLY hope we don't trade out of this draft. It's even stronger than last year, with high-level talent throughout the first round. Go ahead and trade 2027. That draft looks like a stinker outside the tippy top.

I literally watched this video last night and almost posted your thoughts verbatim.

Other player thoughts, De Larrea doesn't really have a decent A/T so maybe he's just a less atheletic SG/PG. Though we would like a tall PG, Acuff (6'3) looks like an allstar. Like a taller, stronger Darius Garland.

[Clutch0z24]

Watch on YouTube

Just wish he was a bit bigger but this guy is such a good 3 level scorer already....Scoring potential is off the charts with this guy.

[Thaddy]

There has to be a scenario where we trade IQ and Poeltl for a C or Guard and then draft a great replacement guard or C we can slowly develop over the years and start off as the tenth man.

[Yallbecrazy]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

[DreamTeam09]

There has to be a scenario where we trade IQ and Poeltl for a C or Guard and then draft a great replacement guard or C we can slowly develop over the years and start off as the tenth man.

you don't have to trade anyone to achieve that
whoever you draft may not be as good as Jakob or IQ, that's just history of drafts & it being a crap shoot. Even if this year is supposed to be legendary

[grant101]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

Mark_83 has talked about him quite a bit. I like the scoring ability, aggressiveness and athleticism, but the size and frame worries me. Also think he’s more of a combo guard. The bar for those types is so damn high. NIL money will also make coming out a tough decision. I think he might stay.

[Psubs]

Watch on YouTube

Just wish he was a bit bigger but this guy is such a good 3 level scorer already....Scoring potential is off the charts with this guy.

He could be Ray Allen with PG handles.

Dybansta could be TWac 2.0.

I have them both tie at #1 so if the 1st pick team needs a PG/SG then go with Peterson. If need a wing then go with Dybansta. If no specific positional need, then go with Dybansta.

Though Boozer might be a better playmaking and defensive Banchero.

[Psubs]

If Acuff is off the board, do we look at his teammate 6'5 Meleek Thomas? He has an A/T of almost 3 with 1.4 steals (1.0 to) and 39/37/85% FT.

Though maybe he's just Isaiah Joe?

Watch on YouTube

[Yallbecrazy]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

Mark_83 has talked about him quite a bit. I like the scoring ability, aggressiveness and athleticism, but the size and frame worries me. Also think he’s more of a combo guard. The bar for those types is so damn high. NIL money will also make coming out a tough decision. I think he might stay.

I don't like skinny frames either, but if his stats mostly hold up in conference play then you have a guy that is doing CP3 things on the court in a CP3 frame.

[Mark_83]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

I think top 10 might be too aggressive even for me. If he does come out I'm pretty comfortable with him still being available from pick 18 on. There's a lot of high end guards in this draft and his size is going to hurt him with some teams.

[Yallbecrazy]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

I think top 10 might be too aggressive even for me. If he does come out I'm pretty comfortable with him still being available from pick 18 on. There's a lot of high end guards in this draft and his size is going to hurt him with some teams.

If he ends up with a 14+ bpm as an undersized sophomore pg I don't see how you don't draft him in the top 10. Even with a 12+ bpm he should be taken in the top 10.

I mean I do see how he doesn't get drafted as teams are still focused on archetypes for some strange reason when archetype drafting is a great way to be terrible at prospect analysis.
(You can compare players statistical production in college to similar archetypes, but you should never say this is a 6'6 pick and roll point guard, those are super valuable so he's a great prospect.)

[Psubs]

Has anyone talked about Tyler Tanner yet? He's not considered top 10 yet, but he might be in the 5-10 talk very soon. Maybe he gets hurt and stays in the 15-25 range and the Raps can get him.

Mark_83 has talked about him quite a bit. I like the scoring ability, aggressiveness and athleticism, but the size and frame worries me. Also think he’s more of a combo guard. The bar for those types is so damn high. NIL money will also make coming out a tough decision. I think he might stay.

I don't like skinny frames either, but if his stats mostly hold up in conference play then you have a guy that is doing CP3 things on the court in a CP3 frame.

Trae Young, Rob Dillingham. Ya, stay away.

Acuff please.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Catching up on Yaxel (a personal favourite if he drops to us) and came away really impressed with Morez Johnson. He's really taken a step from last year at Illinois. Much more assertive. Reminds me of the old school power forward types (e.g. Antonio and Dale Davis). We don't necessarily need more PFs that are just OK shooters, but talent is talent. He's going to play in the league for a while. Really solid all around player.

Watch on YouTube

;t=9s

On another note, I get that the team wants to upgrade the roster and get off of some bad contracts (IQ primarily), but I REALLY hope we don't trade out of this draft. It's even stronger than last year, with high-level talent throughout the first round. Go ahead and trade 2027. That draft looks like a stinker outside the tippy top.

Yes, the league went scrawny at the forward position and now guys like Morez can feast.

[Yallbecrazy]

Mark_83 has talked about him quite a bit. I like the scoring ability, aggressiveness and athleticism, but the size and frame worries me. Also think he’s more of a combo guard. The bar for those types is so damn high. NIL money will also make coming out a tough decision. I think he might stay.

I don't like skinny frames either, but if his stats mostly hold up in conference play then you have a guy that is doing CP3 things on the court in a CP3 frame.

Trae Young, Rob Dillingham. Ya, stay away.

Acuff please.

Those were bad defenders in college and Tanner is one of the best.