2026 NBA Draft thread

[DuckIII]

Keaton Wagler has 19 pts in the first 10 minutes against #4 Purdue.

Went for 46. 9-11 from 3 is crazy.

It was just what he’s been doing, but on steroids. He’s just in complete control of his own offensive game out there. Every night. It just looks so easy for him. Almost like he’s coasting. But even then he’s also playmaking and putting up very impressive rebounding numbers for a guard.

He played an “NBA Game” today on the road at Purdue. Barring an injury he’ll take a permanent draft bump after today.

[MrSparkle]

Read on Twitter

Doubling down on my baby D Rose hot take. He is a scoring machine.

[DuckIII]

This draft has so many amazing prospects at the top. We need as many ping pong balls as we can get. The Bulls have 7 expiring contracts, if we don't make a move. That would be gross negligence.

I agree the Bulls should have been prioritizing this draft (and others), but predictably did not. The problem with expecting them to do something of value now to acquire those picks is the college and international seasons are just confirming the prior predictions that this is a second consecutive stacked draft. NBA teams are going to place great value on those picks, as they should.

As we should have, had we the foresight and patience to be one of them.

[MrSparkle]

This will be a powerhouse draft. I think it’s a mistake keeping AKME and getting that play-in. Good opportunity to just bank assets this year and next, and give cheap Giddey, Matas and friends some real firepower.

[Chi town]

Keaton Wagler has 19 pts in the first 10 minutes against #4 Purdue.

Went for 46. 9-11 from 3 is crazy.

It was just what he’s been doing, but on steroids. He’s just in complete control of his own offensive game out there. Every night. It just looks so easy for him. Almost like he’s coasting. But even then he’s also playmaking and putting up very impressive rebounding numbers for a guard.

He played an “NBA Game” today on the road at Purdue. Barring an injury he’ll take a permanent draft bump after today.

NBA game is exactly what I thought.

[Repeat 3-peat]

Sign me up for Wagler. Fans will worry about his athleticism but Skill+IQ >>>

[DuckIII]

Went for 46. 9-11 from 3 is crazy.

It was just what he’s been doing, but on steroids. He’s just in complete control of his own offensive game out there. Every night. It just looks so easy for him. Almost like he’s coasting. But even then he’s also playmaking and putting up very impressive rebounding numbers for a guard.

He played an “NBA Game” today on the road at Purdue. Barring an injury he’ll take a permanent draft bump after today.

NBA game is exactly what I thought.

I’m pretty sure 100% of his 46 points came against a set half court defense. Zero easy buckets. Everything was contested and created.

If not 100% then very close too it. It was something to see.

[Chi town]

It was just what he’s been doing, but on steroids. He’s just in complete control of his own offensive game out there. Every night. It just looks so easy for him. Almost like he’s coasting. But even then he’s also playmaking and putting up very impressive rebounding numbers for a guard.

He played an “NBA Game” today on the road at Purdue. Barring an injury he’ll take a permanent draft bump after today.

NBA game is exactly what I thought.

I’m pretty sure 100% of his 46 points came against a set half court defense. Zero easy buckets. Everything was contested and created.

If not 100% then very close too it. It was something to see.

And he’s really good at drawing fouls. He will be a bucket in the league.

[Chi town]

Sign me up for Wagler. Fans will worry about his athleticism but Skill+IQ >>>

Yep his skill, shooting and IQ are off the charts.

Crazy how only Murray State and Colorado State were offering him. Illinois offered him based on film and not having watched him live once.

How do folks miss on a kid like that? He won two state titles in Kansas and back to back player of the year.

Imagine him with DP at KU?!?!

[2weekswithpay]

Read on Twitter

Better image.

Spoiler:

[Bulliever2020]

What a game for IL and Wagler! I've been calling him Swagler since the beginning of the season (yes I know its not pronounced that way). Guy just has "IT", the incredible poise to step up in clutch moments, and has that been there done that reaction after highlight plays which I just love. Incredibly impressive array of NBA moves with the obvious variety of stepback 3s being the most eye opening. But he also shows great vision. That drive and kick to Stojakovic in the corner when he didn't even see him but just felt the defenders around him was really awesome. I think he's the most talented IL player I've seen since Deron Williams. Illini have a legit shot this year it feels like.

[Chi town]

Wagler reminds me of Haliburton wing his range and stepback. Wagler has a much stronger frame and ability to get to midrange and score and draw fouls.

Don’t know he doesn’t go top ten now.

[2weekswithpay]

Read on Twitter

[HomoSapien]

This draft has so many amazing prospects at the top. We need as many ping pong balls as we can get. The Bulls have 7 expiring contracts, if we don't make a move. That would be gross negligence.

I agree the Bulls should have been prioritizing this draft (and others), but predictably did not. The problem with expecting them to do something of value now to acquire those picks is the college and international seasons are just confirming the prior predictions that this is a second consecutive stacked draft. NBA teams are going to place great value on those picks, as they should.

As we should have, had we the foresight and patience to be one of them.

It'll be a huge boost for the rebuild if the Blazers pick conveys this year of all years. If it were to convey, it would likely be around pick 15. Given how strong this draft looks, a mid-first is probably as strong as a mid lotto in your typical drafts.

Coby is also starting to get it going at the right time. He's had 5 straight 20 point games, and we've won 4 of our last 5. If he can keep this up leading up to the trade deadline, we might be able to get a playoff team to cough up a first for him.