2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS

[King Ken]

^^^that second round is an eyesore. My god. Of the players I see, I would take Bittle, Ike, Oweh, Bradley, Saunders, Conwell, Karaban, Reed, Jefferson, Ejiofor and Martinelli.

We might see a lot of international draft and stash guys that the draft media haven't been talking about, if there are any guys. If I'm picking after 45, I'm taking a guy like Donovan Atwell, simply because a 6'5 elite shooter who can play defense, has a clearly defined role in the NBA. Sort of like how John Poulakidas found a home in Dallas after going undrafted out of Yale.

The drop in the 2nd round and even late 1st is massive this year

[King Ken]

I really like him too. It's just too easy to see the role he will play at the NBA level.

Oweh's best chance to get onto the floor is to commit to being a POA defender. Since he's going to be a second rounder at best, no one is going to give him the ball and let him do stuff with it off rip. He starts locking up a few guys without fouling, the rest will follow.

Yep. Even if he turns out he can't fix his jumper, or become enough of a playmaker, you'll hang around a long time if you can work your ass off on defense. Look at a Josh Okogie whos had a nice career even though hes bounced around.

I liked Okogie more but as a tier 5 guy, I really like his upside

[FrodoBaggins]

What is, or who is, the best actual example of a "PF Jokic" in the modern NBA era?

To me, there are three interesting case studies:

a) Sabonis in Indiana, where he played PF alongside Myles Turner.
b) Nikola Jokic + Mason Plumlee lineups from 2018-2020.
c) Alperen Sengun + Steven Adams lineups from 2024-2026.

A and B fall a little short of the moniker because, although both guys have been compared to Jokic for obvious reasons, neither can shoot it like him.

Jokic played 1,223 minutes with Plumlee from 2018 to 2020. Basketball Reference lists Mason as the PF, but I think it's clear that Nikola was the more dynamic offensive player and therefore more of a power forward of the two on offense.

That obviously raises some questions about how we define positions. Is it determined by the style of play on offense, defense, or both? Usage/primacy? Does it really matter? I don't think so. Wemby is a center, and he's far more of an offensive focal point, creator, and dynamic offensive option than any of San Antonio's forwards. True for a lot of the great centers and their teams, like Olajuwon, Ewing, Robinson, Kareem, O'Neal, Yao, Wilt, etc.

Plumlee was and still is largely a Hartenstein-type center on offense: rim-running, rebounding, with some floater range and passing chops. So, I think the salient point is that Jokic was playing with a guy who largely fits the mold of a center on offense. So, he's "PF Jokic" here, at least on offense.

Here's how their individual stats were affected:



You can see that Nikola's TS% goes down, as does his rim FG% and frequency. That's to be expected when playing with a center whose game is limited to the paint. Taking more threes and being slightly more assisted. I think most of his TS% drop is due to three-point shooting variance. Short mid-range FG% down a little, which could be variance or due to more congestion inside.

Either way, it appears to be a relatively successful PF + C combination per the +/-, especially when we look at the lineup data:

Raw RS+PS lineup numbers, all leverage:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (7310 minutes): 115.8 ORtg (+5.2), 111.5 DRtg (+0.9), +4.3 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3429 minutes): 109.9 ORtg (-0.7), 112.1 DRtg (+1.5), -2.2 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1223 minutes): 115.2 ORtg (+5.0), 108.7 DRtg (-1.6), +6.5 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (1118 minutes): 107.7 ORtg (-2.5), 110.0 DRtg (-0.2), -2.3 NRtg

Raw, with only med/high leverage:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (6909 minutes): 116.0 ORtg (+5.1), 111.5 DRtg (+0.6), +4.5 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3091 minutes): 109.5 ORtg (-1.3), 112.6 DRtg (+1.7), -3.1 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1192 minutes): 115.6 ORtg (+5.1), 108.4 DRtg (-2.1), +7.2 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (765 minutes): 109.1 ORtg (-1.2), 110.4 DRtg (+0.1), -1.3 NRtg

All leverage, and adjusted for 100% offensive and defensive 3PT shooting luck:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (7310 minutes): 115.2 ORtg (+4.6), 111.7 DRtg (+1.1), +3.5 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3429 minutes): 109.5 ORtg (-1.1), 112.3 DRtg (+1.7), -2.8 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1223 minutes): 113.8 ORtg (+3.6), 107.5 DRtg (-2.7), +6.3 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (1118 minutes): 110.3 ORtg (+0.1), 110.9 DRtg (+0.7), -0.6 NRtg

Only med/high leverage, and adjusted for 100% offensive and defensive 3PT shooting luck:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (6909 minutes): 115.4 ORtg (+4.5), 111.8 DRtg (+0.9), +3.7 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3091 minutes): 109.4 ORtg (-1.5), 113.1 DRtg (+2.2), -3.7 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1192 minutes): 114.4 ORtg (+3.9), 107.3 DRtg (-3.2), +7.1 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (765 minutes): 111.3 ORtg (+1.0), 112.2 DRtg (+1.9), -1.0 NRtg

Although a small sample, the Jokic-Plumlee combination looks good with 3PT% luck adjustments and in the medium & high leverage minutes. The major benefit is on defense, but the key is that Nikola can keep the offense elite despite playing with another center who can't score outside the paint.

Digging deeper into the numbers, you'll see that rebounding is driving a lot of the net value here. Jokic + Plumlee had a 31.6 ORB% (+5.4), up from 28.3 (+2.4) with just Nikola and 27.7 (+1.6) with only Mason. 76.2 DRB% (+2.5) for Jokic + Plumlee, 75.6 (+1.6) for Jokic only, and 72.5 (-1.5) for Plumlee only.

Offensive TS% only drops from .573 (+1.3) with Jokic to .568 (+1.1) with the dual-big lineup. A clear example of Nikola's malleable offense, being able to largely maintain elite offensive production despite playing with another center. Defensive TS% drops from .568 (+0.8) to .533 (-2.3) going from solo Jokic to Jokic-Plumlee. Huge improvement in lowering opponent shooting percentages.

This was the 2018-2020 version of Jokic that hadn't quite reached the superhuman MVP production that he began displaying in 2020-21. He averaged 19.5 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 6.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, 3.0 topg, on .513 FG% (14.4 FGA/G), .340 3PT% (3.5 3PA/G), .568 2PT% (10.9 2PA/G), .554 EFG%, .829 FT% (4.2 FTA/G), .599 TS% (107 TS+) in the RS over this three-season stretch.

Those are realistic numbers for Cameron. Looks like a Sengun or Sabonis stat line somewhat. You'd hope that he shoots a little better from three and draws more fouls. But if he can make it work while playing a significant majority of his minutes at the forward position while on the floor with a big defensive center, that's huge. In a similar fashion to Jokic + Plumlee, you'd hope he allows you to maintain a high-level offense while reaping the benefits of a big, physical lineup. The two-way rebounding impact will be immense.

Boozer + Edey? Scary. Sengun + Adams has a 42.6 ORB% (+13.2) and 76.6 DRB% (+6.0) over 555 med/high leverage minutes between 2024 and 2026. I could see similar performance from Cam and Zach, given health and availability.

[djw]

What is, or who is, the best actual example of a "PF Jokic" in the modern NBA era?

To me, there are three interesting case studies:

a) Sabonis in Indiana, where he played PF alongside Myles Turner.
b) Nikola Jokic + Mason Plumlee lineups from 2018-2020.
c) Alperen Sengun + Steven Adams lineups from 2024-2026.

A and B fall a little short of the moniker because, although both guys have been compared to Jokic for obvious reasons, neither can shoot it like him.

Jokic played 1,223 minutes with Plumlee from 2018 to 2020. Basketball Reference lists Mason as the PF, but I think it's clear that Nikola was the more dynamic offensive player and therefore more of a power forward of the two on offense.

That obviously raises some questions about how we define positions. Is it determined by the style of play on offense, defense, or both? Usage/primacy? Does it really matter? I don't think so. Wemby is a center, and he's far more of an offensive focal point, creator, and dynamic offensive option than any of San Antonio's forwards. True for a lot of the great centers and their teams, like Olajuwon, Ewing, Robinson, Kareem, O'Neal, Yao, Wilt, etc.

Plumlee was and still is largely a Hartenstein-type center on offense: rim-running, rebounding, with some floater range and passing chops. So, I think the salient point is that Jokic was playing with a guy who largely fits the mold of a center on offense. So, he's "PF Jokic" here, at least on offense.

Here's how their individual stats were affected:



You can see that Nikola's TS% goes down, as does his rim FG% and frequency. That's to be expected when playing with a center whose game is limited to the paint. Taking more threes and being slightly more assisted. I think most of his TS% drop is due to three-point shooting variance. Short mid-range FG% down a little, which could be variance or due to more congestion inside.

Either way, it appears to be a relatively successful PF + C combination per the +/-, especially when we look at the lineup data:

Raw RS+PS lineup numbers, all leverage:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (7310 minutes): 115.8 ORtg (+5.2), 111.5 DRtg (+0.9), +4.3 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3429 minutes): 109.9 ORtg (-0.7), 112.1 DRtg (+1.5), -2.2 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1223 minutes): 115.2 ORtg (+5.0), 108.7 DRtg (-1.6), +6.5 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (1118 minutes): 107.7 ORtg (-2.5), 110.0 DRtg (-0.2), -2.3 NRtg

Raw, with only med/high leverage:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (6909 minutes): 116.0 ORtg (+5.1), 111.5 DRtg (+0.6), +4.5 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3091 minutes): 109.5 ORtg (-1.3), 112.6 DRtg (+1.7), -3.1 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1192 minutes): 115.6 ORtg (+5.1), 108.4 DRtg (-2.1), +7.2 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (765 minutes): 109.1 ORtg (-1.2), 110.4 DRtg (+0.1), -1.3 NRtg

All leverage, and adjusted for 100% offensive and defensive 3PT shooting luck:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (7310 minutes): 115.2 ORtg (+4.6), 111.7 DRtg (+1.1), +3.5 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3429 minutes): 109.5 ORtg (-1.1), 112.3 DRtg (+1.7), -2.8 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1223 minutes): 113.8 ORtg (+3.6), 107.5 DRtg (-2.7), +6.3 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (1118 minutes): 110.3 ORtg (+0.1), 110.9 DRtg (+0.7), -0.6 NRtg

Only med/high leverage, and adjusted for 100% offensive and defensive 3PT shooting luck:

Jokic ON Plumlee OFF (6909 minutes): 115.4 ORtg (+4.5), 111.8 DRtg (+0.9), +3.7 NRtg
Plumlee ON Jokic OFF (3091 minutes): 109.4 ORtg (-1.5), 113.1 DRtg (+2.2), -3.7 NRtg
Jokic ON Plumlee ON (1192 minutes): 114.4 ORtg (+3.9), 107.3 DRtg (-3.2), +7.1 NRtg
Plumlee OFF Jokic OFF (765 minutes): 111.3 ORtg (+1.0), 112.2 DRtg (+1.9), -1.0 NRtg

Although a small sample, the Jokic-Plumlee combination looks good with 3PT% luck adjustments and in the medium & high leverage minutes. The major benefit is on defense, but the key is that Nikola can keep the offense elite despite playing with another center who can't score outside the paint.

Digging deeper into the numbers, you'll see that rebounding is driving a lot of the net value here. Jokic + Plumlee had a 31.6 ORB% (+5.4), up from 28.3 (+2.4) with just Nikola and 27.7 (+1.6) with only Mason. 76.2 DRB% (+2.5) for Jokic + Plumlee, 75.6 (+1.6) for Jokic only, and 72.5 (-1.5) for Plumlee only.

Offensive TS% only drops from .573 (+1.3) with Jokic to .568 (+1.1) with the dual-big lineup. A clear example of Nikola's malleable offense, being able to largely maintain elite offensive production despite playing with another center. Defensive TS% drops from .568 (+0.8) to .533 (-2.3) going from solo Jokic to Jokic-Plumlee. Huge improvement in lowering opponent shooting percentages.

This was the 2018-2020 version of Jokic that hadn't quite reached the superhuman MVP production that he began displaying in 2020-21. He averaged 19.5 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 6.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, 3.0 topg, on .513 FG% (14.4 FGA/G), .340 3PT% (3.5 3PA/G), .568 2PT% (10.9 2PA/G), .554 EFG%, .829 FT% (4.2 FTA/G), .599 TS% (107 TS+) in the RS over this three-season stretch.

Those are realistic numbers for Cameron. Looks like a Sengun or Sabonis stat line somewhat. You'd hope that he shoots a little better from three and draws more fouls. But if he can make it work while playing a significant majority of his minutes at the forward position while on the floor with a big defensive center, that's huge. In a similar fashion to Jokic + Plumlee, you'd hope he allows you to maintain a high-level offense while reaping the benefits of a big, physical lineup. The two-way rebounding impact will be immense.

Boozer + Edey? Scary. Sengun + Adams has a 42.6 ORB% (+13.2) and 76.6 DRB% (+6.0) over 555 med/high leverage minutes between 2024 and 2026. I could see similar performance from Cam and Zach, given health and availability.

That's some extensive analysis but I do think you posted that in the wrong thread...

[OkcSinceSGA]

Clippers may have given Mikel Brown Jr a promise, and honestly he should 100% be their pick. His camp has canceled all meetings and workouts besides the remaining scheduled ones with the Clippers and Hawks. There are rumors a specific top 10 team has reassured him of a pick. If you just look at the situation logically and use deductive reasoning I'm 90% sure it's the Clippers. The last week most mocks have swapped them from Wagler to Brown Jr who has apparently been dominating workouts, with many scouts saying he's the second best guard in the draft after Peterson.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/2026-nba-mock-draft-3-0-latest-intel-updates-all-60-picks

"The rumor around the NBA in recent days is that Mikel Brown Jr. and his camp have shut down workout invites outside of those already accepted, which likely signals that a team has promised him following individual meetings and workouts. Brown will meet with the Clippers and Hawks before the draft, sources said. When gathering information on Brown since the combine, the most common team associated with him has been the LA Clippers, who are also considering Wagler and Flemings in this spot, sources said.

Both Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and team president Lawrence Frank have been on hand to see Brown on the court in person, and he is said to be fully recovered and back to 100 percent following his lingering back issues at Louisville. Word from teams that have watched Brown work out privately has been fantastic, with one team with a top-10 pick telling ClutchPoints they view him as the second-best guard in this draft class."

I think the Clippers have to take Brown. They clearly don't want to move Garland, which makes the Acuff pairing extremely weird, same with Flemings probably for different reasons (Flemings is a mediocre shooter/off ball player, Acuff is a very high usage+on ball+smaller guy too). Wagler's upside is basically really good do it all connector in the Austin Reeves type mold. He will never be a #1 or even possibly #2 option on a contender. He's more like a great #3 who does many things above average.

Brown Jr is the only guard in that 5-10 range who has more risk for his floor and "holes" in his game BUT if the back is healthy, and everything clicks he has the upside to be a top 2 player from this draft. Insane 3 point volume and range, defensive flashes, really surprising court vision if you can bring down the turnovers. He's the one guard here I can see going on an Jalen Brunson type arc where you can build a contender around. He supposedly grew from 5'11" to 6'4" ish in a little over a year. If he grows another inch or half inch and puts on 15 lbs of muscle he would probably age very well.

The Clippers need a homerun SGA 2.0 scenario. If Wagler ends up being another Austin Reeves they would get a great young player, but nothing franchise altering. If they can somehow land another Brunson tier guard (say Brown hits his ceiling) it could literally be a perennial all star, MVP race guy who can completely swing the trajectory of the team post Kawhi. Long story short is.. take a big risk here.

[CptCrunch]

Clippers may have given Mikel Brown Jr a promise, and honestly he should 100% be their pick. His camp has canceled all meetings and workouts besides the remaining scheduled ones with the Clippers and Hawks. There are rumors a specific top 10 team has reassured him of a pick. If you just look at the situation logically and use deductive reasoning I'm 90% sure it's the Clippers. The last week most mocks have swapped them from Wagler to Brown Jr who has apparently been dominating workouts, with many scouts saying he's the second best guard in the draft after Peterson.

https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/2026-nba-mock-draft-3-0-latest-intel-updates-all-60-picks

"The rumor around the NBA in recent days is that Mikel Brown Jr. and his camp have shut down workout invites outside of those already accepted, which likely signals that a team has promised him following individual meetings and workouts. Brown will meet with the Clippers and Hawks before the draft, sources said. When gathering information on Brown since the combine, the most common team associated with him has been the LA Clippers, who are also considering Wagler and Flemings in this spot, sources said.

Both Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and team president Lawrence Frank have been on hand to see Brown on the court in person, and he is said to be fully recovered and back to 100 percent following his lingering back issues at Louisville. Word from teams that have watched Brown work out privately has been fantastic, with one team with a top-10 pick telling ClutchPoints they view him as the second-best guard in this draft class."

I think the Clippers have to take Brown. They clearly don't want to move Garland, which makes the Acuff pairing extremely weird, same with Flemings probably for different reasons (Flemings is a mediocre shooter/off ball player, Acuff is a very high usage+on ball+smaller guy too). Wagler's upside is basically really good do it all connector in the Austin Reeves type mold. He will never be a #1 or even possibly #2 option on a contender. He's more like a great #3 who does many things above average.

Brown Jr is the only guard in that 5-10 range who has more risk for his floor and "holes" in his game BUT if the back is healthy, and everything clicks he has the upside to be a top 2 player from this draft. Insane 3 point volume and range, defensive flashes, really surprising court vision if you can bring down the turnovers. He's the one guard here I can see going on an Jalen Brunson type arc where you can build a contender around. He supposedly grew from 5'11" to 6'4" ish in a little over a year. If he grows another inch or half inch and puts on 15 lbs of muscle he would probably age very well.

The Clippers need a homerun SGA 2.0 scenario. If Wagler ends up being another Austin Reeves they would get a great young player, but nothing franchise altering. If they can somehow land another Brunson tier guard (say Brown hits his ceiling) it could literally be a perennial all star, MVP race guy who can completely swing the trajectory of the team post Kawhi. Long story short is.. take a big risk here.

Mikel is by far the best shooter this year.

When he shoots like Lillard in range in practice, people are gonna dream of another Kon with more point guard juice. He has that big guard thing going over the 6 footers.

He took 58.6% of his FG from 3 this year.

Big guards with desire to defend are going to be okay at defense in the worst case.

[BigGargamel]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

[SNPA]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

Think a noticeably better, more on ball, Bogdon Bogdanovic. That’s a really good NBA player. I’d give him the ball and start looking at other positions to sill.

[tmorgan]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

As big of a SGA fan as you are, I’m really surprised you don’t see star upside for Wagler. Certainly not saying he’s going to be Shai or even close, but you don’t need to be a blazing athlete to be a star in this league. It’ll take time, as Wagler needs to get stronger and even more comfortable with the ball in his hands, but the kid is tall and can shoot.

How many examples of tall guards that can shoot and handle the ball but aren’t great athletes do you need to believe in KW? Because there are a whole bunch of them kicking butt right now.

[SOUL]

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/2026-rare-slums-nba-mock-draft

Did my annual mock draft if anyone is interested. Has fun visuals and explanations~

[OkcSinceSGA]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

As big of a SGA fan as you are, I’m really surprised you don’t see star upside for Wagler. Certainly not saying he’s going to be Shai or even close, but you don’t need to be a blazing athlete to be a star in this league. It’ll take time, as Wagler needs to get stronger and even more comfortable with the ball in his hands, but the kid is tall and can shoot.

How many examples of tall guards that can shoot and handle the ball but aren’t great athletes do you need to believe in KW? Because there are a whole bunch of them kicking butt right now.

Because "getting stronger" and more comfortable isn't what he needs. I can tell you right now due to his lack of first step and speed at the NBA level teams are going to turn him into an off ball shooter/secondary ball handler. The Clippers should be seeking an offensive engine not complementary glue guy roles. You can be a really good player, but just lack the ability to have an offense run through you.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Brown has the highest ceiling of any of the players that will be available, but it is unlikely that he hits it. Throwing out SGA or Brunson comps are out of line IMO. He didn't show a whole lot for an entire year at Louisville.

I would take Wagler, but the Clippers haven't been in this position in almost 20 years, so whatever.

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

Think a noticeably better, more on ball, Bogdon Bogdanovic. That’s a really good NBA player. I’d give him the ball and start looking at other positions to sill.

A better Bogdon is a great starting caliber player that doesn't change a franchise.

[tmorgan]

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

As big of a SGA fan as you are, I’m really surprised you don’t see star upside for Wagler. Certainly not saying he’s going to be Shai or even close, but you don’t need to be a blazing athlete to be a star in this league. It’ll take time, as Wagler needs to get stronger and even more comfortable with the ball in his hands, but the kid is tall and can shoot.

How many examples of tall guards that can shoot and handle the ball but aren’t great athletes do you need to believe in KW? Because there are a whole bunch of them kicking butt right now.

Because "getting stronger" and more comfortable isn't what he needs. I can tell you right now due to his lack of first step and speed at the NBA level teams are going to turn him into an off ball shooter/secondary ball handler. The Clippers should be seeking an offensive engine not complementary glue guy roles. You can be a really good player, but just lack the ability to have an offense run through you.

That lack of first step isn’t as big a deal as you think it is. If you want to be Dylan Harper, sure, it matters. There are other ways to play.

[Chuck Everett]

I think with Wagler, there needs to be some patience. He's got a lot of moxie/chippiness, but he does not have an NBA body. So we'll see what happens once he gets some serious NBA strength training/development. I can see though how some might be concerned that he's another D-Lo (which would explain the lack of dunks). The difference I think is, since Keaton was such an under-the-radar recruit, he brings a lot more intangibles to the table than a lot of us think. He also took Illinois to the Final Four and had them as the best offense in the nation.

I don't think he will bust, but his breakout season may not happen until year 3.

[Chi town]

I think with Wagler, there needs to be some patience. He's got a lot of moxie/chippiness, but he does not have an NBA body. So we'll see what happens once he gets some serious NBA strength training/development. I can see though how some might be concerned that he's another D-Lo (which would explain the lack of dunks). The difference I think is, since Keaton was such an under-the-radar recruit, he brings a lot more intangibles to the table than a lot of us think. He also took Illinois to the Final Four and had them as the best offense in the nation.

I don't think he will bust, but his breakout season may not happen until year 3.

I agree about the ceiling showing later but I think he will play and show up right away because he is chippy and plays physical despite his slower pace.

[Chi town]

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/2026-rare-slums-nba-mock-draft

Did my annual mock draft if anyone is interested. Has fun visuals and explanations~

Great mock. Good nuance in the trades. Believable where these guys get picked and by what teams.

Value for the trades is way off though. Teams trading up will pay way more.

[ReggiesKnicks]

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/2026-rare-slums-nba-mock-draft

Did my annual mock draft if anyone is interested. Has fun visuals and explanations~

You think the Clippers trade down from #5 to #7 at the cost of 1 2nd?

[SOUL]

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/2026-rare-slums-nba-mock-draft

Did my annual mock draft if anyone is interested. Has fun visuals and explanations~

Great mock. Good nuance in the trades. Believable where these guys get picked and by what teams.

Value for the trades is way off though. Teams trading up will pay way more.

Thank you! And yeah I agree. I originally had the Clippers getting more (34 + something else) but felt like Kings fans would balk at it. Had the Clippers more "benevolent". These trades are more just wishful things than actual value trades they'd do imo.

https://www.rareslums.com/articles/2026-rare-slums-nba-mock-draft

Did my annual mock draft if anyone is interested. Has fun visuals and explanations~

You think the Clippers trade down from #5 to #7 at the cost of 1 2nd?

Not in reality haha

[SNPA]

Wagler is the LAST guy I'd pick. To me his weaknesses literally cannot be fixed. Acuff/Brown can probably be brought up to average or slightly below average defenders. I don't care how much Wagler lifts weights, his lack of foot speed, burst or even lateral movement to compensate with short wingspan just cap his ceiling IMO at a #3 option, great role player level. Like his ABSOLUTE peak is somewhere in the Mikal Bridges at his best or Austin Reeves. Guy who does multiple things well, but is a CONNECTOR. He doesn't seem to have any upside to be an ENGINE offensively for me. You can improve defense, shot selection. You cannot improve foot speed or athleticism meaningfully for guys that are already pros, really. At least not significantly.

The Clippers badly need an offensive engine post Kawhi, not a great role player. I'd rather take a high risk, high reward pick here than a low risk, medium reward pick. Why? Because say Wagler is a very good connector, 3rd option pick? It does **** all for the Clippers franchise trajectory. If you land a star, even with a bust chance? It can completely change their fortunes.

Think a noticeably better, more on ball, Bogdon Bogdanovic. That’s a really good NBA player. I’d give him the ball and start looking at other positions to sill.

A better Bogdon is a great starting caliber player that doesn't change a franchise.

I have that as his likely floor (not total floor). I think he’ll be better than that. People critiqued Hali for similar reasons. Wagler just can’t be sped up, he is going to play at his pace and that translates. Sort Luka-like in that regard.