2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS

Draft talk all year round

Moderators: Marcus, Duke4life831

BigGargamel
Head Coach
Posts: 7,170
And1: 14,015
Joined: Jan 28, 2020
Contact:
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1201 » by BigGargamel » Tue Jun 9, 2026 7:16 pm

OkcSinceSGA wrote:
BigGargamel wrote: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.


I am not a giant Wagler fan. I think he will be good, may top out as a Mikal Bridges guy, sure. I'm just more saying I don't believe in Brown at all. He looked great in high school but who cares, everyone does. He did not impress me at all at Louisville. I don't think he's going to become anything special. I'd go with Wagler because I think he will turn out better, that's all.
User avatar
OkcSinceSGA
RealGM
Posts: 31,813
And1: 33,639
Joined: Sep 19, 2015
 

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1202 » by OkcSinceSGA » Tue Jun 9, 2026 7:47 pm

BigGargamel wrote:
OkcSinceSGA wrote:
BigGargamel wrote: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.


I am not a giant Wagler fan. I think he will be good, may top out as a Mikal Bridges guy, sure. I'm just more saying I don't believe in Brown at all. He looked great in high school but who cares, everyone does. He did not impress me at all at Louisville. I don't think he's going to become anything special. I'd go with Wagler because I think he will turn out better, that's all.


Fair. Where I'm at basically is if the Clips draft Acuff, Brown, Kingston I'll give that a chance. If they draft Wagler I'll call them stupid.
“This kid reminds me of a 6-6 Chris Paul. He wants to win everything.”

Olin Simplis- SGA’s trainer.
FarBeyondDriven
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,159
And1: 3,877
Joined: Aug 11, 2021

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1203 » by FarBeyondDriven » Tue Jun 9, 2026 10:02 pm

I have moved Wagler into the elite tier. Could go as high as #3 to the Grizzlies or via a trade up.
Foes..you DO realize I don't see your posts....right?
BigGargamel
Head Coach
Posts: 7,170
And1: 14,015
Joined: Jan 28, 2020
Contact:
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1204 » by BigGargamel » Tue Jun 9, 2026 10:13 pm

I am moving Brown to LAC at 5 in my next mock draft. Not that I agree with it, I just have a feeling that's going to happen. Same with Mara at the Hawks at 8. Two teams fighting for the playoffs gonna make dumb moves with their "playing with house money" draft picks. Like when Detroit took Darko.
ReggiesKnicks
Head Coach
Posts: 6,232
And1: 5,293
Joined: Jan 25, 2025
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1205 » by ReggiesKnicks » Wed Jun 10, 2026 4:13 pm

BigGargamel wrote:I am moving Brown to LAC at 5 in my next mock draft. Not that I agree with it, I just have a feeling that's going to happen. Same with Mara at the Hawks at 8. Two teams fighting for the playoffs gonna make dumb moves with their "playing with house money" draft picks. Like when Detroit took Darko.


Or like when Charlotte took the high-floor guy in Kon.

Oh wait.
ReggiesKnicks
Head Coach
Posts: 6,232
And1: 5,293
Joined: Jan 25, 2025
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1206 » by ReggiesKnicks » Wed Jun 10, 2026 4:16 pm

OkcSinceSGA wrote:
BigGargamel wrote: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.


Why can't Wagler develop into a Jalen Brunson or Tyrese Haliburton?

His absolute peak is higher than Mikal Bridges. You should use the term expected outcome or high-end outcome(s). There is a reality where he hits his 95%-100% high-end outcome like Haliburton did and can be the 1A/1B on a title contender offensively.

Now, you could say the liklihood of that is far smaller than a handful of other guys in his tier/range, but I don't think it's that different.
User avatar
GIMME_DATT
Veteran
Posts: 2,848
And1: 1,906
Joined: Apr 16, 2014

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1207 » by GIMME_DATT » Thu Jun 11, 2026 9:34 am

Read on Twitter
moss_is_1
RealGM
Posts: 11,710
And1: 3,061
Joined: May 20, 2009
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1208 » by moss_is_1 » Thu Jun 11, 2026 5:09 pm

GIMME_DATT wrote:
Read on Twitter

Think it has to boost his stock. Athleticism is a major question mark, especially when he has to guard, but length helps.
moss_is_1
RealGM
Posts: 11,710
And1: 3,061
Joined: May 20, 2009
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1209 » by moss_is_1 » Thu Jun 11, 2026 5:13 pm

https://ncmockdraft.com/

Fun new website to do mocks including trades for all you sickos.
User avatar
OkcSinceSGA
RealGM
Posts: 31,813
And1: 33,639
Joined: Sep 19, 2015
 

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1210 » by OkcSinceSGA » Thu Jun 11, 2026 8:33 pm

Read on Twitter


Wagler may be falling.
“This kid reminds me of a 6-6 Chris Paul. He wants to win everything.”

Olin Simplis- SGA’s trainer.
Upperclass
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,276
And1: 2,415
Joined: Aug 09, 2005

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1211 » by Upperclass » Fri Jun 12, 2026 3:17 am

This looks like a fairly weak draft for high end talent imo.


Superstars:
aj

all-nba:
boozer
acuff

Consistent Starters:
caleb - on bad teams only
peterson - though potentially injury prone/other
mara
Christian Anderson - would fit well in Minn where he can work offball
flemings - winner
philon - consistent ball dominant scorer
Isaiah Evans - going to take years before he can get his nba game together but he will be good

-
Solid starters:
morez - stretch 4
yaxel - on winning teams only

-
Key bench players:
meleek
peat
oweh
Steinbach - situational bench big similar to Drummond

The rest either wont pan out imo or will be roster depth
djw
Junior
Posts: 459
And1: 833
Joined: Aug 25, 2015
Location: World citizen!
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1212 » by djw » Fri Jun 12, 2026 8:05 am

djw wrote:Jack Kayil, 19 year old 6'5'' German guard playing for Alba Berlin in Germany who was supposed to go to Gonzaga next year, is staying in the draft.

His agent is quoted that this decision is based on the positive feedback from multiple teams that he's first round potential. Currently averaging 12.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.5 apg on 39/33/78 shooting percentages. His team was 2nd seed in Germany's first division and just advanced to the playoff semi-finals.

Read on Twitter
FarBeyondDriven
Lead Assistant
Posts: 5,159
And1: 3,877
Joined: Aug 11, 2021

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1213 » by FarBeyondDriven » Fri Jun 12, 2026 12:03 pm

Read on Twitter
?s=20

yikes. I'm out. I don't care how great his offense is. He's an idiot full stop and has zero desire to be even passable on defense. This means the Kings will draft him now of course.
Foes..you DO realize I don't see your posts....right?
King Ken
RealGM
Posts: 10,237
And1: 5,720
Joined: Jul 01, 2014
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1214 » by King Ken » Fri Jun 12, 2026 1:23 pm

How i have my ranking and tiers outside of tier 3.5 and lower guys

Tier 1
1. AJ
2. Boozer
3. Darryn

Tier 2 - no order
4t. Kingston, Keaton, Caleb, Darius A.

Tier 3 - no order
.
8t. Yaxel, Mikel, Nate

I have quite a few tier 3.5 guys this year.
I have tier 4 guys but a lot of tier 5 guys went back to schools. Hell, a couple tier 3.5 guys went back as well.
User avatar
babyjax13
RealGM
Posts: 37,524
And1: 19,808
Joined: Jul 02, 2006
Location: Fresno, eating Birria
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1215 » by babyjax13 » Fri Jun 12, 2026 1:33 pm

BigGargamel wrote:I am moving Brown to LAC at 5 in my next mock draft. Not that I agree with it, I just have a feeling that's going to happen. Same with Mara at the Hawks at 8. Two teams fighting for the playoffs gonna make dumb moves with their "playing with house money" draft picks. Like when Detroit took Darko.

I think LAC should trade down a bit and grab a future asset.
Image

JazzMatt13 wrote:just because I think aliens probably have to do with JFK, doesn't mean my theory that Jazz will never get Wiggins, isn't true.

JColl
King Ken
RealGM
Posts: 10,237
And1: 5,720
Joined: Jul 01, 2014
   

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1216 » by King Ken » Fri Jun 12, 2026 1:56 pm

babyjax13 wrote:
BigGargamel wrote:I am moving Brown to LAC at 5 in my next mock draft. Not that I agree with it, I just have a feeling that's going to happen. Same with Mara at the Hawks at 8. Two teams fighting for the playoffs gonna make dumb moves with their "playing with house money" draft picks. Like when Detroit took Darko.

I think LAC should trade down a bit and grab a future asset.

He won't be available
User avatar
OkcSinceSGA
RealGM
Posts: 31,813
And1: 33,639
Joined: Sep 19, 2015
 

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1217 » by OkcSinceSGA » Fri Jun 12, 2026 2:02 pm

babyjax13 wrote:
BigGargamel wrote:I am moving Brown to LAC at 5 in my next mock draft. Not that I agree with it, I just have a feeling that's going to happen. Same with Mara at the Hawks at 8. Two teams fighting for the playoffs gonna make dumb moves with their "playing with house money" draft picks. Like when Detroit took Darko.

I think LAC should trade down a bit and grab a future asset.


Not smart. They need to homerun their first high pick in like 17 years
“This kid reminds me of a 6-6 Chris Paul. He wants to win everything.”

Olin Simplis- SGA’s trainer.
User avatar
JMAC3
RealGM
Posts: 15,152
And1: 7,401
Joined: May 22, 2010
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1218 » by JMAC3 » Fri Jun 12, 2026 2:29 pm

Flemings feels very likely to slide right now.
User avatar
babyjax13
RealGM
Posts: 37,524
And1: 19,808
Joined: Jul 02, 2006
Location: Fresno, eating Birria
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1219 » by babyjax13 » Fri Jun 12, 2026 4:07 pm

JMAC3 wrote:Flemings feels very likely to slide right now.

I think sliding is like to pick 10 or so, which is where I've had him all year. Fun playe4, might be a good pro, but not a natural PG and I dont trust the shot as much as others do.
Image

JazzMatt13 wrote:just because I think aliens probably have to do with JFK, doesn't mean my theory that Jazz will never get Wiggins, isn't true.

JColl
User avatar
JMAC3
RealGM
Posts: 15,152
And1: 7,401
Joined: May 22, 2010
     

Re: 2026 NBA DRAFT CLASS 

Post#1220 » by JMAC3 » Fri Jun 12, 2026 4:16 pm

babyjax13 wrote:
JMAC3 wrote:Flemings feels very likely to slide right now.

I think sliding is like to pick 10 or so, which is where I've had him all year. Fun playe4, might be a good pro, but not a natural PG and I dont trust the shot as much as others do.


Yeah I could see him sliding past that. Pick 13-16.

Return to NBA Draft