Draft 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

[Arguendo]

Oh and FWIW, the final 2 weeks of the season we play MIL, LAC and POR + GSW, Chi. All those teams could be neck and neck with ATL and we may very well be locked into the #2.
That may be a good time to get some rest, give CB 35mpg, and let JMac, Waters, Ingram, and the new two-way guy get some run to get them ready for the POs
I'd so much rather end up with 54 wins and the 10th pick compared to 58 wins and the 14th.

 

[Ariel]

Atlanta had a 3 game stretch vs uber tankers (Brooklyn, Washington x2), no point fretting over those games. The next 9 games are the key: Washington, Portland, Milwaukee, Philly, Dallas, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Orlando, Dallas. We need Charlotte and Milwaukee to remain close, that would bode great for the pick's chances.

Oh and FWIW, the final 2 weeks of the season we play MIL, LAC and POR + GSW, Chi. All those teams could be neck and neck with ATL and we may very well be locked into the #2.
That may be a good time to get some rest, give CB 35mpg, and let JMac, Waters, Ingram, and the new two-way guy get some run to get them ready for the POs
I'd so much rather end up with 54 wins and the 10th pick compared to 58 wins and the 14th.

Wemby will need to play to qualify for DPOY though, Castle will probably also be in the running for all defense team. But I agree if possible a few strategic games of rest could definitely be the smart thing to do, especially with Milwaukee (they might still be able to catch Atlanta), the Clippers (we want to pick ahead of OKC) and Portland (could push Atlanta and OKC).

 

[Arguendo]

obviously the potential lottery pick from the hawks unimportant but I’m more interested in the 2nd rounders and what we can get from those. Get solid, fully developed players even if they have minimal upside. Players who are good at a couple of things that we need (outside shooting 4 for example) who are not disasters in other areas. Don’t have to be world beaters, just good enough role players would do.

Yeah, we really need to start using those 2nds.
As it stands right now, we have 36 + 41 + 45 plus the 1st. I doubt we carry 3 rookies next yr and no chance at 4. But there is almost always a quality guy available around 35, and usually until 45ish. We should be able to snag a good role player prospect or two at 36 and 41 or consolidate to get someone who falls.

But if they sell another 2nd during Vic's tenure I'm gonna lose it. Trade for picks or players or a fucking shooting coach, stop fucking trading for cash and stop fucking taking no chance guys like Ingram and Nunez.
I could see the logic of drafting those guys when they did bc we still had Bran + Blake + Sochan + Sidy + Bassey +Steph + Champ and you can only develop so many guys and our coach wasn't interested in trying anymore and you needed guys that would take a 2-way or stay stashed. But we picked Nunez over Furphy, Klintman, Ajay, Jaylen, Oso, and Larsen to save a few million dollars. No one on Earth thought Nunez was a better prospect. That shit has to stop. Our fucking cheapness let OKC grab Ajay for pennies. Oh and Ajay took a fucking two-way which was the reason given at the time for punting that 35th pick to Indy. We could have made that same trade, taken Ajay with the 36th, and taken Nunez at 48. So fucking dumb, all because they were cheap and wanted someone to agree to a two-way before drafting them to save a rookie min deal. So fucking cheap. Gonna be fun when Ajay wins a playoff series against us in the next 5 yrs which is bound to happen.

 

[Uncle Oscar]

Oh and FWIW, the final 2 weeks of the season we play MIL, LAC and POR + GSW, Chi. All those teams could be neck and neck with ATL and we may very well be locked into the #2.
That may be a good time to get some rest, give CB 35mpg, and let JMac, Waters, Ingram, and the new two-way guy get some run to get them ready for the POs
I'd so much rather end up with 54 wins and the 10th pick compared to 58 wins and the 14th.

That's not who we are.

 

[Arguendo]

Wemby will need to play to qualify for DPOY though, Castle will probably also be in the running for all defense team. But I agree if possible a few strategic games of rest could definitely be the smart thing to do, especially with Milwaukee (they might still be able to catch Atlanta), the Clippers (we want to pick ahead of OKC) and Portland (could push Atlanta and OKC).

Wemby needs to play in 21 more to qualify, only 17 for Steph. All goes well, we will have games to spare. The only thing the Cup final counts towards is the 65 game awards mark.
Guys will when to be rest anyways, so lets do it when it helps the potential for LT gain where possible.

 

[Arguendo]

That's not who we are.

Yes it is who we are. We tanked hard for years to get Victor.
We tanked when David got hurt to get Tim. We are the trend setter in "load management" ie sitting healthy players, limiting healthy players. We limited Vic and very likely cost ourselves at least 2 games this season. We error on the side of caution, we rest guys regardless of if it costs us a win. We do it all of the time, we've done it for decades. We need to do it when it has the best chance at benefitting us long-term. It would be stupid not too.

Also important to note- the regular season is only there for playoff and draft positioning. The Spurs know this. A week after the season no one gives a shit whether you won 54 or 56 or 58 games. RS wins are your GPA, after graduation no one gives a shit. You don't harm your future for the sake of your GPA.

 

[mo7888]

I've only seen Boozer when they played Tech, seen a lot more Dybantsa.
Just curious why you prefer Boozer for SA? Dybantsa seems to have a lot more versatility and a higher ceiling. For instance, AJ could run with French Vanilla or another center in the future. Boozer seems to be PF only on D.

It's mostly fit. There's not much difference in their upside although I'd agree Dybantsa's is higher, but I'd also say Dybantsa's floor is lower. Boozer looks like like the perfect pairing with wemby. He can play inside or out, rebound, no character issues, will be a pro on and off court. I'd value that more considering where we are. If it was a couple years ago and we hadn't solidified an identity I'd go Dybantsa.

 

[Arguendo]

It's mostly fit. There's not much difference in their upside although I'd agree Dybantsa's is higher, but I'd also say Dybantsa's floor is lower. Boozer looks like like the perfect pairing with wemby. He can play inside or out, rebound, no character issues, will be a pro on and off court. I'd value that more considering where we are. If it was a couple years ago and we hadn't solidified an identity I'd go Dybantsa.

Great points, especially floor and character/pro.
I lean heavily towards children of former pros, especially workers like daddy Boozer. College champ and star, to 2nd rounder that had to prove it, to AS to All-NBA to 13 yr career.
The biggest difference between Johnny Manziel and Pat Mahomes wasn't talent, it was character, acting like a pro, putting in the work.

 

[DTW]

Oof, that is hard. I think Harper's the best point guard we've got on the team right now even as a rookie and he's only going to get better. Add to the fact that he's actually good on defense and his size, and I feel like trading him away is taking away the potential future identity of this team. At the same time, Boozer is really really good and I see him as likely a future all-NBA guy.

Ultimately, I guess it comes down to whether I think that it's more likely that Harper learns to shoot off the dribble or whether Boozer can overcome his slow feet on the perimeter. Also whether it's easier to replace elite rim pressure with wing size or a do-everything forward. I think as of right now I still couldn't bring myself to do it, but that may change by the end of the season.

Harper is definitely the more valuable archetype than Boozer in a vacuum, but if you think their ceilings are similar, then it becomes a question of whether the Spurs are set up in a way to maximize Harper.

If the answer is no and by waiting longer his value depreciates, then it probably makes sense to do this.

 

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2026751626707448109

 

[onechance87]

amari allen with a very good game today.Could be a decent option if he keeps knocking 3s like today.

 

[OK Computer]

amari allen with a very good game today.Could be a decent option if he keeps knocking 3s like today.

To continue the “Spurs have too many weapons” theme the media keeps going on about, Amari would be a good option. Imagine him being subbed in for someone who is cold for the night, like KJ. We would have gotten the lead sooner.

 

[OK Computer]

In your eyes, is this appropriate enough justification for his actions that they would allow the Spurs to overlook character red flags?

If there weren’t so many other green flags, I would say the Spurs probably don’t overlook it.

I think the Spurs will be direct with him in pre-draft interviews. They’ll ask, “do you want to be a Spur?” Because at the end of the day, that’s what this incident comes down to, right? He didn’t believe in his fit and opportunity with Tennessee. Will the potential winning and playing with a future GOAT override those feelings if he was drafted by the Spurs? I personally think it will.

I think that’s the bright side of the Spurs being in the spotlight again… they will be popular among kids and when they become NBA prospects, the idea of playing for the Spurs will be desirable.

Here are the green flags I was saying:

Here he speaks of leadership and how everybody can lead in their own way. He speaks of a “vocal leader” on his current team and how he is inspired by him. Remind you of anyone? That could easily be KJ. It sounds to me that Carr would feel ultra familiar with the different leadership styles he’d experience here. And, it’s either in this video or the one I shared earlier, he speaks of how everyone in the locker room has unique character and background and how he loves that. I think these are very Spurs-like insights that he’s given in interviews and I think it would appeal to the Spurs FO.

I think the Spurs typically avoid: signs of being anti-social, arrogance, selfishness, immaturity.

 

[spursparker9]

Oh and FWIW, the final 2 weeks of the season we play MIL, LAC and POR + GSW, Chi. All those teams could be neck and neck with ATL and we may very well be locked into the #2.
That may be a good time to get some rest, give CB 35mpg, and let JMac, Waters, Ingram, and the new two-way guy get some run to get them ready for the POs
I'd so much rather end up with 54 wins and the 10th pick compared to 58 wins and the 14th.

Hmm....make sense but I think it all boil down to if #1 seed still within reach. If it is not within reach and Denver/Houston can't catch us for #2, this could be a good option to "tank".

But I still doubt so, as MATFO might worry that the league will investigate and fine them if Wemby and gang suddenly get DNP

 

[spurraider21]

Vecenie's last podcast had their first full-fledged mock draft. He was mulling Cenac for the Spurs but ultimately went Haugh. didnt have Carr going until well into the 20s. They had Yexel going one pick before but didnt seem too enthused about him

Spurs segment starts at 1:14:35

 

[OK Computer]

Vecenie's last podcast had their first full-fledged mock draft. He was mulling Cenac for the Spurs but ultimately went Haugh. didnt have Carr going until well into the 20s. They had Yexel going one pick before but didnt seem too enthused about him

Spurs segment starts at 1:14:35

Vecencie falling in the classic case of solving a problem that’s not there. I don’t blame him as he probably doesn’t watch the Spurs religiously. As @scott noted, we’re able to hold opponents to low shooting even without the “missing length” Sam and others believe we’re missing at our forward positions. Top 5 in overall defense. These are not weaknesses to be addressed by players like Haugh who have no ball skills. That would set us back. The Spurs should continue leaning in, so that they can reach total dominance.

 

[OK Computer]

 

[Ariel]

Cameron Carr is very aesthetically pleasing to watch, I'd like him to be a bit taller and especially stronger, but one of the more interesting prospects I've been watching lately.

 

[Chinook]

Apparently, we should tell MatFO to cancel the pick so that this Guest writer can sleep better at night. https://www.blazersedge.com/trail-b...victor-wembanyama-portland-trail-blazers-rant

 

[OK Computer]

Pre-March Madness personal rankings:

1. Nate Ament. While I don’t think his current lack of strength is ideal for the 4, the talent may simply be too good for the Spurs to pass up.
2. Cameron Carr. Vassell insurance. His style of play fits like a glove. He’s an off-ball player with enough on-ball ability to make a real impact. He has all the tools to become a strong defender capable of locking down 2s and 3s, and he’s versatile enough to bother some 4s as well.
3. Amari Allen. Another form of Vassell insurance. He’s a bit more on-ball but has shown he can play off-ball effectively. The key here is that he’s already comfortable as a catch-and-shoot option. He has the kind of diverse skill set the Spurs consistently value.
4. Joshua Jefferson. If it were up to me, he’d be number one. Realistically, though, there are factors that might make him less preferred than the players above him: not enough made threes on his resume, and at times it looks like he conserves energy on defense, though that may be a result of carrying a heavy offensive load. Otherwise, he’s the definition of a Spur: high-level processing and basketball IQ, an exceptionally gifted passer to the point of being game-changing, and a strong defender who is physically imposing while still able to stay with smaller players on the perimeter.

5 and 6: Hannes Steinberg and Aday Mara. These two leapfrog everyone from 1 through 4 if the Spurs’ priority is preserving Wemby and Kornet’s health next season. Otherwise, there isn’t much talent (combined with fit) at other positions in this draft that makes more sense than these two. Adding a talented third (true) center who can step in when needed and grow with the team over the next few years makes a lot of sense.

 

[onechance87]

Pre-March Madness personal rankings:

1. Nate Ament. While I don’t think his current lack of strength is ideal for the 4, the talent may simply be too good for the Spurs to pass up.
2. Cameron Carr. Vassell insurance. His style of play fits like a glove. He’s an off-ball player with enough on-ball ability to make a real impact. He has all the tools to become a strong defender capable of locking down 2s and 3s, and he’s versatile enough to bother some 4s as well.
3. Amari Allen. Another form of Vassell insurance. He’s a bit more on-ball but has shown he can play off-ball effectively. The key here is that he’s already comfortable as a catch-and-shoot option. He has the kind of diverse skill set the Spurs consistently value.
4. Joshua Jefferson. If it were up to me, he’d be number one. Realistically, though, there are factors that might make him less preferred than the players above him: not enough made threes on his resume, and at times it looks like he conserves energy on defense, though that may be a result of carrying a heavy offensive load. Otherwise, he’s the definition of a Spur: high-level processing and basketball IQ, an exceptionally gifted passer to the point of being game-changing, and a strong defender who is physically imposing while still able to stay with smaller players on the perimeter.

5 and 6: Hannes Steinberg and Aday Mara. These two leapfrog everyone from 1 through 4 if the Spurs’ priority is preserving Wemby and Kornet’s health next season. Otherwise, there isn’t much talent (combined with fit) at other positions in this draft that makes more sense than these two. Adding a talented third (true) center who can step in when needed and grow with the team over the next few years makes a lot of sense.

joshua jefferson 3 ball has started to struggle abit recent.Gotta keep a eye on that for sure..My top 5 choices are
1.Morez johnson
2.Hannes
3.cenac jr
4.jefferson
5.Yaxel
My sleeper gotta by lopez...Just not sure what to think about him
Just think we stongly need a big 4 next to wemby to help rebound and guard the paint.Making open outside shots would be nice to.

 

[mo7888]

I'm at the point where I'm breaking down my Spurs board in tiers. I know most people here are putting out there favorite guys, I do it a little differently. I'm giving latitude for trades that we don't yet know about that might make our target for filling out the roster change between now and draft day.

Tier 1:
1. Cameron Boozer
2. AJ Dybantsa
3. Darryn Peterson
4. Keaton Wagler
5. Caleb Wilson
Tier 2:
6. Braylon Mullins
7. Nate Ament
8. Chris Cenac Jr
9. Hanness Steinbach
10. Thomas Haugh
Tier 3:
11. Tounde Yessoufou
12. Amari Allen
13. Karim Lopez
14. Yaxel Lendeborg
15. Cameron Carr
Tier 4:
16. Jayden Quaintance
17. Joshua Jefferson
18. Darius Acuff
19. Isaiah Evans
20. Koa Peat
21. Dailyn Swain
22. Mikel Brown Jr
23. Aday Mara
24. Dame Sarr
25. Milan Momcilovic
Tier 5:
26. Brayden Burries
27. Motiejus Krivas
28. Tomislav Ivisic
29. Labaron Philon
30. Juke Harris

 

[Ariel]

I'm in the midst of video watching to catch up, but so far I like @OK Computer's top 4 plus Morez Johnson and Chris Cenac Jr.

Morez Johnson has very little data from 3, but the (incredibly small) sample available (7/19 ~ 36.8%) plus the 79.1% from the line would suggest there's hope there, and if that's the case the combination of size, length, motor, defense, rebounding, finishing, and age (just turned 20) are pretty enticing. I think he's a lock to be a long term role player at least, with the potential for more.

With Chris Cenac it's a different story, some of the high school tape suggest he's capable of doing a lot more than he's showing in College (post moves, putting the ball on the floor, some passing) but there are also red flags (some processing issues, tools are not translating to production). He's young enough that if he puts it together he might be the best of the bunch and the shooting and rebounding alone give him enough of a floor for me to consider him, but it can also go bad if he never gets past that.

All in all that's my top 6 at the moment, with the disclaimer that it's a preliminary list since I haven't watched enough live games to get a real sense of their weaknesses and it's bound to evolve after march madness and combine measurements, but it's a reasonable starting point for me.

 

[OK Computer]

Today:
Cenac at 11 ESPN2
JJ at 3 CBS
Swain at 3 ESPN2
Hannes at 3 Fox Sports 1
Amari vs Ament at 5 ESPN
Cam Carr and Tounde at 7 Fox Sports 1

All times in CST

Who are my fellow watchers? @BatManu20 ?

 

[OK Computer]

Watching the Colorado v Houston game right now. For a supposed shooter, Cenac isn’t putting much effort in to move around on offense to get open. He’s just stationary or slowly roaming around the paint like a center.