Draft 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

Do we trade away our pick or draft a player?

  • Draft

    Votes: 52 82.5%

  • Trade

    Votes: 7 11.1%

  • Cash Considerations

    Votes: 4 6.3%
  • Total voters
    63
My draft board
Nate Ament’s profile
Cameron Carr’s profile
Thomas Haugh’s profile
Hannes Steinbach’s profile

————————————

Allen Graves is justifiable at 20… because he checks a lot of the boxes.

The Spurs’ core is built around players who need the ball. That means the players around them have to be effective with limited touches. When they get the ball, something productive has to happen. Either they shoot it, finish it, or move it quickly into the next scoring action.

Graves fits that mold. He’s a shooter, but more importantly, he’s a shooter with size. That’s not common in this range. The closest comparison in this class is Ament, but the difference is Graves is already playing in a system where he’s put in spots a role player would be. Because of that, he naturally looks more polished, while someone like Ament still has to learn how to play within a team structure.

Even with that, what stands out most is his basketball IQ. On a lot of plays, he looks like he’s a step ahead of what the offense is trying to do. He comes away with steals in ways that at first glance look like he’s just spamming the steal button in NBA 2K, but when you watch closer, his hands are active with purpose. There’s intent behind it.

He also makes smart plays that don’t always get noticed. It’s the same type of play I called out with Castle the other day. He’ll be in the paint, recognize his man is out on the perimeter, run out to him, set a timely screen, and then slip right back inside where no one is around him for an easy two. That’s awareness and timing.

Offensively, he’s not just a shooter. He can take the ball inside and score, even showing touch with hook shots. He’s not avoiding contact either. He has the frame to bang down low, so he’s not a one-dimensional player.

Defensively, the athleticism doesn’t wow you, and that’s really what keeps him in the “justifiable” tier instead of “steal.” His physical profile isn’t off the charts. But he still gets to the right spots. His film shows him getting in front of players by the time they reach the paint, which is the minimum you need from a playable forward.

That’s really the distinction. He’s not flashy, but he consistently does things right. At pick 20, you have to be realistic about what you’re getting. He’s the type of player who helps a team win by virtue of his shooting, size, and understanding of the game.

From a character standpoint, he also fits the type the Spurs have leaned toward. He’s openly serious about his faith, even running an IG account where he posts regular Bible study content. That may or may not matter to people, but it does show discipline and consistency.

He’s simple, but effective. Size, shooting, IQ, and enough physicality to hold his own. That combination is what makes him justifiable at 20.
 
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OK Computer said:
My draft board
Nate Ament’s profile
Cameron Carr’s profile
Thomas Haugh’s profile
Hannes Steinbach’s profile

————————————

Allen Graves is justifiable at 20… because he checks a lot of the boxes.

The Spurs’ core is built around players who need the ball. That means the players around them have to be effective with limited touches. When they get the ball, something productive has to happen. Either they shoot it, finish it, or move it quickly into the next scoring action.

Graves fits that mold. He’s a shooter, but more importantly, he’s a shooter with size. That’s not common in this range. The closest comparison in this class is Ament, but the difference is Graves is already playing in a system where he’s put in spots a role player would be. Because of that, he naturally looks more polished, while someone like Ament still has to learn how to play within a team structure.

Even with that, what stands out most is his basketball IQ. On a lot of plays, he looks like he’s a step ahead of what the offense is trying to do. He comes away with steals in ways that at first glance look like he’s just spamming the steal button in NBA 2K, but when you watch closer, his hands are active with purpose. There’s intent behind it.

He also makes smart plays that don’t always get noticed. It’s the same type of play I called out with Castle the other day. He’ll be in the paint, recognize his man is out on the perimeter, run out to him, set a timely screen, and then slip right back inside where no one is around him for an easy two. That’s awareness and timing.

Offensively, he’s not just a shooter. He can take the ball inside and score, even showing touch with hook shots. He’s not avoiding contact either. He has the frame to bang down low, so he’s not a one-dimensional player.

Defensively, the athleticism doesn’t wow you, and that’s really what keeps him in the “justifiable” tier instead of “steal.” His physical profile isn’t off the charts. But he still gets to the right spots. His film shows him getting in front of players by the time they reach the paint, which is the minimum you need from a playable forward.

That’s really the distinction. He’s not flashy, but he consistently does things right. At pick 20, you have to be realistic about what you’re getting. He’s the type of player who helps a team win by virtue of his shooting, size, and understanding of the game.

From a character standpoint, he also fits the type the Spurs have leaned toward. He’s openly serious about his faith, even running an IG account where he posts regular Bible study content. That may or may not matter to people, but it does show discipline and consistency.

He’s simple, but effective. Size, shooting, IQ, and enough physicality to hold his own. That combination is what makes him justifiable at 20.
Click to expand...
Not only is graves unathletic,But he may have a short wingspan as well.Are you not high on josh jefferson anymore..Or do you
have him dropping.
 
onechance87 said:
Not only is graves unathletic,But he may have a short wingspan as well.Are you not high on josh jefferson anymore..Or do you
have him dropping.
Click to expand...
I’m reading that Graves has a 7’0” wingspan. Barnes nor Champagnie are that athletic - I don’t think that’s a huge priority. Plus, we can’t be beggars at 20. JJ is in the same tier as Graves for me. I’m just going down the list. JJ is next.
 
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I get it that some people don't want Peat. There are pros and cons and probably the questions about his game are to many.
I understand, the main fear is, he will just be another Sochan.
What I don't get: some of the same people want Morez Johnson.
If you don't want to run into the next Sochan, why turn to Morez?
He might be even closer to the player typ Sochan was, than Peat is.
A high energy undersized PF, who will be even more undersized playing the 5.
(Yaxel was measured 6'8.5" barefoot, Morez ist smaller, he will measure like 6'7", no way he is 6'9")

I can see the logic to go for a combo big man, even if this draft isn't deep in this pool. He could log BU minutes at 4 and 5 and there would be two possible paths of development, depending what skills or abilities progress.
So, Steinbach makes sense. Cenac makes sense. In the 2nd round Veesaar and Condon make sense. I think one out of Steinbach and Cenac will be available at 20. If not, you can pick Veesaar or Condon at 35, one of them will be there for sure.
 
Vienna said:
I get it that some people don't want Peat. There are pros and cons and probably the questions about his game are to many.
I understand, the main fear is, he will just be another Sochan.
What I don't get: some of the same people want Morez Johnson.
If you don't want to run into the next Sochan, why turn to Morez?
He might be even closer to the player typ Sochan was, than Peat is.
A high energy undersized PF, who will be even more undersized playing the 5.
(Yaxel was measured 6'8.5" barefoot, Morez ist smaller, he will measure like 6'7", no way he is 6'9")
Click to expand...
Personally I've come down a it on Morez after I've watched him more because his offense is too raw and uncertain especially on the perimeter (it's mostly theoretical), and he's not a good enough rim protector or shot blocker for a 5. With that said, size wouldn't be my main concern, I'd be shocked if Morez isn't at least a couple inches taller than Koa Peat as he looks very much comparable to Yaxel. Also he has a large wingspan, and is a hell of a lot stronger than Sochan, he's closer to Isaiah Stewart in that regard. I'd be interested in the combine results for him and Boozer, the eye test leads me to the opposite conclusion (you think Boozer is bigger than Morez, I think it's the other way around).
 
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Ariel said:
Personally I've come down a it on Morez after I've watched him more because his offense is too raw and uncertain especially on the perimeter (it's mostly hypothetical), and he's not a good enough rim protector or shot blocker for a 5. With that said, size wouldn't be my main concern, I'd be shocked if Morez isn't at least 3 inches taller than Koa Peat as he looks very much comparable to Yaxel. Also he has a large wingspan, and is a hell of a lot stronger than Sochan, he's closer to Isaiah Stewart in that regard. I'd be interested in the combine results for him and Boozer, the eye test leads me to the opposite conclusion (you think Boozer is bigger than Morez, I think it's the other way around).
Click to expand...
Our views are starting to align on some prospects!
 
mo7888 said:
We have a propensity to make a big deal out of nothing here sometimes...
Click to expand...
I don't know, man. We've had two prominent recent draft picks torpedo their careers saying the same exact thing. Go ahead and waste a draft pick on that guy if you wanna.
 
mo7888 said:
We have a propensity to make a big deal out of nothing here sometimes...
Click to expand...
Yes, in the grand scheme of things basketball isn't the end-all-be-all, and I'm sure when you're dying of old age in your bed it's not those days you spent shooting a thousand threes that will come to your mind first, but that is the kind of thing that determines success in basketball.

There's nothing wrong with being committed to your faith but basketball is what puts food on your table and a team drafting you needs to be convinced you're going to put in the work day in and day out, especially when things aren't going your way and bouncing a basketball and getting it through a hoop sounds silly.

So yes, I do think this is something Spurs should look at, considering the very recent cases of high picks AJ Griffin and Ivey who didn't even finish their rookie contracts. Not saying this is Koa Peat's case, but it's enough to take a deeper look, and I think Spurs definitely will do their due diligence if they're interested.
 
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bozhemoi said:
I don't know, man. We've had two prominent recent draft picks torpedo their careers saying the same exact thing. Go ahead and waste a draft pick on that guy if you wanna.
Click to expand...
Double standards be funny tho.

I’d be willing to bet some here would tolerate his comments or make excuses for them if he fit the archetype they drool over as a perfect fit for the Spurs. Instead, he sucks and it’s much easier to pile on him.

This is just an observation. I’d still be cautious about repeating mistakes other organizations have made. With Ivey, it looks more like a mental health issue than anything tied to how he practices his faith.
 
OK Computer said:
Double standards be funny tho.

I’d be willing to bet some here would tolerate his comments or make excuses for them if he fit the archetype they drool over as a perfect fit for the Spurs. Instead, he sucks and it’s much easier to pile on him.

This is just an observation. I’d still be cautious about repeating mistakes other organizations have made. With Ivey, it looks more like a mental health issue than anything tied to how he practices his faith.
Click to expand...
The standard is the same: take note of everything and use it as input to dig deeper. Whether it's someone acting immature (like Yaxel) or out of place (like Peat). I don't think Spurs rule out people based on social media posts, or else they wouldn't have taken Dejounte back in the day (at least, on news about him, not necessarily him posting). Professional organizations need a higher standard than we have here to rule out players.
 
Ariel said:
Yes, in the grand scheme of things basketball isn't the end-all-be-all, and I'm sure when you're dying of old age in your bed it's not those days you spent shooting a thousand threes that will come to your mind first, but that is the kind of thing that determines success in basketball.

There's nothing wrong with being committed to your faith but basketball is what puts food on your table and a team drafting you needs to be convinced you're going to put in the work day in and day out, especially when things aren't going your way and bouncing a basketball and getting it through a hoop sounds silly.

So yes, I do think this is something Spurs should look at, considering the very recent cases of high picks AJ Griffin and Ivey who didn't even finish their rookie contracts. Not saying this is Koa Peat's case, but it's enough to take a deeper look, and I think Spurs definitely will do their due diligence if they're interested.
Click to expand...
He's not the guy I want to draft, but it's because of basketball reasons. A guy talking about his faith on the biggest religious day of the year isn't a red flag for me. My red flag is shooting...
 
ambchang said:
David Robinson said multiple times bball wasn't his priority.
Click to expand...

If we didn't live in a crazed age where two young basketball players completely abandoned basketball because of this idea of 'preaching,' then that would be it, then, right? I mean, we can continue to ignore evidence of a problem and use a very valuable draft pick. In the age of Trump and people going bonkers like this? Nope. It's not the late Eighties.

I mean, if you want him, then obviously you interview him, but it's clearly the same language and approach, in the last few years, as exactly the sort of thing that should raise the antennae.
 
Ariel said:
The standard is the same: take note of everything and use it as input to dig deeper. Whether it's someone acting immature (like Yaxel) or out of place (like Peat). I don't think Spurs rule out people based on social media posts, or else they wouldn't have taken Dejounte back in the day (at least, on news about him, not necessarily him posting). Professional organizations need a higher standard than we have here to rule out players.
Click to expand...
I was referring to fans having double standards, not teams.

Of course a decision shouldn’t only be made off of social media posts, but it’s been more than that.

  • He spends three hours a night on Tik Tok Live… during the NCAA tournament. Last night, the night before the Final Four. You stated that basketball is how you’ll put food on the table so it should be taken seriously, right?
  • The incoherent, cocky responses he’d have in post-game pressers, e.g. the Boozer comment, saying he was disrespected when a freshman was guarding him
  • His own coach saying he had poor practice habits and that it was “nowhere near where they need to be for us”
  • The on-court antics: attempting to egg on a fight further vs Tennessee, dancing while inbounding the ball, taking a belt and smacking the air after his team beat an opponent

You mentioned Dejounte — but that was a different time and different people. PATFO knew a new chapter was coming and they had to swing for the fences with their picks. There was also a core and continuity from the last Championship team that was there to nurture his growth. There is none of that now.

Mitch is not the same guy that would tolerate things like Pop did at the end of his career. Even beyond all this, there is a level of seriousness and preparation that Dejounte had that helped him break through his perceived ceiling.

The team as a whole has a high level of professionalism right now. I don’t know about you but I watch all Spurs player interviews (like @LeBowen) that have come out this year. There’s just a different degree of tone and seriousness when you compare how our current players speak and how Yaxel speaks.

The team may or may not do more digging than what’s already out there (some teams opt not to in order to give other teams any hints). Or maybe they already have (but the Spurs were not mentioned as one of the teams he interviewed with in last year’s pre-Combine).

I listed all these things out, and it’s still very much easier for folks to come out and say that they’re “out on Peat” because of the comment he made vs the pile of evidence against Yaxel… and we know why.
 
OK Computer said:
I was referring to fans having double standards, not teams.

Of course a decision shouldn’t only be made off of social media posts, but it’s been more than that.

  • He spends three hours a night on Tik Tok Live… during the NCAA tournament. Last night, the night before the Final Four. You stated that basketball is how you’ll put food on the table so it should be taken seriously, right?
  • The incoherent, cocky responses he’d have in post-game pressers, e.g. the Boozer comment, saying he was disrespected when a freshman was guarding him
  • His own coach saying he had poor practice habits and that it was “nowhere near where they need to be for us”
  • The on-court antics: attempting to egg on a fight further vs Tennessee, dancing while inbounding the ball, taking a belt and smacking the air after his team beat an opponent

You mentioned Dejounte — but that was a different time and different people. PATFO knew a new chapter was coming and they had to swing for the fences with their picks. There was also a core and continuity from the last Championship team that was there to nurture his growth. There is none of that now.

Mitch is not the same guy that would tolerate things like Pop did at the end of his career. Even beyond all this, there is a level of seriousness and preparation that Dejounte had that helped him break through his perceived ceiling.

The team as a whole has a high level of professionalism right now. I don’t know about you but I watch all Spurs player interviews (like @LeBowen) that have come out this year. There’s just a different degree of tone and seriousness when you compare how our current players speak and how Yaxel speaks.

The team may or may not do more digging than what’s already out there (some teams opt not to in order to give other teams any hints). Or maybe they already have (but the Spurs were not mentioned as one of the teams he interviewed with in last year’s pre-Combine).

I listed all these things out, and it’s still very much easier for folks to come out and say that they’re “out on Peat” because of the comment he made vs the pile of evidence against Yaxel… and we know why.
Click to expand...
Yep, same reason people can disrespect name Jesus Christ ( followed by billion people) but u offend 1% of population n off with ur head
 
ird80 said:
Yep, same reason people can disrespect name Jesus Christ ( followed by billion people) but u offend 1% of population n off with ur head
Click to expand...
Yeah… it’s not like Jesus sided with the marginalized. Not at all. But this is veering off-topic.
 
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there was very limited success with upperclassmen from the drafts of the last years. I'm not only talking top 10 or lottery, talking about up to, say, pick 20.

teams have learned their lesson (maybe not all, but most). yet the mocks still rank upperclassmen higher than their eventual draft position likely will be, based on success in their last college season.

I'm pretty sure Yaxel, Mara, Haugh, Stirtz will be drafted much later than projected in the mocks, especially in a draft that offers a lot of young talent.
I think Yaxel will fall out of the lottery, might go 15-19, Mara will go end of 1st round and Haugh and Stirtz will go 2nd round. no way a fantastic shooter like Meleek Thomas is draftet after Stirtz, and for sure not almost 20 spots after him.
 
HFUbdyba8AI2o9I
 
Well we should be able to get Mullins wherever our pick lands tbh :st-lol:

I still like him.
 
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