Draft 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

Do we trade away our pick or draft a player?

  • Draft

    Votes: 60 80.0%

  • Trade

    Votes: 10 13.3%

  • Cash Considerations

    Votes: 5 6.7%
  • Total voters
    75
scott said:
You are correct about the return for #20. More accurate would be one FRP (OKC traded #24 to SAC in exchange for the Spurs 2027 FRP which projects to be at the end of the draft... but SAC are also idiots, so who knows).

There are lots of ways for the Spurs to add a front court player. No need to reach for one at #20, but if one they like is there... sure. I just don't like what the talent is looking at at #20 except for maybe Jefferson, but I'm also not a draft expert. I like the Options at #35 better (specifically Reed or Zuby) but who knows if we'll even use that pick... I hope we do.
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I also like Jefferson and not so much other players mocked around 20 but there is no guarantee Reed and/or Zuby are there at 35. I expect both to move up current mock boards.
So just take the player you like most at 20 no matter what the mock boards have and see what happens at 35.
 
As long as we get a backup C this draft, trade or free agency. I know Spurs won at POR with basically just Kornet at C, but he as much as pull a hangnail and CB at Center? Don’t even mention the Tres Amigos Bismack, Olynyk and Plumlee
 
The Truth #6 said:
This is my Experimental Board for this draft. I'm trying to predict who Wright prioritizes and will ultimately pick. These criteria are based on my assessment of Wright's drafting priorities/proclivities/tendencies and nothing, absolute zero, about their basketball skill, other than they are in most consensus Big Boards from around number 8 to 25, give or take, I used the ESPN board for reference. But I am watching zero film and reading nothing about their basketball skill.

This is sort of a surreal alternative to let's say one of Scott's hard data crunches. This is subjective, not based on who I think they SHOULD draft but who they WILL draft in the first round, based on an unscientific vibes based assessment of Wright's drafting predilections.

The Buford model of overlooked gems is not Wright's model at all.

Could Wright totally change his paradigm and approach starting this year based on how we do in the playoffs? Of course. Regardless, we aren't there yet. And of course, this is me just goofing around and taking a piss. So. Ándale...

The criteria/preferences:

1. Age - 18 year old and 19 year olds exclusively. 20 year olds might as well join AARP.
2. Race - no one who identifies as white but mixed race is extra points.
3. Major College program - no small schools or international leagues.
4. Blue chip prospects preferred.
5. Extracurriculars - nerd interests or high level of community service almost a hard requirement.
6. Strong family background /support.
7. Photogenic - do they smile well in photos (seems insignificant but actually correlates the most highly with getting drafted by Wright)

* The first pass (no one aged 20 or over, or white, or from a small school/international))

The Players

1. Nate Ament

2. Chris Cenac Jr.

3. Jayden Quaintance

4. Koa Peete

* The second pass adding nerd potential, photogenics, and community service to the criteria.

1. Nate Ament (basketball coach father; Rwanda genocide survivor mother) ("personal finance nerd", loves Minecraft) (advocate for Rwandan children and organ/tissue donors) (great smile, appears genuine, innocent)

2. Chris Cenac Jr. (both parents involved and hard working) ("huge improv nerd" - has comedian aspirations?) (family history with philanthropy) (smile is also very good)

3. Jayden Quaintance (father very involved) (likes chess and anime) (great smile, almost manic)

4. Koa Peete (volunteers with a Native American community) (both parents involved) (no obvious nerd potential) (huge smile, could do anti perpisirant commercials)



Notable Mentions

* Karim Lopez (both parents around, Dad is very involved) (leads youth basketball camps) (no obvious community service) (no American college) (smile is very good)
* Dailyn Swain (age 20, but what a smile!)
* Allen Graves (small school)


The Verdict

Nate Ament is probably the dream candidate due to his multiple community service interests, and it's hard to under appreciate the Rwandan human interest but he looks to be top 10, evidently he must be good at basketball so not likey.

Cenac Jr. seems to lack any obvious human interest story potential, so I'm not as bullish, but he's on the short list.

To me it's a two-man race between Quaintance and Koa. Unless Quaintance is really good at chess, I think the pick, if available, is Koa Peete.

Koa works with a nearby Indian tribe, went to a great program that just gave us Carter Bryant, and let's be honest, just has an amazing smile and chiseled physique. Alpha but not asshole. Could easily do body odor product commercials but is grounded in community.

Koa Peete, welcome to San Antonio!!
Click to expand...


Update to the Experimental Big Board. It turns out that Jayden Quaintance is in fact really good at chess and has been playing since age 8. He beat his coach and another player one on two in like 11 moves.

So yeah obviously this shakes things up. Call it recency bias, but I'm moving Jayden above Koa to the player most likely to be drafted by Brian Wright.

If the Spurs bring Jayden into SA for a workout vs Wemby, to play chess, obviously, this could catapult him into the clear pole position.
 
rascal said:
Has there been a team in recent years that traded an unprotected first and a pick swap for the number 20th pick or lower? It seems a bit optimistic to get that package back for 20.

Spurs still need frontline depth and hope they use the 20th pick on a frontline player. Really would like to see two pf/c added to next year's roster via the draft.
Don't let beating Portland think the Spurs can just punt the draft picks for future picks and not try to get better now.
Click to expand...
There was a team last year that traded an unprotected pick this year for #13. If I’m BWright, I’ve got Dumars on speed dial.
 
The Truth #6 said:
This is my Experimental Board for this draft. I'm trying to predict who Wright prioritizes and will ultimately pick. These criteria are based on my assessment of Wright's drafting priorities/proclivities/tendencies and nothing, absolute zero, about their basketball skill, other than they are in most consensus Big Boards from around number 8 to 25, give or take, I used the ESPN board for reference. But I am watching zero film and reading nothing about their basketball skill.

This is sort of a surreal alternative to let's say one of Scott's hard data crunches. This is subjective, not based on who I think they SHOULD draft but who they WILL draft in the first round, based on an unscientific vibes based assessment of Wright's drafting predilections.

The Buford model of overlooked gems is not Wright's model at all.

Could Wright totally change his paradigm and approach starting this year based on how we do in the playoffs? Of course. Regardless, we aren't there yet. And of course, this is me just goofing around and taking a piss. So. Ándale...

The criteria/preferences:

1. Age - 18 year old and 19 year olds exclusively. 20 year olds might as well join AARP.
2. Race - no one who identifies as white but mixed race is extra points.
3. Major College program - no small schools or international leagues.
4. Blue chip prospects preferred.
5. Extracurriculars - nerd interests or high level of community service almost a hard requirement.
6. Strong family background /support.
7. Photogenic - do they smile well in photos (seems insignificant but actually correlates the most highly with getting drafted by Wright)

* The first pass (no one aged 20 or over, or white, or from a small school/international))

The Players

1. Nate Ament

2. Chris Cenac Jr.

3. Jayden Quaintance

4. Koa Peete

* The second pass adding nerd potential, photogenics, and community service to the criteria.

1. Nate Ament (basketball coach father; Rwanda genocide survivor mother) ("personal finance nerd", loves Minecraft) (advocate for Rwandan children and organ/tissue donors) (great smile, appears genuine, innocent)

2. Chris Cenac Jr. (both parents involved and hard working) ("huge improv nerd" - has comedian aspirations?) (family history with philanthropy) (smile is also very good)

3. Jayden Quaintance (father very involved) (likes chess and anime) (great smile, almost manic)

4. Koa Peete (volunteers with a Native American community) (both parents involved) (no obvious nerd potential) (huge smile, could do anti perpisirant commercials)



Notable Mentions

* Karim Lopez (both parents around, Dad is very involved) (leads youth basketball camps) (no obvious community service) (no American college) (smile is very good)
* Dailyn Swain (age 20, but what a smile!)
* Allen Graves (small school)


The Verdict

Nate Ament is probably the dream candidate due to his multiple community service interests, and it's hard to under appreciate the Rwandan human interest but he looks to be top 10, evidently he must be good at basketball so not likey.

Cenac Jr. seems to lack any obvious human interest story potential, so I'm not as bullish, but he's on the short list.

To me it's a two-man race between Quaintance and Koa. Unless Quaintance is really good at chess, I think the pick, if available, is Koa Peete.

Koa works with a nearby Indian tribe, went to a great program that just gave us Carter Bryant, and let's be honest, just has an amazing smile and chiseled physique. Alpha but not asshole. Could easily do body odor product commercials but is grounded in community.

Koa Peete, welcome to San Antonio!!
Click to expand...
You missed one. Spurs like players who generate stocks.
 
BatManu20 said:
Think Cenac will be gone by 20 tbh, esp if he shoots it well at the Combine. One of the more high-side picks in the draft. Morez Johnson Jr. has grown on me quite a bit but there's a decent chance he's gone by 20 too tbh. Think the younger guys are gonna be flying off the shelf in the top-20.
Click to expand...
I keep hearing everyone will be gone and it is true class depth has taken a hit but still there may be options. This is my breakdown

A) WON'T BE THERE (12)
  • Top 4 (4): AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson
  • Glut of guards (6): Darius Acuff, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr, Kingston Flemings, Brayden Burries, Labaron Philon
  • Productive upperclassmen (2): Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg
B) LOW CHANCE THEY'LL BE AVAILABLE (3)
  • Boom / bust forwards (2): Nate Ament (lanky inefficient shooter), Karim Lopez (jack of all trades, master of none)
  • Talented but flawed (1): Hannes Steinbach (very talented but a tweener, doesn't project to defend the perimeter or be a good enough rim protector, not athletic or long enough, plays below the rim)
C) MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT BE AVAILABLE (6)
  • Risky upside swings (3): Chris Cenac (raw, questionable archetype), Quaintance (health), Koa Peat (size, archetype)
  • Productive upperclassmen (3): Carr (lanky, might struggle with physicallity), Swain (questionable off-ball contribution, can't shoot from outside), Morez Johnson (offense is mostly limited or theoretical)
D) VERY LIKELY AVAILABLE (3)
  • Might warrant consideration (3): Joshua Jefferson, Allen Graves, Isaiah Evans
Groups A+B total 15 players, so 4 more to go before Spurs pick, with maybe a couple dark horses pushing talent down the board (Stirtz? Anderson?). I'll hold my final thoughts until draft measurements, but I still think someone will make it to 20.
 
Last edited:
John B said:
As long as we get a backup C this draft, trade or free agency. I know Spurs won at POR with basically just Kornet at C, but he as much as pull a hangnail and CB at Center? Don’t even mention the Tres Amigos Bismack, Olynyk and Plumlee
Click to expand...
A backup center is good but not with the 20th pick. A backup center who isn't good enough to play PF won't get enough minutes and doesn't warrant the 20th pick. Would like a player who can play the 4 or the 5 at times as needed.

Reed is athletic enough(saw him make steals and go full court off the steal for a dunk a few times so he can dribble and finish off the dribble well for a big) to play the 4 or the 5 and passes well out of the post but he isn't a great shooter so you won't be having him stand on the 3 point line, allows Wemby to roam on offense which he likes to do. Some of the other guys around 20 are either centers or PFs but not both.
 
Exstatic said:
You missed one. Spurs like players who generate stocks.
Click to expand...
Who is that? I'll see if they fit the criteria for the Experimental Board, but if by stocks you mean steals plus blocks, that isn't relevant to my experiment.
 
The Truth #6 said:


Update to the Experimental Big Board. It turns out that Jayden Quaintance is in fact really good at chess and has been playing since age 8. He beat his coach and another player one on two in like 11 moves.

So yeah obviously this shakes things up. Call it recency bias, but I'm moving Jayden above Koa to the player most likely to be drafted by Brian Wright.

If the Spurs bring Jayden into SA for a workout vs Wemby, to play chess, obviously, this could catapult him into the clear pole position.
Click to expand...


The Truth #6 said:
Tankathon has JQ at 14th and climbing up and won’t be there at 20th. He’s the guy that I want. With Wemby, Castle, Harper and JQ, the other team might not score anymore 🤣
Click to expand...
 
I was a big CMB fan going into last years draft, and he’s looked very promising so far.

The guy closest to CMB in this years draft is probably Ejiofor.

I wouldn’t hate that pick at 20. Don’t think he will last till 35.

Imagine the defensive lineup of Wemby-Ejiofor-Bryant-Castle-Harper. That’ll probably break every defensive rating record in NBA history.

www.tankathon.com

Player Comparison | Tankathon

Compare the statistics of 2026 NBA Draft prospects to each other and prospects from previous drafts. Stats are normalized to per-36-minutes numbers.
www.tankathon.com www.tankathon.com

IMG_1862.webp

IMG_1863.webp

IMG_1864.webp
 
I think atleast one popular name will be there for pick 20, but weather that person fell because of red flags, or just wasn't a fit for Teams ahead of us is the question. I'd say between pick 14-24 it's gonna get really murky on who to go with. Should be interesting.
 
The Truth #6 said:
Who is that? I'll see if they fit the criteria for the Experimental Board, but if by stocks you mean steals plus blocks, that isn't relevant to my experiment.
Click to expand...
It’s relevant to the Spurs.

CB was allegedly top 5 on their board, and he had 1.9 in only 19 minutes. Harper had. 2.0 in 32 minutes. Castle had 1.3 in 27 minutes, primarily on the ball, limiting his access to the passing lanes. Devin had 2.4 in 29 minutes. Sochan had 2.0 in 25 minutes. Dejounte had 2.1 in 33 minutes.
 
STAT88 said:
Updated mock draft by ESPN just now.

Click to expand...
it seems as if they all look at it the wrong way. they look at the roster and like a storeman they say: hey, Spurs have no archetype PF in their shelve, so let's draft a PF and put it there.
as it has been discussed extensively in this thread, Spurs play a big SF at the 4. Morez doesn't have the required skill set for that role. and he is to small for the 5.
 
The Truth #6 said:


Update to the Experimental Big Board. It turns out that Jayden Quaintance is in fact really good at chess and has been playing since age 8. He beat his coach and another player one on two in like 11 moves.

So yeah obviously this shakes things up. Call it recency bias, but I'm moving Jayden above Koa to the player most likely to be drafted by Brian Wright.

If the Spurs bring Jayden into SA for a workout vs Wemby, to play chess, obviously, this could catapult him into the clear pole position.
Click to expand...
I don't know coming off a Fractured knee is hard enough then you add a torn ACL and Meniscus tear
 
scott said:
Me too, but I can never tell these days :st-lol:
Click to expand...
We live in a world where a 37 year old cancer in Durant should replace a 28 year old all-star who essentially gave up his primary ball handling position and individual statistical legacy for the greater good of the team… which resulted in 60 plus wins.

So I’m as confused as you.
 
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