Draft 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

[Shmurs]

Sengun is orders of magnitude more athletic than boozer and comparing anyone on earth to jokic continues to be confusing analysis. Sabonis is the closest comp. Whoopee.

If boozer is simply not athletic enough to score like he can against teenagers, then what is the point of boozer as a high lottery pick? I understand people think that he’s going to figure out how to perform against bigger bodies with superior athleticism. People just think…he’ll do it because he’ll do it. But is there a better explanation of why you think his abilities will carry forward? If you can’t get vertical and you don’t have physical tools like a sengun, then you’re basically sabonis. But boozer doesn’t even appear to be as skilled as sabonis. He’s just this blend of a lot of awesome fundamentals without any specific supernatural trait. That’s a role player.

 

[LeBowen]

Sengun is orders of magnitude more athletic than boozer and comparing anyone on earth to jokic continues to be confusing analysis. Sabonis is the closest comp. Whoopee.

If boozer is simply not athletic enough to score like he can against teenagers, then what is the point of boozer as a high lottery pick? I understand people think that he’s going to figure out how to perform against bigger bodies with superior athleticism. People just think…he’ll do it because he’ll do it. But is there a better explanation of why you think his abilities will carry forward? If you can’t get vertical and you don’t have physical tools like a sengun, then you’re basically sabonis. But boozer doesn’t even appear to be as skilled as sabonis. He’s just this blend of a lot of awesome fundamentals without any specific supernatural trait. That’s a role player.

Then you look at the Rockets roster and Sengun is the best player they drafted recently, despite being the least athletic one of the bunch.
How many recent top picks failed because they weren't athletic enough compared to the number of top picks that failed because they can't actually play basketball at a high level?

 

[ambchang]

Sengun is orders of magnitude more athletic than boozer and comparing anyone on earth to jokic continues to be confusing analysis. Sabonis is the closest comp. Whoopee.

If boozer is simply not athletic enough to score like he can against teenagers, then what is the point of boozer as a high lottery pick? I understand people think that he’s going to figure out how to perform against bigger bodies with superior athleticism. People just think…he’ll do it because he’ll do it. But is there a better explanation of why you think his abilities will carry forward? If you can’t get vertical and you don’t have physical tools like a sengun, then you’re basically sabonis. But boozer doesn’t even appear to be as skilled as sabonis. He’s just this blend of a lot of awesome fundamentals without any specific supernatural trait. That’s a role player.

I may be off but boozer appears to be a better three point shooter and defender, and especially a defender. Boozer also has more perimeter skills but to my eye isn’t still quite the high or low post passer Sabonis is (I’d say Sabonis is elite in this area).

Sabonis seems to be less laterally agile than boozer but then again this is just based on watching boozer highlights. I barely watch any college ball.

 

[Shmurs]

I may be off but boozer appears to be a better three point shooter and defender, and especially a defender. Boozer also has more perimeter skills but to my eye isn’t still quite the high or low post passer Sabonis is (I’d say Sabonis is elite in this area).

Sabonis seems to be less laterally agile than boozer but then again this is just based on watching boozer highlights. I barely watch any college ball.

Defense and shooting are fair points. Sabonis is very limited by both and Boozer isn’t (though I’ve seen reports of his D being a problem, surprisingly).

Unfairly, I’m focusing on his offensive abilities only, and mainly his abilities as a big who plays in the paint. Maybe he ends up more of a playmaking wing and is quite good. Hadn’t really considered a shift to his positioning.

But if he’s trying to be sengun or jokic or sabonis, there’s no path there. IMO.

 

[Uriel]

It’s pretty funny how we debate Dybantsa, Boozer, and Peterson around here as if we had a shot at any of them. Well, technically, we do, but it’s like 2%

A more realistic debate for us to be having would be something like Koa Peat vs Nate Ament tbh.

 

[Exstatic]

It’s pretty funny how we debate Dybantsa, Boozer, and Peterson around here as if we had a shot at any of them. Well, technically, we do, but it’s like 2%

A more realistic debate for us to be having would be something like Koa Peat vs Nate Ament tbh.

The only player outside the top3-4 that interests me at all is Karim Lopez. I’m kind of done with shooting projects,band this draft seems loaded with those types.

 

[Exstatic]

Then you look at the Rockets roster and Sengun is the best player they drafted recently, despite being the least athletic one of the bunch.
How many recent top picks failed because they weren't athletic enough compared to the number of top picks that failed because they can't actually play basketball at a high level?

Sengün has a lot of basketball talent, and a wide skill set, but the reason that Harper shit all over the rockets is that he’s 6’9” and can’t get off the ground. He’s neither a shot blocker or a rim protector. Some decent level of athleticism is needed to be a complete player.

 

[mo7888]

The only player outside the top3-4 that interests me at all is Karim Lopez. I’m kind of done with shooting projects,band this draft seems loaded with those types.

For me, in no particular order outside the top 4 would be Lopez, Wagler, Mullins, Haugh, Ament, Steinbach, Cenac Jr, and maybe Yaxel Lendeborg...

 

[OK Computer]

Say it with me: Tounde Yessoufou will be the pick

 

[John B]

Sengün has a lot of basketball talent, and a wide skill set, but the reason that Harper shit all over the rockets is that he’s 6’9” and can’t get off the ground. He’s neither a shot blocker or a rim protector. Some decent level of athleticism is needed to be a complete player.

Castle slowing down Sengun says a lot tbh

 

[OK Computer]

Castle slowing down Sengun says a lot tbh

It says we can get away with a shorter than average PF that can defend any PF in the league as long as they have the strength, wingspan, and defensive IQ for it. Tounde Yessoufou is the pick.

 

[LeBowen]

Sengün has a lot of basketball talent, and a wide skill set, but the reason that Harper shit all over the rockets is that he’s 6’9” and can’t get off the ground. He’s neither a shot blocker or a rim protector. Some decent level of athleticism is needed to be a complete player.

I didn't say he was perfect, but he's just another one in the long line of examples that skill is way more important than athleticism.
Him being 6'9 is a fatal flaw because he's a center, but we're not looking to draft any centers.

We need a wing that can play basketball and most importantly shoot. We already have Bryant as an athletic freak that lacks fundamentals.

 

[Exstatic]

Say it with me: Tounde Yessoufou will be the pick

Yes,because we exactly need another 6’5” guard who is a shooting project.

 

[OK Computer]

Yes,because we exactly need another 6’5” guard who is a shooting project.

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

Good shooting signals

 

[John B]

Yes,because we exactly need another 6’5” guard who is a shooting project.

4 guards and Wemby. Gandalf and the Hobbits??

 

[scott]

It says we can get away with a shorter than average PF that can defend any PF in the league as long as they have the strength, wingspan, and defensive IQ for it. Tounde Yessoufou is the pick.

I see him listed as a SG everywhere but his HS prospect profile page, which has him as a PF:

Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Bears, Power Forward

He moved to the United States from Benin prior to his freshman year of high school.

247sports.com

I know you've posted videos... but honestly I'd rather just read your summary of him as a prospect. Can you give me your elevator pitch for him as a Spur?

 

[BatManu20]

Hannes Steinbach and Keaton Wagler are facing off on FS1 right now in case anyone is interested.

 

[Guru of Nothing]

Hannes Steinbach and Keaton Wagler are facing off on FS1 right now in case anyone is interested.

Steinbach definitely on the radar. He looks closer to 6'9" than 6'11", but I don't think it matters a lot.

 

[BatManu20]

Steinbach definitely on the radar. He looks closer to 6'9" than 6'11", but I don't think it matters a lot.

Yea that 6'11 measurement is prob with shoes. Looks closer to 6'9 and change barefoot. Measured a solid 7'2 wingspan 2 years ago though and a 9'1 standing reach. Could be even longer now. He's an elite rebounder too, 2nd only to Boozer in the draft in RPG. Averaging 2 BPG as well. His 3PT shot has been streaky this season, but he's shown he's capable and his 76% FT% is a good indicator. I remain pretty high on him if we keep that pick tbh. The combine and pre-draft workouts will be big for him.

 

[Area 51.247]

It says we can get away with a shorter than average PF that can defend any PF in the league as long as they have the strength, wingspan, and defensive IQ for it. Tounde Yessoufou is the pick.

Malik Rose and DeJuan 'No Vert' Blair say .

 

[Guru of Nothing]

Yea that 6'11 measurement is prob with shoes. Looks closer to 6'9 and change barefoot. Measured a solid 7'2 wingspan 2 years ago though and a 9'1 standing reach. Could be even longer now. He's an elite rebounder too, 2nd only to Boozer in the draft in RPG. Averaging 2 BPG as well. His 3PT shot has been streaky this season, but he's shown he's capable and his 76% FT% is a good indicator. I remain pretty high on him if we keep that pick tbh. The combine and pre-draft workouts will be big for him.

I'm a fan after watching the second half, and he fits team needs like a glove. VERY active on the boards.

 

[Uriel]

A well-built, fundamentally sound and complete player who has a great feel for the game. Is an older prospect but one who picked up the game late and is just coming into his own as a player.

Rebounds the ball at a high level, is a solid defender, both in the paint, defending the rim and playing great team defense. Has good hands and gets a lot of steals. His huge wingspan is a major factor on the glass and defending in the paint.

Doesn’t this remind you of a certain Big Fundamental?

 

[ambchang]

Sengün has a lot of basketball talent, and a wide skill set, but the reason that Harper shit all over the rockets is that he’s 6’9” and can’t get off the ground. He’s neither a shot blocker or a rim protector. Some decent level of athleticism is needed to be a complete player.

He’s a dirty mofo though and can cheapshot people in the lane like the best of them. A new age Bill Laimbeer.

 

[OK Computer]

I see him listed as a SG everywhere but his HS prospect profile page, which has him as a PF:

Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Bears, Power Forward

He moved to the United States from Benin prior to his freshman year of high school.

247sports.com

I know you've posted videos... but honestly I'd rather just read your summary of him as a prospect. Can you give me your elevator pitch for him as a Spur?

I’m watching these games with the lens of pretending I don’t know everyone’s heights and just watching everyone play and see who is being outplayed on matchups. I just think it’s an illusion to say that our PFs are being outmatched due to their height and is a primary reason for our big losses and it’s because people are thinking height-first.

Now is shooting a concern from that spot? Yes, I’d agree with that. Is our lack of a competent third string center a concern? Yes, in fact, this one is an example where the game goes down the drain because a position on the floor is being exposed for their weaknesses. Both of these flaws I would certainly acknowledge and agree with. But PF size when it comes to defense? Nah.

Now that’s a long way of getting to my point about Tounde. The Spurs excel because they force teams to match up to them, and not the other way around. Tounde is another player that adds to a core that already has good defensive versatility, while adding a more than capable offensive player to boot. I’ve made comparisons to Keldon, and I think people say, “why do we need another Keldon?”… to which I will respond with: “why the fuck not?”. For a team that needs all the toughness and grit that we can get, Tounde represents all of that and more. He’d add more bully ball akin to what Keldon showed against Sengun. This is a player that plays no nonsense basketball. Forget softies like Karim Lopez. The best fit for this team right now are players who you can throw into the fire and not have to teach them physical toughness. It would be amplified with this type of draft selection.

 

[Exstatic]

I’m watching these games with the lens of pretending I don’t know everyone’s heights and just watching everyone play and see who is being outplayed on matchups. I just think it’s an illusion to say that our PFs are being outmatched due to their height and is a primary reason for our big losses and it’s because people are thinking height-first.

Now is shooting a concern from that spot? Yes, I’d agree with that. Is our lack of a competent third string center a concern? Yes, in fact, this one is an example where the game goes down the drain because a position on the floor is being exposed for their weaknesses. Both of these flaws I would certainly acknowledge and agree with. But PF size when it comes to defense? Nah.

Now that’s a long way of getting to my point about Tounde. The Spurs excel because they force teams to match up to them, and not the other way around. Tounde is another player that adds to a core that already has good defensive versatility, while adding a more than capable offensive player to boot. I’ve made comparisons to Keldon, and I think people say, “why do we need another Keldon?”… to which I will respond with: “why the fuck not?”. For a team that needs all the toughness and grit that we can get, Tounde represents all of that and more. He’d add more bully ball akin to what Keldon showed against Sengun. This is a player that plays no nonsense basketball. Forget softies like Karim Lopez. The best fit for this team right now are players who you can throw into the fire and not have to teach them physical toughness. It would be amplified with this type of draft selection.

Tounde would be yet another shooting project. No thanks.