Draft 2026 NBA Draft Prospects Thread

[BatManu20]

Elite at getting to the cup and finishing once he's there, along with his already great and versatile defense. If that 3-ball continues to fall with consistency the way it has in conference play, this kid is a lottery talent most years.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2021284133427679679

 

[BatManu20]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2022407240226082877

 

[scott]

In the 20s? Is that really your take here?

And AFTER they took a big??

The Spurs obviously had their reasons for not taking Williams (since they didn't), but "being full of young guards" wasn't one of them.

Are you an idiot? Never mind, we already know the answer.

 

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024226932477342109

 

[mo7888]

He did make one, it's just not in the video. Went 1/2 from 3 last night. He's been shooting it a lot better from 3 as of late though. 33% on the season but he's up to 38% from 3 in conference play now.

I like Swain and think he can have a very solid career. He's 14 on my board I believe. This is my issue though, I think a lineup of Harper, Castle, and Swain is close to unplayable unless someone develops into a plus threat from deep. We're at the point that need/fit has to be part of the equation. Of course as a counterpoint to what I just wrote, my take looks at starting lineups and as a Devin replacement and this pick doesn't have to be looked at through that lens. If he's on a second unit with shooters it makes much more sense.

 

[SpursBills]

Swain's shot profile confuses me - how many other guys out there have a consistently high FT percentage ~80% (dating back to AAU days), but are incredibly low volume / low accuracy 3 point shooters? I have no idea what to do with this with regards to predicting how his shot ends up. That being said, I think there are some encouraging signs out there. If we look at the progression of his 4 factors that best predict NBA shooting by year, they clearly show an upward trend:

Age	FT%	Mid-range % (% assisted)	3P %	3PA/100
18	81	43 (43)	15	2.6
19	82	33 (35)	25	1.7
20	79	52 (4)	34	5.1

So I mean, I think he's always had touch, and some of his touch indicators are bordering on elite. 52% on long 2s on an exclusively unassisted shot diet is pretty crazy, and when you combine that with his rim% on a primarily unassisted shot diet (rivals Dylan Harper's year last year) and how he's able to make all these weird shots at funky angles, and you've got a guy who clearly has high level touch. This is not anywhere near the same situation as Jeremy Sochan who was shooting 59% from FT and could only get to the 70s shooting one handed.

Why can he not shoot the 3 that well? There might be a few reasons for it - first it may just be a mechanical issue - you wonder if just smoothing out his mechanics on the catch and shoot to allow him to transfer power from his legs would let him leverage his touch. Second, it might be a strength issue - Swain used to be a super skinny guy 2 years ago, so when you combine the fact that he was just not that strong with a 3 point shooting form that prevented him from transferring power from his legs, it sort of makes sense that his 3 point percentage would be abysmal. If he's got good touch indicators, then tweaking his form might actually get you a pretty dramatic improvement in his 3 point shooting, although that's still a risk.

The other thing about Swain is that not only is he a good defensive wing, but his high end outcome is a wing handler, which is something that's exceedingly rare in a guy who also happens to defend his ass off. If you look at his shot profile, it actually looks way more like something you'd expect out of a rim pressuring guard:


98th percentile on rim attacks and 93rd percentile as a PNR passer are the two things that stand out (also: 71st percentile on dribble jumpers!). I don't view him as a Vassell replacement, but actually more of a Castle/Harper replacement as Castle/Harper step into Fox's role over time. If Fox is getting paid 60 million down the road, we may have to accept that the Spurs will have to move off of him at some point if Castle/Harper develop like we think. At his best, we may be looking at something like Jalen Williams who can play with either Castle or Harper as a secondary ball-handler.

Just from a team-building standpoint, I think having a wing handler in place who can also defend and getting a guard shooter to complement that probably costs fewer assets and gives up less size than having a wing shooter in place and getting a guard handler to complement. High volume shooters, even somewhat multi-dimensional ones, are less difficult to get. Isaiah Evans gets up 15 3PA/100 and shoots almost 90% from FT and he's currently mocked as a second rounder. I say fit be damned for another year, go with the more rare archetype if you can.

 

[OK Computer]

With the Spurs already having multiple high-usage creators and a franchise anchor in place, I believe the biggest draft priority is adding scalable players who can move without the ball, defend multiple spots, shoot reliably, and offer some secondary creation upside. These six categories focus on off-ball value, defensive versatility, shooting reliability, and translatable on-ball skill - traits that maximize lineup flexibility without disrupting usage hierarchy.

Spurs Fit Table

​

Player​	Off-Ball (0–3)​	USG / Ball Need (0–2)​	Def Tend (0–2)​	Multi-Pos (0–2)​	C&S (0–2)​	On-Ball Creation (0–3)​	Weighted Fit Score​
Cameron Carr​	3​	2​	2​	2​	2​	1​	15​
Braylon Mullins​	3​	2​	1​	1​	2​	1​	12.5​
Joshua Jefferson​	3​	1​	2​	2​	1​	3​	12.5​
Thomas Haugh​	2​	2​	1​	2​	2​	0​	12​
Nate Ament​	2​	1​	2​	1​	2​	1​	11​
Chris Cenac Jr.​	2​	2​	1​	1​	2​	0​	11​
Tounde Yessoufou​	1​	1​	2​	2​	1​	2​	9.5​
Mikel Brown Jr.​	2​	0​	1​	1​	2​	3​	8.5​
Keaton Wagler​	2​	0​	1​	1​	2​	3​	8.5​
Dailyn Swain​	1​	0​	2​	2​	1​	2​	7.5​
Hannes Steinbach​	1​	2​	0​	0​	1​	1​	7​

Category definitions:

Off-Ball Scoring (0–3): How actively and effectively a player scores without the ball through movement, cuts, screens, and off-screen shooting.
USG / Ball Need (0–2): How much a player requires on-ball touches to be effective. More points means they need the ball less.
Defensive Tendencies (0–2): Where and how a player naturally defends, from paint-bound to perimeter versatility.
Multi-Positional Defense (0–2): How many positions a player can guard based on size, mobility, and defensive tools.
Catch & Shoot (0–2): Reliability and volume potential as a perimeter shooter off the pass.
On-Ball Creation Skills (0–3): Ability to generate offense for themselves and others — handle, shot creation, passing, and breaking down defenses.

Weighted Fit Rankings and Player Descriptions:

1. Cameron Carr — 15
   Elite off-ball mover with versatile defense and reliable shooting; can operate in multiple roles and scales well in low-usage scenarios.
2. Braylon Mullins — 12.5
   High-level off-ball scoring and spacing; defensive range slightly limited but still a strong system fit.
3. Joshua Jefferson — 12.5
   Excellent off-ball movement, versatile defender, and strong creation ceiling; fits as a secondary playmaker and floor spacer.
4. Thomas Haugh — 12
   Connective, multi-positional defender with off-ball scoring; limited on-ball creation keeps him just below top fits.
5. Nate Ament — 11
   Advanced off-ball forward with defensive tools and shooting; slightly more usage-dependent than top fits.
6. Chris Cenac Jr. — 11
   Low-usage rim runner with floor spacing and defensive versatility; strong system piece over high-usage guards.
7. Tounde Yessoufou — 9.5
   Explosive downhill wing with defensive tools and off-ball scoring potential; still developing polish.
8. Mikel Brown Jr. — 8.5
   Ball-dominant point guard with high creation upside; limited fit due to overlap with existing creators.
9. Keaton Wagler — 8.5
   Similar to Brown — strong creation and shooting, but defensive limitations and ball-dominance lower fit.
10. Dailyn Swain — 7.5
    Strong defender with on-ball scoring; high usage keeps him below top fits.
11. Hannes Steinbach — 7
    Interior big who operates within structure; lacks perimeter versatility and offensive creation.

I'm surprised by how this ended up (the end result averages). Maybe I graded Carr too high. I'll do this again when I watch more film.

 

[mo7888]

With the Spurs already having multiple high-usage creators and a franchise anchor in place, I believe the biggest draft priority is adding scalable players who can move without the ball, defend multiple spots, shoot reliably, and offer some secondary creation upside. These six categories focus on off-ball value, defensive versatility, shooting reliability, and translatable on-ball skill - traits that maximize lineup flexibility without disrupting usage hierarchy.

Spurs Fit Table

​

Player​	Off-Ball (0–3)​	USG / Ball Need (0–2)​	Def Tend (0–2)​	Multi-Pos (0–2)​	C&S (0–2)​	On-Ball Creation (0–3)​	Weighted Fit Score​
Cameron Carr​	3​	2​	2​	2​	2​	1​	15​
Braylon Mullins​	3​	2​	1​	1​	2​	1​	12.5​
Joshua Jefferson​	3​	1​	2​	2​	1​	3​	12.5​
Thomas Haugh​	2​	2​	1​	2​	2​	0​	12​
Nate Ament​	2​	1​	2​	1​	2​	1​	11​
Chris Cenac Jr.​	2​	2​	1​	1​	2​	0​	11​
Tounde Yessoufou​	1​	1​	2​	2​	1​	2​	9.5​
Mikel Brown Jr.​	2​	0​	1​	1​	2​	3​	8.5​
Keaton Wagler​	2​	0​	1​	1​	2​	3​	8.5​
Dailyn Swain​	1​	0​	2​	2​	1​	2​	7.5​
Hannes Steinbach​	1​	2​	0​	0​	1​	1​	7​

Category definitions:

Off-Ball Scoring (0–3): How actively and effectively a player scores without the ball through movement, cuts, screens, and off-screen shooting.
USG / Ball Need (0–2): How much a player requires on-ball touches to be effective. More points means they need the ball less.
Defensive Tendencies (0–2): Where and how a player naturally defends, from paint-bound to perimeter versatility.
Multi-Positional Defense (0–2): How many positions a player can guard based on size, mobility, and defensive tools.
Catch & Shoot (0–2): Reliability and volume potential as a perimeter shooter off the pass.
On-Ball Creation Skills (0–3): Ability to generate offense for themselves and others — handle, shot creation, passing, and breaking down defenses.

Weighted Fit Rankings and Player Descriptions:

1. Cameron Carr — 15
   Elite off-ball mover with versatile defense and reliable shooting; can operate in multiple roles and scales well in low-usage scenarios.
2. Braylon Mullins — 12.5
   High-level off-ball scoring and spacing; defensive range slightly limited but still a strong system fit.
3. Joshua Jefferson — 12.5
   Excellent off-ball movement, versatile defender, and strong creation ceiling; fits as a secondary playmaker and floor spacer.
4. Thomas Haugh — 12
   Connective, multi-positional defender with off-ball scoring; limited on-ball creation keeps him just below top fits.
5. Nate Ament — 11
   Advanced off-ball forward with defensive tools and shooting; slightly more usage-dependent than top fits.
6. Chris Cenac Jr. — 11
   Low-usage rim runner with floor spacing and defensive versatility; strong system piece over high-usage guards.
7. Tounde Yessoufou — 9.5
   Explosive downhill wing with defensive tools and off-ball scoring potential; still developing polish.
8. Mikel Brown Jr. — 8.5
   Ball-dominant point guard with high creation upside; limited fit due to overlap with existing creators.
9. Keaton Wagler — 8.5
   Similar to Brown — strong creation and shooting, but defensive limitations and ball-dominance lower fit.
10. Dailyn Swain — 7.5
    Strong defender with on-ball scoring; high usage keeps him below top fits.
11. Hannes Steinbach — 7
    Interior big who operates within structure; lacks perimeter versatility and offensive creation.

I'm surprised by how this ended up (the end result averages). Maybe I graded Carr too high. I'll do this again when I watch more film.

I really like the thought process behind that..

 

[Ariel]

Huge props to all regular contributors to this thread, especially @SpursBills and @OK Computer but also @BatManu20 and others, I haven't been able to keep up this year but you guys are doing an awesome job on this thread.

 

[STAT88]

All these lead guards blowing up like Acuff, Philon tonight and Mikel Brown, Wagler etc is a good thing for the Spurs as they’re more likely to get picked before the Spurs pick meaning players of need (forwards, wings) are more likely to be available in the 10-14 range.

Could easily have 6 lead guards go in the top 10.

Peterson
Flemings
Brown
Wagler
Acuff
Philon (borderline)

 

[mo7888]

Knowing Bismack, Olynyk, McLaughlin, Waters, and Plumlee are all off the roster this summer and unlikely to be resigned, how many of our 3 2nd's are likely to be drafted and on the roster? We could use all 3 and still add a couple vet minimums, I'm just wondering if we do that or just sell them again.

 

[thiste]

Cenac reminds me of Kelel Ware, and I don't agree that Karim Lopez is one dimensional. He's got good mobility for his size. Also he fits the city.

 

[BatManu20]

Acuff just continues to ball out. Damn-near dropped a 50-piece on a good Bama defense. Fellow projected FRP Labaron Philon Jr. also dropped 35 for Bama.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024315043308052669

 

[BatManu20]

Braylon Mullins drops 25 tonight but on 40% shooting as unranked Creighton pulls off the road upset versus #6 UCONN. Their offense relies way too much on his gravity though. I think Mullins would kill it on the Spurs being the 4th or 5th option on any given night.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024309790432727445

 

[BatManu20]

Cenac reminds me of Kelel Ware, and I don't agree that Karim Lopez is one dimensional. He's got good mobility for his size. Also he fits the city.

That's the comparison I see most on scouting reports. Kel'el Ware or Naz Reid. Would be a great fit for our current offense as a low-usage stretch-PF/C who is also a plus defender. Would also give us insurance for if/when we lose Korndog in a couple years.

 

[BatManu20]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024335102231089513

 

[SpursBills]

Braylon Mullins drops 25 tonight but on 40% shooting as unranked Creighton pulls off the road upset versus #6 UCONN. Their offense relies way too much on his gravity though. I think Mullins would kill it on the Spurs being the 4th or 5th option on any given night.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024309790432727445

Even though I dislike drafting pure shooters, I can't deny that

Fox/Vassell/Castle/Champ/Wemby
Harper/Mullins/CB/Keldon/Kornet

ten man rotation actually fits together and is insanely well balanced. Add Barnes as the resident unc, maybe see if you can get a third big early in the second round, and that's a very nice 12 man regular season rotation.

 

[OK Computer]

Full games are available on youtube when you search for <college basketball team name> full games.

I watched a Florida game tonight, and let me say, the *real* tape on Haugh is bad. He barely gets the ball in his hands and when he does, his ball handling is a travesty. Sure, he can probably shoot, can defend a little bit, but I just can’t see the Spurs drafting him when he’s a huge liability with the ball in his hands. He will have to drop in my next iteration of Spurs Fit grading table.

On the other hand, I watched a Baylor game and it seems Carr does appear to deserve a top spot in my rankings. He’s super active, can play on and off-ball, and is just everywhere where the ball is. He’s a year older than my guy Tounde, who he outshined in the game I watched.

I’m reversing course on my opinion of Nate Ament - I think it’s undeniable that he would be a decent fit on the Spurs. Best fit and talent overall out of all the realistic prospects? Probably not.

My top six as of now:

1. Cameron Carr
2. Joshua Jefferson
3. Nate Ament
4. Chris Cenac Jr.
5. Braylon Mullins
6. Tounde Yessoufou

 

[spursistan]

Seen a bunch of insane takes that Cooper Flagg wouldn't get into top 3-4 of this draft lol.. I am not even a Flagg carrier (pun intended) and i don't think he is 'generational tier', but i would still draft him first if he were eligible. IMO, he was more well-rounded, hence more of a sure thing, than Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer on top of seemingly having a superior mentality/character from various reports and tidbits available publicly..There is just not enough 'talent gap' to pass on Flagg for any of those three..

 

[spursistan]

Expecting this mentality & behavior to change in the pros Competitive fire, love for the game; you either have it or you don't.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024321951699734824

 

[STAT88]

Expecting this mentality & behavior to change in the pros Competitive fire, love for the game; you either have it or you don't.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024321951699734824

This guy is the most talented prospect but he’s def giving off some Kawhi-Uncle Dennis circa 2018 vibes

 

[Bruno]

Knowing Bismack, Olynyk, McLaughlin, Waters, and Plumlee are all off the roster this summer and unlikely to be resigned, how many of our 3 2nd's are likely to be drafted and on the roster? We could use all 3 and still add a couple vet minimums, I'm just wondering if we do that or just sell them again.

What will matters is where these second round picks will be: in the standard contract area or in the two way contract area?

Last draft, the frontier between these contracts was around the 40th pick. This year, Spurs will have Jazz, Blazers and Heat second round picks that are currently at #36, #44 and #45.

Regarding two way players, Ingram and Umude don't look like keepers. Spurs will have at least 2 two-way slots open.

And a player I can really see Spurs picking in the second round, if he's available, is Karaban. Karaban, picked with the Utah pick and signed to a 4 years contract with the second round exception, will give Spurs a solid rotation player on the cheap for 4 years.

 

[Vienna]

decent 15p and 6r game from Karim Lopez last night after a 3 weeks break.
over his last 5 Australien league games Karim Lopez delivered 17.4 PPG and 7.4 RPG.
shooting: 51% (26-51), 27% (3-11), 73% (29-40)
3pt % doesn't look good, but he significantly improved his FT rate. 8 trips to the line per game is quite impressive.

 

[mo7888]

What will matters is where these second round picks will be: in the standard contract area or in the two way contract area?

Last draft, the frontier between these contracts was around the 40th pick. This year, Spurs will have Jazz, Blazers and Heat second round picks that are currently at #36, #44 and #45.

Regarding two way players, Ingram and Umude don't look like keepers. Spurs will have at least 2 two-way slots open.

And a player I can really see Spurs picking in the second round, if he's available, is Karaban. Karaban, picked with the Utah pick and signed to a 4 years contract with the second round exception, will give Spurs a solid rotation player on the cheap for 4 years.

I'm definitely for swapping up our 2-way class, I just dont know all those spots come from the draft. Looking towards next season I don't see us signing any vets that are going to demand significant playing time and in that scenario I'd probably lean toward adding a couple locker room type vets and add a couple of these 2nds to the active roster. Karaban is absolutely on the list for one of those as a shooter thats ready to play, if needed, on day one. A couple others would be Dame Sarr, if he continues his fall and stays in, there's longterm upside there with a lot of bust potential and that's fine in the 2nd. I'd also be very interested in Motiejus Krivas as a 3rd Center. So to re-cap, 5 end of the bench spots- use 1 for our first, two on 2nd's, and two on locker room vets. Then use the other 2nd on a 2-way (of course we'll probably sell it instead) and fill the other 2 way spots with FA's.

That's how I think we should go assuming that there isn't a big trade on the table that I just don't see right now...

 

[Bruno]

So to re-cap, 5 end of the bench spots- use 1 for our first, two on 2nd's, and two on locker room vets. Then use the other 2nd on a 2-way (of course we'll probably sell it instead) and fill the other 2 way spots with FA's.

That's how I think we should go assuming that there isn't a big trade on the table that I just don't see right now...

I think it's going to be more 1 or 2 rookie to the main roster and maybe 1 second round pick on a two way contract.

In the 2027 draft, Spurs will have Hawks first round pick and a projected very late second round pick. If Wright can turn one of the three 2026 second round pick into a 2027 second round pick, he will likely do it.