Mock draft 2026

[Dime Dropper]

I’ll be honest, Boozer did have some trouble getting his shot blocked in the last game vs the UConn big man. He still filled up the box score and he’s good but where does he operate in the NBA game? Not a perimeter guy, Definitely a facilitator. Is he a tweener?

He got blocked at least 4 times at the rim in the first 17 minutes and I had to switch off after that. He is a very skilled, physical player but I don't see the high level upside. People compare him to Sabonis which is a good comp, but Sabonis has led the NBA in rebounding multiple times and there's no guarantee Boozer is that dominant on the glass. I have no doubt he'll be a good offensive player but he worries me. He has clear limitations.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

He reminds me a lot of Sabonis. Better outside shooter, but not as good of a facilitator. I think he will struggle to guard PFs and forced to play center.

He reminds me a lot of Sabonis. Better outside shooter, but not as good of a facilitator. I think he will struggle to guard PFs and forced to play center.

What makes Sabonis a better facilitator? Boozer can drive and kick and runs the pick and roll as a roller and ball handler sabonis cant run ball handling duties like that and isn’t driving and dishing

There were a lot of reports saying he was close to 100% going into the tournament, but he still didn't show much. I have seen a lot of players who destroyed team in HS, but never seemed to do so in college. He may prove me wrong, but it is a big gamble for a GM with a top pick.

He still put up elite off ball numbers so his floor could be an very good off ball player with good defense

 

[Telemachus]

What makes Sabonis a better facilitator? Boozer can drive and kick and runs the pick and roll as a roller and ball handler sabonis cant run ball handling duties like that and isn’t driving and dishing

Sabonis has proven that he is an outstanding facilitator at the NBA level. His court vision is excellent. I haven't seen that level of court vision or passing from Boozer. He will be a good facilitator IMO, but not on Sabonis' level. Just like he has shown to be a good rebounder this year, but he has a ways to go to catch up with Sabonis in that area as well.

 

[midtowner]

Sabonis has proven that he is an outstanding facilitator at the NBA level. His court vision is excellent. I haven't seen that level of court vision or passing from Boozer. He will be a good facilitator IMO, but not on Sabonis' level. Just like he has shown to be a good rebounder this year, but he has a ways to go to catch up with Sabonis in that area as well.

Much better three point shooter than Sabonis - so Boozer should be able to create advantages from the triple threat position that Sabonis does not. Also - he’s much better with his off hand than Sabonis and has a way better handle than Sabonis had at age 18. Boozer is definitely going to be a good offensive player in the NBA. But he might not be a legitimate number one option.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Anyone have opinions on Tyler Tanner? Being mocked as a second rounder by some analysts but he looks like a first rounder to me. I would be ecstatic to get him in the second round.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Anyone have opinions on Tyler Tanner? Being mocked as a second rounder by some analysts but he looks like a first rounder to me. I would be ecstatic to get him in the second round.

He's very small, and that's a concern. I think that the buzz is expecting him to opt for another year of college, where he'll go to a top school (Kentucky whispers are out there) and make more than he would in the NBA as a late first-rounder. But you never know.

 

[Dime Dropper]

He's very small, and that's a concern. I think that the buzz is expecting him to opt for another year of college, where he'll go to a top school (Kentucky whispers are out there) and make more than he would in the NBA as a late first-rounder. But you never know.

He's definitely underweight but I'm not concerned about his height. He looks pretty long and he's very active, and a plus athlete. Looks to have a deep bag too. Would be a shame if he goes back to school (for us) if he's expected to be there in the second.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Ebuka Okorie is a baller. Gets to the rim at will, super fast, great handles. Another guy that looks like a first rounder to me but is projected to go in the 2nd. His first step is so explosive it looks like he's glitching.

I don't think these projections will be shared by front office execs. This guy is better than some players projected in the lottery IMO.

 

[Dongoodboy]

Ebuka Okorie is a baller. Gets to the rim at will, super fast, great handles. Another guy that looks like a first rounder to me but is projected to go in the 2nd. His first step is so explosive it looks like he's glitching.

I don't think these projections will be shared by front office execs. This guy is better than some players projected in the lottery IMO.

I think you can't just a guy should be a first rounder in vacuum, you look at who he is kicking out. For Okorie and Tanner, they have their own flaws, I think they would be the first 5 guys taken in the 2nd round. Maybe 1st if they declare coz there will be a few guys staying in college.

 

[Telemachus]

Anyone have opinions on Tyler Tanner? Being mocked as a second rounder by some analysts but he looks like a first rounder to me. I would be ecstatic to get him in the second round.

There are 2 questions about Tanner. His height (is he 6' tall?). His 3pt shooting. He has shot well from 3 this season, but not prior seasons.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I think you can't just a guy should be a first rounder in vacuum, you look at who he is kicking out. For Okorie and Tanner, they have their own flaws, I think they would be the first 5 guys taken in the 2nd round. Maybe 1st if they declare coz there will be a few guys staying in college.

That goes without saying. I believe they're flat out better right now, and with higher upside than guys projected in the first. Every player has flaws including the ones at the top of the draft. Hopefully they don't go back to school.

 

[serbiangoat]

I'm almost certain the Kings take Boozer while he's not a 5th year senior he does play like one, he's got questionable size (going to assume he can't play the 4) and is in between positions most likely and most likely the highest floor and probably lower end upside when compared to the other top prospects he's 100% the Kings pick. This has been the Kings archetype for ages now the fact they can draft a 19 year old to fill all those prerequisites is to good to pass for them.

 

[ESP47]

I'm almost certain the Kings take Boozer while he's not a 5th year senior he does play like one, he's got questionable size (going to assume he can't play the 4) and is in between positions most likely and most likely the highest floor and probably lower end upside when compared to the other top prospects he's 100% the Kings pick. This has been the Kings archetype for ages now the fact they can draft a 19 year old to fill all those prerequisites is to good to pass for them.

How come you assume he can't play the 4? He's not exactly fleet of foot but I think his defense would be better suited at the 4 spot rather than the 5. I'd rather him get blown by on the perimeter a few times a game rather than get scored on at will at the rim.

 

[serbiangoat]

How come you assume he can't play the 4? He's not exactly fleet of foot but I think his defense would be better suited at the 4 spot rather than the 5. I'd rather him get blown by on the perimeter a few times a game rather than get scored on at will at the rim.

How many slow footed starting 4s are in today's NBA? Maybe Naz Reid (technically a 6th man) and Julius Randle I guess (Randle does have good burst just doesn't use it on defense) even KAT is basically a 5 now, also at the 5 theres so few post up threats in the NBA now I doubt he will be getting overpowered and schooled unless it's Jokic/Emibieed types who wreck everyone. Could Boozer be a Naz Reid type at the 4/5 with a different play style and much higher IQ and self control would be a pretty good outcome imo.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

How many slow footed starting 4s are in today's NBA? Maybe Naz Reid (technically a 6th man) and Julius Randle I guess (Randle does have good burst just doesn't use it on defense) even KAT is basically a 5 now, also at the 5 theres so few post up threats in the NBA now I doubt he will be getting overpowered and schooled unless it's Jokic/Emibieed types who wreck everyone. Could Boozer be a Naz Reid type at the 4/5 with a different play style and much higher IQ and self control would be a pretty good outcome imo.

Boozer isn’t playing center unless it’s small ball vs the bench

 

[dude12]

Soooo, I’ve seen Tarris Reed twice now and checked on some projections for the draft and he’s slated for around 50ish. He’s looked fairly good to me. Is he playing over his head in the tourney?

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Soooo, I’ve seen Tarris Reed twice now and checked on some projections for the draft and he’s slated for around 50ish. He’s looked fairly good to me. Is he playing over his head in the tourney?

Not really. But he's a senior and he's not really a guy who can spread the floor so it might be tough for him to go in the first round. Late second seems too low though.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I really like Wagler. Not twitchy but he is plenty fluid and shifty. Also great size and length. He's very weak but you'd expect his body to fill out with a proper training program. However, his off-ball movement leaves a lot to be desired. He needs to get better at changing direction and using screens because he can be lethal with his shooting and ability to manipulate defenses off the dribble. He needs to spend all off-season watching Steph's tape. Honestly I'd be really happy with him if we drop out of the top 4. I think he has real upside.

 

[Tetsujin]

Some team is going to be bolstered by the success of Kon Knueppel and draft Mullins way earlier than people expect.

 

[dude12]

I really like Wagler. Not twitchy but he is plenty fluid and shifty. Also great size and length. He's very weak but you'd expect his body to fill out with a proper training program. However, his off-ball movement leaves a lot to be desired. He needs to get better at changing direction and using screens because he can be lethal with his shooting and ability to manipulate defenses off the dribble. He needs to spend all off-season watching Steph's tape. Honestly I'd be really happy with him if we drop out of the top 4. I think he has real upside.

8 minutes left in this game and his team down big but within reach…..I’d like to see him bring his team back (take over) but is he really that guy? I agree with all of your assessment but is he worthy of the pick that high? You know…is it a safe pick of a guy who will be good versus a swing at a guy who might be a home run like Acuff who pops on the offensive side. To be fair, I haven’t seen enough of Wagler but it’s why I’m asking

 

[Dime Dropper]

8 minutes left in this game and his team down big but within reach…..I’d like to see him bring his team back (take over) but is he really that guy? I agree with all of your assessment but is he worthy of the pick that high? You know…is it a safe pick of a guy who will be good versus a swing at a guy who might be a home run like Acuff who pops on the offensive side. To be fair, I haven’t seen enough of Wagler but it’s why I’m asking

Yeah, I probably take Acuff over him right now. I want to see Wagler be more assertive here, he looks fatigued. Illnois cannot get anything to fall but the game is right there for them. Wagler needs to step up.

Regarding upside, I do think he has significant upside. We're seeing stars in the NBA who are not explosive athletes but have that smooth creativity, high IQ and shooting, all of which he has. He also has the physical profile. I don't think his body is even close to where it will be in 3 years.

 

[Tetsujin]

Andrej gonna turn this strong match Madness showing into a first round selection at this rate.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Both of these teams are doing their best not to win it. It feels like UConn haven't scored in an age, and Illnois keep missing at the rim.

It's right there for Wagler to make a mark. He is struggling a bit with the physicality.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Andrej gonna turn this strong match Madness showing into a first round selection at this rate.

I think another year in school would benefit him, but I do like how willing he is to get his hands dirty.

 

[Tetsujin]

I think another year in school would benefit him, but I do like how willing he is to get his hands dirty.

As much as we’ve been talking Wagler in this thread, Andrej is absolutely Illinois’s best iso player.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Finally Wagler makes a bucket. Hopefully that wakes him up. Game is still there.

 

[dude12]

About time Wagler takes the drive, bounces his guy off him and scores

 

[Tetsujin]

Okay Wagler. I see you.

 

[Tetsujin]

Must admit. Mullins clutch as hell.

 

[dude12]

Step back clutch 3 Wagler…I see you