The Western Convention featured an enchanting mixture of approaches in the course of the 2026 NBA Draft. A number of contenders prioritized instant contributors whereas rebuilding golf equipment continued stockpiling long-term expertise. Some groups discovered franchise cornerstones, others landed great worth late, and a handful took calculated developmental swings. Right here’s how each Western Convention draft class stacks up.
Dallas Mavericks – A-
Added:#9 Morez Johnson, F/C, Michigan#25 Sergio De Larrea, G, Spain#48 Tobi Lawal, F, Virginia Tech#56 Vsevolod Ishchenko, G/F, Russia
Many pundits questioned the choice, arguing that Morez Johnson was solely the third-best Michigan prospect within the draft behind Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. Dallas’ analysis aligned with ours, viewing Johnson as the highest NBA prospect of the three. His elite bodily instruments, defensive potential and long-term ceiling make him effectively well worth the No. 9 choice. Reuniting him with the coach he gained an NCAA championship with solely strengthens the match. Dallas landed probably the most bodily gifted gamers within the draft, and his mixture of measurement, size and athleticism offers him an opportunity to develop into one of many largest steals on this class.
Dallas additionally addressed the backcourt by buying Sergio De Larrea, a talented Spanish guard with wonderful really feel, passing imaginative and prescient and perimeter taking pictures means. His sport has shades of a European Alex Caruso, counting on instincts, toughness and basketball IQ greater than elite athleticism. He’ll want so as to add energy, however his all-around sport offers him an opportunity to develop into a high quality NBA rotation participant. Within the second spherical, the Mavericks added maybe their largest upside swing in Tobi Lawal. A late bloomer to basketball with elite mix testing, Lawal stays uncooked however possesses uncommon athletic instruments that can not be taught. Dallas walked away with three gamers who every tackle totally different wants whereas including appreciable long-term upside.
The Mavs adopted that by deciding on Vsevolod Ishchenko, one of many higher worldwide values within the draft. The VTB Younger Participant of the 12 months shot 45 % from three and brings the kind of measurement and taking pictures each NBA crew covets. Coincidentally, Ishchenko has to his sport together with his artful scoring. He offers Dallas one other versatile perimeter participant with la little Austin Reaves-style aptitude.
Denver Nuggets – B+
Added:#35 Trevon Brazile, PF, Arkansas#49 Bryce Hopkins, F, St. John’s
Denver traded out of the primary spherical in an effort to handle payroll whereas nonetheless touchdown wonderful worth with Trevon Brazile, Few gamers on this class possess his mixture of size, athleticism and defensive versatility. Brazile has the instruments to develop behind Aaron Gordon whereas finally changing into a rotation participant able to impacting video games on each ends.
Bryce Hopkins offers the Nuggets one other worthwhile upside gamble. After recovering from a torn ACL, Hopkins regained a lot of his explosiveness whereas persevering with to showcase his polished face-up sport and bodily fashion of play. Bettering his consistency from three will decide whether or not he finally earns a long-term NBA function.
Golden State Warriors – A-
Added:#11 Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan#54 Lajae Jones, SF, Florida State
The Warriors made what felt like the one life like choice obtainable at No. 11 given the place the franchise is. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced nonetheless main a crew attempting to compete for championships, Golden State wanted a participant able to contributing instantly moderately than a longer-term mission. Yaxel Lendeborg matches that completely. Regardless of coming into the league as a 24-year-old rookie, his path to the NBA has been something however typical, and his expertise, readiness and flexibility ought to permit him to be probably the most productive rookies within the league subsequent season.
Somebody like Nate Ament could finally have a better long-term ceiling, however his developmental timeline merely doesn’t match Golden State’s championship window, and he’s removed from a certain guess to succeed in that ceiling. Lendeborg offers the Warriors a confirmed, successful participant who can assist instantly whereas nonetheless providing room to develop given his comparatively late begin in organized basketball. The Warriors rounded out their class with Lajae Jones, an explosive developmental wing whose athleticism and bettering perimeter sport make him an intriguing late-round addition.
Houston Rockets – B-
Added:#31 Bruce Thornton, PG, Ohio State
Houston aggressively maneuvered to the highest of the second spherical to safe Bruce Thornton, probably the most productive guards in current Large Ten historical past. Thornton brings toughness, maturity and scoring means regardless of missing best measurement for the NBA.
The choice got here a bit sooner than anticipated contemplating a few of the remaining expertise on the board, however Thornton matches Houston’s id. He competes, takes care of the basketball and will problem for backup level guard minutes sooner moderately than later.
Los Angeles Clippers – B
Added:#5 Keaton Wagler, G, Kansas#36 Baba Miller, F, Cincinnati#57 Narcisse Ngoy, C, France/Auburn
Keaton Wagler accomplished one in every of school basketball’s largest breakout tales by changing into a Second Staff All-American. His offensive effectivity, shot creation and determination making made him worthy of lottery consideration. Nonetheless, deciding on him at No. 5 is a little bit of a big gamble. As gifted and intriguing as Wagler is, his bodily limitations and lack of elite burst go away questions on his final upside and whether or not he can persistently create separation in opposition to NBA athletes.
The Clippers spent the rest of the draft including frontcourt depth. Baba Miller stays an intriguing long-term mission whose ability stage exceeds his bodily improvement and has the flexibility to develop right into a priceless rotation ahead if he turns into extra assertive offensively. Narcisse N’Goy presents great measurement, rebounding and rim safety. It was additionally a intelligent choice, as N’Goy (7’7 wingspan) will proceed creating at Auburn whereas the Clippers retain his NBA rights, primarily giving the group free improvement earlier than deciding when to convey him over.
Los Angeles Lakers – A-
Added:#24 Cameron Carr, SG, Tennessee
The Lakers recognized Carr as their most popular goal and moved up one spot by buying the Knicks’ No. 24 decide to make sure they landed him. Carr possesses elite athleticism, size and scoring upside whereas persevering with to develop defensively. His bodily presents alone give him an opportunity to contribute a lot before many gamers chosen in his vary.
Memphis Grizzlies – A
Added:#3 Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke#17 Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers#32 Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
The Grizzlies landed arguably the most secure participant within the draft with Cameron Boozer. His mix of ability, toughness, really feel and competitiveness offers Memphis a official franchise cornerstone to construct round because it transitions into its subsequent period. Boozer could by no means be probably the most explosive participant on the ground, however he persistently impacts successful in just about each side of the sport.
Memphis doubled down on upside by deciding on Karim Lopez, one of many youngest worldwide prospects within the class with a complicated really feel for the sport and great positional versatility. The Grizzlies closed the draft by deciding on Richie Saunders, who slipped on account of a torn ACL suffered late within the season. As soon as wholesome, Saunders tasks as one of many higher shooters within the class and may finally present high quality depth on the wing.
After the Ja Morant period was derailed by repeated off-court points, Memphis seems to be putting a good higher emphasis on character and tradition, very like Charlotte has executed with its current roster development. All three additions are extensively regarded for his or her competitiveness, professionalism and team-first method. Relatively than merely chasing expertise, the Grizzlies prioritized gamers who match the id they need to construct, giving the group a robust basis each on and off the courtroom
Minnesota Timberwolves – B+
Added:#33 Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke#59 Trey Kaufman-Renn, PF, Purdue
Minnesota moved again from No. 28 to No. 33 in a cost-saving transfer and nonetheless landed one of many largest steals of the draft in Isaiah Evans. Evans could have slipped partially on account of less-than-glowing suggestions from Duke in the course of the pre-draft course of, permitting Minnesota to capitalize. In actuality, falling into the second spherical might finally function the wake-up name Evans wanted and find yourself benefiting each the participant and the Timberwolves. At 6-foot-6 with deep taking pictures vary and wonderful shot mechanics, he possesses official NBA scoring instruments. If he provides energy and turns into a extra constant defender, Minnesota might look again on this as one of many defining worth picks of the draft.
Late within the second spherical, the Timberwolves chosen Trey Kaufman Renn, a productive, bodily ahead who persistently impacts video games with toughness, rebounding and inside scoring. Whereas he lacks elite athleticism, his instincts and competitiveness give him an opportunity to outperform his draft place.
New Orleans Pelicans – B
Added:#58 Jaron Pierre Jr., SG, SMU
With out a choice till late within the second spherical, the Pelicans nonetheless managed to land an intriguing scorer in Jaron Pierre Jr. Pierre blossomed into one in every of school basketball’s most harmful perimeter scorers throughout his last season, combining deep taking pictures vary with good measurement and athleticism. The largest problem might be adjusting from carrying an offense to embracing a complementary function, however the expertise is actually price a late gamble.
The larger story for New Orleans, nonetheless, stays final yr’s determination to commerce the decide that finally grew to become No. 8 total. That choice become Kingston Flemings after being dealt, together with Isa Newell, within the commerce that introduced Derik Queen to New Orleans at No. 14 within the 2025 draft. Because of this, Flemings and Queen will inevitably be linked all through their careers, and the commerce will proceed to be scrutinized every time both participant makes a major leap.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – B-
Added:#12 Aday Mara, C, Michigan#16 Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa#41 Otega Oweh, SG, Kentucky
Oklahoma Metropolis as soon as once more got here away with a strong draft class, though this group feels extra geared towards complementing an already championship-caliber roster than including one other future star. Choosing Aday Mara at No. 12 felt like a attain. Whereas Mara unquestionably brings nice measurement and potential rim safety, the decide seems closely influenced by the necessity to match up with Victor Wembanyama and different supersized frontcourts within the Western Convention. Mara has intriguing instruments, however his offensive limitations and lack of mobility nonetheless go away important questions.
The Thunder rebounded properly by deciding on Bennett Stirtz at No. 16. Stirtz was probably the most productive guards in school basketball and matches Oklahoma Metropolis’s mildew of clever, aggressive, environment friendly gamers. His really feel for the sport, decision-making and toughness give him an actual likelihood to develop into yet one more Thunder draft success, and he might finally show to be one of the best worth of their class.
Oklahoma Metropolis additionally chosen Ryan Conwell at No. 37 earlier than dealing him to Miami, then acquired Otega Oweh later within the night. Oweh provides athleticism, defensive toughness and downhill driving means, although he tasks extra as a complementary rotation piece than a difference-maker. As all the time, the Thunder drafted gamers who match their tradition, however with such a deep roster, discovering significant alternatives for one more wave of younger contributors could show simply as difficult as evaluating the picks themselves.
Phoenix Suns – B
Added:#30 Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
Peat slid farther than many anticipated after electing to stay within the draft, however Phoenix represents a great touchdown spot. The Suns have proven they’ll efficiently develop athletic forwards whose perimeter taking pictures stays a piece in progress, and Peat’s energy, motor and flexibility match that mildew. As a neighborhood Arizona product, he’ll additionally arrive with built-in fan help.
Peat was considered by many draft pundits as a possible top-10 choice early within the season, although we persistently had him graded considerably decrease. In the long run, the considerations we highlighted proved troublesome for groups to miss. His lack of perimeter taking pictures and considerably awkward positional match finally pushed him to the again of the primary spherical, reinforcing our view that he was extra of a borderline first-round expertise, even in a draft the place the latter a part of the primary spherical was thinned by robust NIL retention.
From a draft-stock perspective, declaring this yr was a major gamble. There was a compelling case for returning to Arizona, the place he might have continued creating whereas incomes substantial NIL earnings. As a substitute, he held onto first-round standing, placing him on the NBA improvement timeline sooner. If Phoenix can assist him make significant strides as a shooter and offensive participant, he’ll have the chance to earn a profitable second contract a lot sooner than if he had stayed in school.(IF).
Sacramento Kings – B+
Added:#7 Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas#29 Alex Karaban, SF, Connecticut#45 Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston
Sacramento landed its reported prime goal in Darius Acuff, probably the most gifted offensive guards within the draft. Thought of by many to be a top-five expertise, Acuff slipping to No. 7 might finally show to be one of many steals of the draft. He has additionally embraced the chance to play in Sacramento, making the match an encouraging one for each participant and group. His creativity, scoring instincts and playmaking means are elite, though bettering defensively might be important as he develops into the potential face of the franchise. For a crew badly in want of a expertise infusion and a youthful core to construct round, Acuff gives precisely that.
The Kings adopted by including a pair of pure shooters in Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp. Karaban arrives as a two-time nationwide champion with elite taking pictures means and excellent basketball IQ, whereas Sharp brings toughness, perimeter taking pictures and successful habits after 4 profitable seasons underneath Kelvin Sampson. Sacramento did a pleasant job surrounding its potential franchise guard with complementary flooring spacers, giving the category a balanced mixture of upside, taking pictures and expertise.
San Antonio Spurs – B
Added:#20 Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky#26 Tarris Reed Jr., C, Connecticut#44 Maliq Brown, F/C, Duke
The Spurs continued constructing round Victor Wembanyama by including measurement, toughness and defensive versatility. Jayden Quaintance stays one of many largest upside bets within the draft. Nonetheless simply 18 years outdated, he possesses elite defensive instruments and great long-term potential regardless of coming off an ACL damage. With a doable redshirt season forward, he represents the kind of long-term swing price taking for a affected person group.
On the floor, utilizing all three choices on frontcourt gamers is a slight head-scratcher contemplating Wembanyama is the franchise centerpiece. Tarris Reed Jr. developed into one in every of school basketball’s most reliable inside bigs, bringing rebounding, passing and bodily play to the frontcourt. He ought to add toughness and dependable depth behind Wembanyama. Maliq Brown offers San Antonio one other switchable defender with wonderful instincts and a team-first mentality, projecting as extra of a specialty defensive function participant than an offensive contributor. Not one of the three are polished offensive gamers, however every matches the defensive id the Spurs proceed to construct.
Utah Jazz – B+
Added:#2 Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Few gamers within the draft possess extra uncooked offensive expertise than Darryn Peterson. At his greatest, he appeared each bit the equal of A.J. Dybantsa and flashed official franchise-player potential. His means to create photographs, rating in any respect three ranges and make troublesome performs look routine is particular. Together with his measurement, shot-making means and superior offensive repertoire, Peterson has all of the instruments to become the centerpiece of Utah’s rebuild.
Peterson’s pre-draft course of was considerably uncommon, as he didn’t work out for the Jazz. As a substitute, Utah’s entrance workplace traveled to satisfy with him, and people conversations appeared to place any considerations to relaxation. After the draft, Peterson expressed real enthusiasm about becoming a member of the group and embraced the chance to assist lead the franchise into its subsequent period.
The largest query transferring ahead might be overcoming any well being considerations and staying on the ground persistently. Past that, Peterson’s freshman season featured stretches of brilliance combined with occasional questions on maturity and consistency. If Utah can present the best construction and Peterson stays wholesome, the upside is huge. In that situation, the Jazz could look again on this as the choice that landed them one of many NBA’s subsequent elite offensive stars.
