Let’s dive into the NBA Draft!
I’ve spent the last few weeks immersed in all things NBA Draft. My Grind City Media colleague Gary Parrish and I have been cranking out our Draft Board Breakdown podcast, running through all the prospects and permutations that the 2026 NBA Draft might present. As I write this on Monday morning, the Grizzlies have three of the top 32 picks (3, 16, 32) in what looks to be one of the most talent-packed drafts of all-time.
Will the Grizzlies pick at all three of those positions? I have no idea. That chaos is what makes the Draft so fun. We invite you to come down to FedExForum tonight to experience it with us! If you can’t make it down, tap in with us for Grind City Media’s epic livestream.
While NBA teams are coming up with their own big boards, during my exhaustive reading, I’ve developed my own rankings based on skill, resume, research, hearsay and an indistinct list of intangibles. Here, then, is how I’d rank the guys that I find the sixteen best prospects in the Draft…
- Cameron Boozer, Duke — The best player in the Draft, in my opinion. And he’s a year younger than everyone else.
- AJ Dybantsa, BYU — I love that he’s had all eyes on him for a few years now and has managed to meet or exceed expectations.
- Darryn Peterson, Kansas — The talent is off the charts, but his single season at Kansas left me with more questions than answers.
- Caleb Wilson, UNC — Great attitude and athleticism. His lack of perimeter shooting last season is the biggest concern to me.
- Mikel Brown, Louisville — Missed almost half of last season with a back injury, but man, when he’s healthy there is so much to like.
- Keaton Wagler, Illinois — Best size of all the PG prospects with a meteoric rise over the last year. Betting his relative lack of athleticism won’t matter at the next level.
- Darius Acuff, Arkansas — Incredible offensive talent. Can he be part of a system where he has to fit with others in the NBA?
- Kingston Flemings, Houston — Really like his versatility and maturity with the ball, with plenty of room to grow.
- Brayden Burries, Arizona — Really hope he ends up on a team where he can play off the ball and use his elite athleticism.
- Aday Mara, Michigan — Terrific size, but had one good season in college, and doesn’t have the most polished shot to draw defenders out of the paint, which might not matter.
- Nate Ament, Tennessee — Checks so many boxes when it comes to measurables, but his one year in Knoxville was all over the place.
- Morez Johnson, Michigan — Quietly zooming up the draft boards due to physicality and size. Have also heard teams love his personality/attitude.
- Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan — The best player on the best team in college basketball. At the same time, he will also be three years older than GG Jackson when the season starts.
- Dailyn Swain, Texas — I have him higher than some, because his shooting has been a concern. But I love everything else (driving, athleticism) about his game.
- Hannes Steinbach, Washington — Huge body who averaged a double-double last season.
- Christian Anderson, Texas Tech — At just over 6-1, the lack of size is concerning, but I love Anderson’s ability to shoot and run an offense.
