Santa Clara freshman forward Allen Graves is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft, he announced this week on social media (Twitter link).
Graves only started four of 35 games during his first college season, but he was a valuable reserve for the Broncos, averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 assists in 22.6 minutes per contest. The 19-year-old also had a solid shooting line of .512/.413/.750 and won a pair of awards, having been named the WCC’s Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year.
Graves comes in at No. 32 overall in the newly updated big board from Jeremy Woo of ESPN, making him a candidate to be a first-round pick this spring if he has a strong pre-draft process.
Here’s more on the 2026 draft:
- Woo’s new top-100 list features BYU forward AJ Dybantsa taking over the No. 1 spot, with Illinois guard Keaton Wagler moving into the top five in place of Houston’s Kingston Flemings, who slips to No. 7. The biggest risers near the top of Woo’s board are Arizona’s Brayden Burries, who jumped from No. 17 to No. 10, and Michigan’s Aday Mara, who is up to No. 14 after previously ranking 32nd.
- Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has published an updated version of his mock draft, which features Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. coming off the board fifth overall and UConn’s Braylon Mullins moving up to No. 9.
- Wake Forest guard Juke Harris is entering the transfer portal while testing the draft waters, he confirmed on Instagram. Harris had a breakout year for the Demon Deacons as a sophomore in 2025/26, increasing his scoring average to 21.4 points per game and earning Most Improved Player honors in the ACC. He’s currently ranked 39th on ESPN’s big board.
- North Carolina State guard Matt Able, who averaged 8.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.2 APG as a reserve across 34 appearances as a freshman, has entered the transfer portal while also putting his name in the NBA draft pool, tweets Jeff Borzello of ESPN. Able is the No. 60 prospect on ESPN’s board.
- The following prospects are also entering the 2026 draft (players marked with an asterisk are entering the transfer portal too):
- Dai Dai Ames, G, California (junior) (Twitter link via Joe Tipton of On3) *
- Rowan Brumbaugh, G, Tulane (junior) (Twitter link via Tipton) *
- Dennis Parker, G, Radford (junior) (Twitter link via Travis Branham of 247 Sports) *
- Bryson Tucker, F, Washington (sophomore) (Twitter link)
- LeJuan Watts, F, Texas Tech (junior) (Twitter link via Borzello) *
Hey Al, These people are ranking Wagler ahead of Acuff just like me and Raz. Wagler has the the better skill set, Just admit it. LOL If Wagler is in the top 5 and Acuff is 5th then Wagler is higher. They should have left Mara at 32.
I just read the bleacher report mock draft. Some of these comps are hilarious to me. Ain’t no way there is a comp for Braylon Mullins as Aaron Nesmith. He reminds me more of Grayson Allen without the antics.
I like Wagler because of his shot making/creativity along with feel for the game. He doesn’t force shots or anything. He can grow into a 2 way player at his 6’6 frame. He’ll need to add some meat on that 180 pound body, especially if he has issues with strength and explosion, but what he lacks in those two areas, he makes it up with IQ and shotmaking and quickly adjusting to the flow of the game.
My early mock (prior to the lottery)
1) Wizards (Peterson) – He prefers to play off the ball and with Trae and AD and Sarr there, he can just fit in like a glove.
2) Pacers (Boozer) – They need another big who can run and also finish in traffic after losing Myles Turner to Milwaukee last year. I think with Hali back and Boozer downlow, they’ll play the style of basketball that nearly won them a title last year.
3) Nets (Dybansta) – They need talent, and nobody from last year’s draft class really broke thru despite their 5 first rounders they had last year.
4) Jazz (Wagler) – This is where it gets tricky, I think they will pass on Wilson because of his inability to shoot from deep, they already have Markkanen and will likely reup Kessler. Wagler next to George will open up more driving lanes for the rest of the team.
5) Kings (Acuff ) – They’ll pass on Wilson because they love Murray at the 4. They need a PG who can create his own shot.
6) Grizzlies (Wilson) – Here where Caleb wilson would fit in well, Memphis needs a big now that they traded JJJ and Wilson with Coward and Eddy will be the next core for the Grizzlies.
7) Mavericks (Brown Jr) – Kyrie isn’t getting any older and they need a guy who can create his own shot. They need an explosive young guard who can build with Flagg.
8) Hawks (Flemings) – Hawks let Trae go finally and they need a PG who can distribute the ball to Jalen Johnson and the rest of that young team.
9) Bulls – (Ament) Excellent size and he is a 3 level scorer, the position of a stretch 4 is needed, especially with Buzelis going to be a hybrid 3/4 I believe.
10) Bucks (Philon) – Bucks need a young guard who can score on his own. Whatever Milwaukee does with Giannis, it shouldn’t exclude them from taking the best player available for the future.
11) Warriors (Lendeborg) – Warriors need to get younger and Yaxel is older at age 23, but he has a strong feel for the game and he’s a modern day 4 for that team. Pairing him with up Steph and whoever they decide to bring in whether it’s Giannis or someone else, high motor energy player as well.
12) Blazers (Steinbach) – They have really come on strong with Splitter as the HC and Devi is a stud when healthy. They need someone who has a strong post game to open up more lanes for Sharpe and Devi on the perimeter. Plus they will have a need at the position.
13) Heat (Lopez) – Another Heat type player, can handle the ball, shoot the 3 and ability to play thru contact.
14) Hornets (Quiantance) Excellent defensive player who can hit the outside shot, but healthy has been a question, but this would be great value and get a guy for when Mikal Bridges leaves town. With Knueppel being a stud, they need a defensive enforcer who can really excel in the open floor).
Let me know what you guys think. I’ll do the 15-30 after the lottery has been determined.
Lendeborg ??? Noooo !!!
Why do you and arc2 have a fascination with this guy?
Warriors need a BIG man and this guy sits on the perimeter all game?
Can you imagine a “college” team having several better BIG men than a guy you expect to run at POWER FORWARD in the NBA? Ridiculous.
He’s not big enough or athletic enough to run with the fours in the NBA
So he plays on the wing, which is great in college because he can pass he can dribble he can shoot, etc. etc. but in the NBA it’s a different story.
You need a gazelle on the wing in the NBA and if the Warriors burn the 11th pick on another Ike Diogu, I will throw something at the TV.
“Yeah, but Yaxel has long arms” they say. Well, so did Ike.
Warriors need NOT screw up this very valuable draft pick.
And if I hear the name Yaxel at pick number 11, Dunleavy better have a trade lined up because I don’t want to see that kid set foot in San Francisco.
Just my two cents, which is about what my comments are usually worth.
Gary, always appreciate you my guy! What trade offer do you have in mind for them to move up? Steinbach is also a possibility based on his post game but he is a poor rim protector.
If the Bulls are at 9( Hoping for some ping pong ball luck) and if Ament is there and I hear another name it will be EXACTLY like last year when I didn’t hear Derrick Queen. I’ve already bought a new TV( I get Visio’s now to keep the cost down), because something is getting hurled at the TV again. If I hear they drafted some 16 year old from Ethiopia It may be the last Basketball event I watch. I watched the first Qtr of the Blazers game last night but quit after 1 because my viewership obviously wasn’t helping them so just gonna root for them tomorrow night.
I love it, uncle Mike
I would love Nate Ament here. 6’10 and also a 3 level scorer. He can spread the court bc we know our coach isn’t going anywhere. It’s between him and Wagler for me based on what we need and how our roster is constructed (Giddey and Buzelis). I do want to see Leonard Miller getting more meaningful minutes next year as well. I think he can be a very very good first big off the bench for a real team unlike our JV level.
It’s real easy to get a good look at a top player in draft. There is 6-10 scouting reports you can read. And if you understand them. You watch the different videos on YouTube. Game and scouting videos. And you can look and see what scouting reports say.
Its a good refofor players you like. Or want to know better.
You are wrong about Yaxel. Simple as his height. Ge is 6’9” without shoes. Makes him 6’10 in pros. And is most NBA ready player in draft. He is perfect for Warriors. What you don’t know is he played out of position for Michigan. He is a trye 4. And has avg over 11 reb in college. Of you care at all about Warriors pick. You should do what I am saying. Chk him out.
What Curry really needs is someone who can shoot the 3? They are atrocious in that area. Curry gets double teamed without that. That is why they brought in Butler. But, now he is injured. Brylon Mullins? The draft is also deep in PGs.
Any big man you bring in is going to be a couple of years away. A Mohammad Faye would be a nice draft and stash.
Again you guys should stop talking and doing some reading, watching videos. He is 23 yrs old. Is a modern day big. Who is smart and plays both ways. He shot 36% threes at Michigan. Try informing yourselves. I don’t care who Warriors take. Most NBA ready big in draft. Didn’t you all watch the tournament.
You obviously do care who the Warriors draft.
I follow the draft. Im not ignorant like you. And talk out my ares all the time. I can tell you who every team in lottery should take. 30 yrs of doing this. Go watch a Giant game. We’ll tell you what happens.
A real fan knows who his teamnis scouting fir draft. A real knows who is available. A real knows who they should take. A real fan knows three picks before and tgree oicks after. Cause another team could take the player you want. You really are incapable aren’t you.
I have no problem getting a shooter for Curry, but I think Arc, Gary, and that other guy would have a severe aneurysm if they select another guard, it’s a strong possibility given that Moody would be out for the next year plus though. They do need more shooting from their wing guys outside of Curry.
Kerr wants a PG. ball handler. Unfortunately they are all 19 yrs old.
When did he say that?
I don’t need Kerr to say it. I am saying it. You deaf lol
I think at this juncture of his career Steph needs to be more off the ball and play the 2 guard role. Bring in a stable PG whether thru the draft or free agency or trade. Someone like Ayo would help them alot since he can play PG or SG and take pressure off Curry next year would help a long way.
He’s been off the ball for yrs now. Thats why I think Kerr wants a PG. ball handler to help Steph. Podz and all the rest have been running the point lol. Kerr doesn’t use a traditional PG. he wants ball handlers, playmakers , shooters .
I don’t think any time line has been established for Moody’s return. Some sites say it is possible to return in 6 months.
You really believe Moody will come back in 6 months after a torn achilles? Wishful thinking. I do agree they need to address that position and need though. I doubt they will trade up and give up future draft compensation post Curry years unless they really love Peterson or Dybansta or Boozer.
It is a patellar tendon that he tore. Best case is that he is at 85% within 6 months of surgery. Butler tore his ACL.
U til we know the lottery order. Its best to wait on predicting picks.
Mara only way he goes top 20. Is a team desigor a center. Maybe Hornets, Raptors, Hawks second pick. He looks like a solid rim protector, rebounder. That fits those teams.
Burries is going top 10. Shooting is more valued today.
Let’s just remember who was talking about Lendeborg long ago for Warriors. Mavs or Spurs could take him. Both could use a real 4. And he is ready to help Day 1.
And incase you want to know why. Is cause I wanted to give Davey J a heads up on a guy who could help next year. Just my opinion.
Mavs have PJ Washington? Or is he not a ‘real 4’? He shoots 35.4% from deep for his career and has 3 more years on his deal. What they need is a real young guard who can score and create his own shot and they don’t have none of that outside of Kyrie. Everyone is a catch and shoot guy.
Lendeborg. Is bigger and is ready to help. Some mocks have him going to Mavs. He is younger for Cooper. And imo better than PJ. I can see them doong it. I still think they go for a PG first. Kyrie is about out. Time to get younger. But if guards are gone. I can see them taking Lendeborg.
Spurs could use a 4. Barnes is leaving. And Lendeborg can play with Wemby. Like I said he is ready now. So he fits them. Makes them deeper bigger.
I can see Bulls taking him. He’s a sure thing unlike a 19 yr old. Ament is still raw imo. Bulls can sign a 4 till Essengue is ready. This pick is too important. They have to take a guard imo. Brown or Burries is the pick. Imo Steinbach is better than Ament. He is more ready and tougher.
Steinbach is not a rim protector, he’s strictly a post player who also doesn’t possess elite rim protection. Basically a Vucevic in training. I don’t see Yaxel lasting until the Hawks pick at 19. Tank has Quaintance for Spurs at 19. Yes Yaxel is ‘bigger’ than PJ but 6’9 to 6’7 and 235 to 230, so not really much of a difference. I don’t see Mavericks using their pick other than a guard. No doubt on what you said about the Bulls is correct. But we severely lack size in general and Ament is a 3 level scorer who has size at 6’10. He can play ‘small ball’ and have Buzelis/Essengue and Ament on the floor with Giddey. I do see them giving Essengue every possible opportunity to justify that pick over Queen next year, whoever the front office guys are. Burries is more of a Quentin Grimes type comp, good shooter but size and traits are the same. I wouldn’t want another guard who can’t create his own shot. That’s where Wagler comes in, we NEED a guy who can create his own shot in the backcourt next to Giddey. I see them resigning Simons or Sexton but not both to address this need as well.
Rim protection ????
What does that mean. Ament is a 4 and raw. Steinbach is a better rim defender right now. He can handle post or perimeter. Has mechanics to be a good shooter. Is tough and ready to compete. You understand raw means. He might not hit his peak like Williams, 19 yr olds. You get that right. A 4 is not a rim protector. He is weak side help. A center is only one who is a rim protector. You build defense around a rim protectors. Richard is fine there. You can find a center in second rd. Ament is a 4. He is raw. You already have a raw 4 waiting lol. Not a wise move.
Better hope there is a guard there. You don’t draft for size. You draft for talent and fit. You can find size in FA. This is an important pick lol. You been crying all year. This is a can’t miss pick . Has to be a SG first. Believe in Richard he is legit a d has size. Trust me there is a center in 2nd rd you can develop.
Now if you believe Ament is another J Johnson. Then you do it. I wanted him bad for Knicks.
Al, those are every mock analysis I have seen. Steinbach does not protect the basket at his frame. He is strictly an offensive player. Do you know that teams are looking for BIGS who can rim protect right? This is coming from NBA scouts who say that about him. What makes you think Ament is raw? Curious, besides age, if that’s the case then NONE of these kids should be playing until they are 21 based on “raw”. Every mock I have read says that Ament is a next level 3 level scorer, also averages 2.3 APG so he does pass the ball when he is double and makes good decisions. Also, prior to the start of the college season, Ament was projected to be the 4th pick in the class. He has talent and size and offensive ability. That is why I want either him or Wagler. We also don’t have anything close to Ament from Essengue on the offensive level.
Raw is raw. I go by what I know not what I read. all info is good and helps. Truth is I have to see more video on him. But for now. I see him 3-4 yrs down road playing the 4. He has talent. I just see other needs for Bulls. I don’t pass on Brown or Burries for him. Like I said I like Steinbach better. Lendeford definitely better. Bulls team building. I draft a guard.
All 19 yr olds you take a chance. We aren’t scouts so we don’t know their families, friends, and bad habits. Commitment to game a d life. We have to go by their actions on court. Where Boozer a d Peterson you can see their maturity in their gane. I don’t see that in Ament. Thats raw. AJ is raw. But has game and athleticism that jumps out. Dude don’t overanalyze me. I just talk ball. Its not a competition. I am going to be honest. But I can miss too lol. You don’t want Ament. Better off trading up for Wagler. Bulls should go with a guard. I’m just not sure one will be there.
Team building lol. Thats my priority for Bulls and lottery teams. Spurs can add a need and fit. Not team building or OKC. You feel me.