The Athletic NBA Daily – Saturday Slam N’ Jam

Episode: How good is the 2026 NBA Draft Class?
Date: January 31, 2026
Guests: Andrew Schlecht (host), Sam Vecenie (The Athletic, NBA Draft Analyst)

Overview

This episode dives deep into the anticipated 2026 NBA Draft Class, which is already being hailed as one of the best of the decade. Host Andrew Schlecht and draft expert Sam Vecenie break down the depth, star power, and unique characteristics of the upcoming class, and also reflect on the current rookie class that’s taking the league by storm. The episode is a must-listen for NBA fans interested in draft analysis, prospect development, and big-picture trends shaping the future of the league.

2026 NBA Draft Class: How Strong Is It?

Depth and High-End Talent

• Sam Vecenie immediately places the class among the strongest in years:

  “I would say it's the strongest we've seen…at least since 2023. I don't think any of Darren Peterson, AJ DeBancer or Cam Boozer have quite reached the level of Victor Wembanyama as a draft prospect…but I do like all three of them more than I liked either Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson.” (03:00)

• Vecenie says that not just one, but three prospects (“Peterson, DeBancer, Boozer”) could all be #1 picks in other years; all are compared to top previous prospects like Cade Cunningham.
• Beyond the consensus top three, the class stays strong through the top five and even deeper, naming:
  • Caleb Wilson
  • Keaton Wagler
  • Kingston Flemings

On Keaton Wagler:

“He just has so many outs as a player because he's so polished...It's almost hard for me to imagine a way that he doesn't at least become like a really good NBA player. And I think there's like significant upside beyond that.” (04:20)

On Kingston Flemings:

“Just like an absolute joke athletically. The explosiveness, the power, the speed with which he plays...the downhill force.” (04:36)

On Caleb Wilson:

“As productive as anybody in the country right now. Averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds...incredibly efficient around the rim. It’s like a Pascal Siakam starter kit.” (05:09)

Other intriguing first-round names:

• Darius Acuff
• Koa Peat
• Mikel Brown
• Jaden Quaintance
• Nate Amen

Summary Judgement:

“From a strength and depth perspective, this is going to go down as one of, if not the best, drafts of this most recent decade.” (06:16)

Breaking Down the Top Prospects

AJ DeBancer

• Currently at the top of Vecenie’s board, but with caveats.
• Concerns include limited shooting, sometimes undisciplined decision-making, and a loose handle.
  • “There just isn't enough variation on his drives...He isn’t a great shooter right now, not an awesome decision maker… reminds me most of Jalen Brown coming out of Cal.” (07:30)
  • “Those skills are right now lacking from AJ. And I think the player that it reminds me most of...is kind of Jalen Brown when he came out of Cal.” (08:47)
• High ceiling due to size, downhill ability, and physicality.
• Pathway to stardom: Develop poise, playmaking, and improve handle and shooting.

Darren Peterson (Kansas)

• Most commonly pegged as the #1 pick (“six-five guard”).
• Advantage is a polished offensive game, shooting, and playmaking; set back by injury this year.
• “You look up, and even with all of those injuries, Darren is averaging 22, 5, and 2, shooting 49/42/82 as a teenager… it’s just crazy how good and how efficient and how sharp he is.” (13:01)
• Still some differentiation in preference among teams for Peterson vs. DeBancer based on organizational priorities, current roster, and upside.

Cam Boozer

• Possibly overlooked due to lack of “elite NBA athleticism.”
• Statistically dominant and extremely productive; described as “complete” and “positionally sound.”
• “He's gonna win national player of the year in like a walkover as a teenager...anybody who would pass him up is kind of overthinking things.” (16:45)
• Defense:
  • “He’s really good positionally…I think Boozer will probably be able to step in and be a pretty good defender in the NBA positionally and like coaches aren’t going to get mad at Cam Boozer defensively.” (18:36)

Other Notables

• Jaden Quaintance

  • “Highest upside defender in the class. I would say he is a monster on that end...His timing is tremendous, his ability to cover ground is tremendous.” (19:52)
  • Recent ACL injury will make medical reports pivotal for draft position.

• Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)

  • Older, less athletic, but a high-IQ, multi-position playmaking wing who “out-thinks you everywhere on the court.” (24:08)
  • Teams covet his feel for the game, but questions over size, shooting, and finishing linger.

• Yaxel Lindeborg (Michigan)

  • Swiss-army knife forward, measured at 6'8" with a 7'4" wingspan.
  • Not flashy, but can rebound, pass, defend, and contribute offensively in multiple ways.
  • “Just another smart, instinctive player that just understands how to play.” (26:15)

NIL Era Impact: Draft Decisions & Second Round Thinning

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): A Game Changer

• Sam explains that new NIL rules and lucrative offers are dramatically altering the draft pool, especially in the back half of the first round and the second round.
  • “There just isn’t really a case for these guys to leave anymore...If you’re not a guaranteed first-round pick, you should go back. Just point blank.” (30:38)
• Example: Some returning college prospects can now earn $2–4 million per year, exceeding many late first or early second-round NBA rookie contracts.
• This means:
  • Fewer underclassmen (apart from clear first-rounders)
  • Stronger future draft classes
  • More upperclassmen/older prospects in the pool

Financial Calculus

• JT Toppin reportedly made more returning to Texas Tech via NIL than Asa Newell made as a first-round NBA pick. (35:26)
• Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) mentioned as someone who a few years ago would’ve left for the NBA, but could stay given lucrative NIL deals.

The Current Rookie Class: Exceeding Expectations (41:00–)

Cooper Flagg & Khan Knipple (Charlotte)

• Recent marquee game:
  • “I think we might have just had like the best American Caucasian off in the NBA ... Cooper goes for 49 on 20-of-29, Con goes for 34 and had like 30 at the end of the third quarter, it was ridiculous.” (41:25)
• Both described as immediate-impact stars:
  • Cooper: “I thought Cooper was going to be incredible from day one in the NBA. I had no real concerns about him.” (42:19)
  • Knipple: “Did I think Kan was going to be this good? ... He's just the guy. Like, he's just going to be the guy for you.” (43:14)
  • Notably, Knipple was viewed as a “false ceiling guy”—projected as a role player, but his all-around skill set and competitive drive point towards star upside.

Other Rookies

• BJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia)

  • Early star flashes, especially as a scorer and defender with a high motor.
  • “He looks like a star. You just watch him play and you’re like, okay, I’ve seen players like this before...The shooting, the fact that he's putting up almost six threes a game…very encouraging.” (46:00)

• Dylan Harper (San Antonio)

  • Elite defensive guard in a reduced role due to veteran-heavy roster.
  • “I don't recall seeing a first year guard that...can defend at the level that he does.” (49:31)
  • Offense developing, especially as a facilitator and rim attacker.

• Jaeger Diomen (Brooklyn)

  • Emerging as a “valuable player,” especially as a shooter and passer.
  • Still lacks strength and inside scoring but “has really worked on the jumper and has become like a monster shooter.” (53:40)

• Other Names with Notable Impact:

  • Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State): Smart, productive, beloved prospect.
  • Yaxel Lindeborg (Michigan): Swiss army knife; projects as a rotation player.

Quick Takes and Prospect Archetypes

“Who are you higher on than consensus?”

• “Forever it was Wagler, but I think people have caught up… I'm pretty intrigued by Amari Allen, Morez Johnson, starting to come around on Mateus Crevice at Arizona.” (29:46)

Positional Evolution & Prospect Decisions

• An oversupply of “lead or combo guard” prospects:
  • “That's like 17 lead guards...What's the least valuable position right now in the NBA?” (36:20)
  • Warns that small, even skilled guards are more likely to slide on draft day.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sam on the NIL era:

  “The market is pretty real right now. ... That oil money runs deep.” (35:40)

• Andrew on Knipple:

  “He’s breaking basketball right now with the way he’s playing for Charlotte.” (43:14)

• Sam on the 2026 class:

  “I think that from a strength and depth perspective, this is going to go down as one of, if not the best, drafts of this most recent decade.” (06:16)

• Sam on the present rookie crop:

  “I think even I probably underrated [Knipple’s] ceiling based off of what we’ve seen. And I loved him.” (45:05)

Late-Show Discussion: Giannis Trade Scenarios (67:00–78:00)

Predictions & Favorite Hypotheticals

• Sam expects a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, if it happens, is more likely in the summer than the deadline, but presents elaborate scenarios involving the Bucks, Blazers, Wolves, Knicks, and Sixers.
• Favorite package includes young assets, picks, and fits for all sides:
  • Ex: Bucks get Julius Randle, Nas Reed, Johan Baron Jay, a slew of first-rounders; Wolves get Giannis; Blazers gather Jaden McDaniels and others.
  • A Philly scenario: “Paul George and Scoot Henderson, [plus firsts], Giannis to 76ers, VJ to Blazers...If you're Philly, that's a pretty sick team.” (71:35)
• Evaluation of asset value, control over draft capital, and balancing risk and reward for teams in potential blockbuster trades.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• 2026 Draft Class: Deep, top-heavy, and widely expected to produce future stars—draws comparison to the best classes of the decade.
• NIL Impact: Draft calculus has fundamentally changed—many prospects will stay longer in college unless guaranteed lottery picks.
• Top Prospects: Peterson, DeBancer, Boozer, Wilson, Wagler, and Flemings provide different flavors of star potential.
• Current Rookies: Exceeding expectations; several look like foundational NBA pieces, with diverse skillsets and immediate contributions.
• NBA Team Building: Positional value, organizational fit, and draft capital management are more important than ever in both drafting and major trades.

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------| | Draft Class Depth & Star Power | 02:58–06:35 | | Top Prospects Breakdown | 06:35–19:33 | | NIL Impact, Second Round Thinning | 30:38–37:32 | | Current Rookie Class: Standouts | 41:25–49:31 | | Jaeger Diomen & Other Lottery Rookies | 53:18–56:47 | | Front Office/Trade Talk (Giannis Megadeal) | 67:00–77:30 |

For Further Draft Insights

• Follow: Sam Vecenie’s work at The Athletic
• Listen/Watch: “Game Theory Podcast” for additional deep-dive analysis

(Summary curated in the conversational, in-depth style of Saturday Slam N’ Jam.)