Analyst grades NBA teams' 2026 draft classes
A draft analyst evaluated all 30 NBA teams' selections in the 2026 draft, assigning grades from A to C based on perceived value and fit.
The 2026 NBA Draft proceeded largely as expected, with most teams receiving solid value in both rounds, according to a draft analyst who graded each franchise's overall haul. The analyst’s grades, which consider the first- and second-round picks against his final prospect rankings, ranged from A for the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder, to C for the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers.
Teams such as the Hawks (A) were praised for selecting Kingston Flemings at No. 8 and finding late-round value in Henri Veesaar. Boston (A) secured Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell, while Detroit (A) added Ebuka Okorie and Ugonna Onyenso. Golden State (A) obtained Yaxel Lendeborg, and Houston (A) traded up for Bruce Thornton and signed notable undrafted free agents.
The Memphis Grizzlies received the highest grade (A+) after drafting Cam Boozer at No. 3, which the analyst called the draft’s top pick. The Oklahoma City Thunder also earned an A for acquiring Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz, fitting the team’s strategic needs.
Grades in the B range were assigned to several clubs, including the Brooklyn Nets (A-), Chicago Bulls (A-), Cleveland Cavaliers (A), Dallas Mavericks (B+), Denver Nuggets (B), and others, reflecting a mix of promising prospects and modest second-round selections.
The analyst expressed disappointment with a few moves, notably the Indiana Pacers’ trade involving Ivica Zubac and the Milwaukee Bucks’ lottery choices, which resulted in a C grade for both franchises. The Portland Trail Blazers received an “Inc.” rating after making no draft selections.
Overall, the analyst concluded that the 2026 draft was a “good draft” with few questionable decisions, leaving most teams satisfied with their picks.