The Athletic NBA Daily How good is the 2026 NBA Draft Class? with Sam Vecenie | Slam N Jam
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Jan 31, 2026 Sam Vecenie, NBA draft analyst known for deep scouting, breaks down the 2026 draft class and rookie surprises. He ranks a top trio, spots surprising depth beyond them, and debates fits and medical questions. They also highlight breakout rookies like Kon and Cooper and speculate on imaginative Giannis trade scenarios.
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High-IQ Seniors Offer Immediate Value
- Older, high-IQ prospects like Joshua Jefferson and Yaxl Lindeborg provide immediate NBA value even without elite athleticism.
- Vecenie highlights their feel, anticipation, and fit as building-block players for teams like Memphis or Golden State.
Don't Enter Draft Without First-Round Certainty
- If you're not a locked first-rounder, return to college rather than chasing a late pick or two-way deal.
- Vecenie advises players to protect financial upside and development by staying in school when draft certainty is low.
NIL Is Thinning Second-Round Talent
- NIL deals are shifting the calculus: many second-round and fringe prospects can earn more returning to college.
- Vecenie expects NIL to thin the second round as top seniors opt to stay for lucrative college deals.