Matt Powers

NBA Draft 📊🎞️ | Editor @swishtheory | Former @thestepien

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

This is my favorite column every year, where I go deep on my evaluatory framework. It was a fun cycle.

[Swish Theory @SwishTheory]

NBA draft projection is far from a perfect science, with endless ways to evaluate a prospect. @DraftPow reflects on his process with his annual column: Lessons from a Draft Cycle.

Check it out below! ⤵️

[Bennett Herbert @bendog28]

In the 1999 NBA Finals, a veteran Knicks squad tried to stop an up-and-coming Spurs dynasty. History may not repeat itself, but it sure does like to rhyme. Here’s what I’m watching for in the 2026 NBA Finals: https://t.co/4RTNKHp74O

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

Agree with @ChuckingDarts: Yaxel’s improved exactly as you’d hope for a player in their age 22 to 23 seasons. Now an 82% FT shooter. Also now deadly shooting as a pick and roll ball handler. There are few his age who could’ve contributed as well & in as many ways as Yaxel did

[Ryan Kaminski NBA @beyondtheRK]

Why Yaxel Lendeborg Should Go Top-10

Atypical age curve case
3.0 A/TO
7'4" Wingspan
Plays both sides of the ball
Improves every year by adding skill

"Top-10 pick to me" - @ChuckingDarts

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 @SwishTheory
Most Underrated 2026 NBA Draft Prospects

[Ryan Kaminski NBA @beyondtheRK]

on Labaron Philon's unusual, effective scoring style:

"Philon, to me, has the most appealing scoring package of any of these guards right now.

He is so confident."

-@ChuckingDarts on 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥's Most Underrated 2026 NBA Draft Prospects @SwishTheory

[Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon @TrillBroDude]

🚨 Fresh Bonus YKB

🕺 The Jared McCain game
🧠 2026 draft prospect deep dive with @slipthescreen
🤷‍♂️ Prospects were split on
🏀 Swain, Graves, Stirtz & other mid to late first round “steals”

Tap in below ⬇️

[Emiliano @EmilianoNaiar8]

Chucky Hepburn had a positive season combining elite ball management, high-pressure point of attack defense, three-point volume

He shares similarities with Jordan McLaughlin in terms of frame and statistical output as GLeague rookies

Could he be the next successful small guard?

[Chucking Darts NBA & Draft Podcast @ChuckingDarts]

https://t.co/sUdyh0eMs5

[elias @MaxiMonster111]

#tealeaves

[Finn Kuehl @finleykuehl]

Had the pleasure of being Brew Hoop’s eyes and ears at the NBA Draft Combine. Here are my notes on all the prospects the Bucks may be targeting:
https://t.co/1v5deMY65S

[Ryan Kaminski NBA @beyondtheRK]

On Allen Graves' Resilience, Work Ethic & Development with @SantaClaraHoops

"Character is a big part of our program.

We really recruit High-Character kids, and Allen (Graves) embodies that." - @Alan_Guillou96

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 @SwishTheory

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

@DraftNStashPod 11% blocked count/rim FGA, and self-created half of attempts. so closest to Ben Simmons

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

This is definitely a fair point. Comparing Boozer to other rim-attacking 6'9''+ players shows he does get blocked a good amount. He's self-creating more than the traditional bigs, but getting blocked at the same rate as Flagg/RJB who were a great deal lighter.

[BD @B_Den1]

@DraftPow How many players Boozer’s size get swatted as much as he does at the college level because he’s playing so far below the rim?

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

@LakeEffectBro idk, thought it was pretty tough leading with off-hand while driving hard, soft touch + accurate

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

also shout out Derik Queen, you’d think this low of a blocked % + his extremely low drive TO rate would be impossible given his WOAT combine testing

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

@Free8and5 he’s 250?

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

How many players Cameron Boozer's size can make this pass?

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

@onballcreator yea I don’t think many of these guys are able to place that off-hand with such accuracy, esp at Cam’s age. and many of these <250 lbs

[Matt Powers @DraftPow]

@onballcreator you said Bobi Klintman?

[Chucking Darts NBA & Draft Podcast @ChuckingDarts]

Thanks so much to @FinnDraft and @NileHoops for having me on!

Talked best fits for a “consensus” top 10. It is valuable work to actually envision how and why a prospect develops. Nile and Finn work very hard and challenge themselves daily.

Loved hopping on. Enjoy!

[Ben Pfeifer @bjpf_]

what can we learn from jayden quaintance’s shortened sophomore season?

[Ricky O'Donnell @SBN_Ricky]

Cameron Boozer is the best player in the 2026 NBA Draft.

My case for why the Duke forward should be the No. 1 overall pick:

https://t.co/4v6kFIeAjN