NBA Draft Junkies Podcast

The 2026 NBA rookie class continues to deliver impressive performances, and James Barlowe is back with another solo edition of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report

In Volume 15, James breaks down Caleb Wilson's latest standout performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals while connecting on four of his nine three-point attempts. The conversation also turns to AJ Dybantsa, who scored 21 points in Washington's victory over the Orlando Magic, as James shares his thoughts on the No. 1 picks development and early NBA performances.

Meanwhile, Cleveland's Meleek Thomas made the most of his starting opportunity against Oklahoma City, recording 17 points and five rebounds. On the other side, Thunder rookie Aday Mara nearly posted a double-double in just 20 minutes off the bench. James examines both performances and what they could mean for each player's role moving forward.

The episode wraps up with Mikel Brown Jr., who contributed 13 points and three assists off the bench in Brooklyn's loss to the New York Knicks. Should the Nets consider giving their talented young guard more responsibility, and which rookies are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the class?

Join James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report as he shares his scouting observations, early evaluations and takeaways from the NBA's next generation of talent.

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James Barlowe is back to finish what he started!

After unveiling his top 10 prospects in last Thursday's 2027 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0, James returns for Part II, revealing the remaining players on his preseason rankings as the 2026–27 college basketball season approaches.

With a big board that looks considerably different from the early consensus, James shares his evaluations of some of the most intriguing prospects in the class. Where do Anthony Thompson, Billy Richmond and Alijah Arenas rank? How many Arkansas players make his first round? And which prospects does James believe are being overlooked by the early mock drafts?

The episode also revisits the ongoing debate surrounding the overall strength of the 2027 NBA Draft. Is this a class with legitimate star power and first-round depth, or could it resemble the much-debated 2024 draft?

Join James for another edition of NBA Draft Junkies as he completes his preseason big board, explains his unconventional rankings and identifies the prospects he'll be watching closely throughout the college basketball season.

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Is Darius Acuff on his way to a historic rookie season? And did NBA scouts underestimate Yaxel Lendeborg's scoring ability?

In NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 14, Rafael and James Barlowe break down the historic start to Acuff's NBA career with the Sacramento Kings.

After struggling with efficiency during his first few games, Acuff has caught fire, scoring at least 30 points in three of his last five outings. He delivered 34 points, 14 assists and six rebounds against New Orleans before following that performance with 38 points, five rebounds and five assists on Saturday night. With season averages of 26 points and six assists, the brothers examine whether Acuff's scoring pace is sustainable, how his efficiency is improving and whether he's emerging as one of the NBA's most dangerous young guards.

The conversation then shifts to Golden State's Yaxel Lendeborg, who has scored at least 25 points in four of his last five games and is delivering another career-best performance against the Los Angeles Clippers. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sidelined, Lendeborg has taken on a larger offensive responsibility while the Warriors pursue their fourth consecutive victory. Rafael and James discuss whether Lendeborg is a more talented scorer than initially projected, how his offensive role is evolving and what his early success means for his long-term NBA ceiling.

Are Acuff and Lendeborg simply enjoying early-season hot streaks, or are we witnessing the emergence of two future NBA stars? Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies as they break down the numbers, scouting takeaways and biggest questions surrounding two of the most impressive rookies from the 2026 NBA Draft class.

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Is the 2027 NBA Draft class being overrated, underrated or completely misunderstood?

A recent debate between Rafael and James Barlowe sparked an interesting disagreement about the overall quality of the upcoming NBA Draft class.

Rafael compared the 2027 class to the widely criticized 2024 NBA Draft, questioning whether the group possesses the high-end talent and depth typically associated with a strong draft.

James strongly disagreed.

But the disagreement wasn't simply about the overall talent level. As Rafael discussed several prospects projected to land in the lottery according to early mock drafts and big boards, James revealed that his personal rankings looked considerably different from the consensus.

Now, with the 2026-27 college basketball season approaching, James is ready to reveal his list.

In this special episode of NBA Draft Junkies, James Barlowe unveils his top 10 prospects for the 2027 NBA Draft, sharing his scouting evaluations, explaining his rankings and identifying players he believes deserve more attention.

Is Tyran Stokes the clear-cut No. 1 prospect? Who belongs immediately behind him? Which highly regarded prospects failed to make James' list? And is the 2027 class actually stronger than many people realize?

Forget the early mock drafts. This is James Barlowe's personal evaluation of the top prospects in the 2027 NBA Draft.

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The 2026 NBA rookie class continues to deliver compelling storylines, and James Barlowe is flying solo for another edition of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report!

In Volume 13, James begins with the highly anticipated NBA season debut of AJ Dybantsa, who finally returned to action after missing the opening games with an ankle injury. What stood out from his first appearance, and what should fans expect as he works his way into the rotation?

The conversation then shifts to Kingston Flemings, who delivered a career-high performance against the Miami Heat. James examines what made Flemings so effective, his development as a young guard and what his big night could mean moving forward.

James also breaks down Caleb Wilson's performance against the New York Knicks, shares his latest thoughts on Darryn Peterson and Meleek Thomas, and highlights additional rookies making an impact during the opening weeks of the NBA season.

Join James Barlowe for a solo edition of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report as he shares his scouting evaluations, observations and takeaways from the NBA's next generation of talent.

Is it time for the Brooklyn Nets to give Mikel Brown Jr. the keys to their offense?

On this episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live, Rafael and James Barlowe break down Brown's impressive second-half performance vs the Boston Celtics and debate whether Brooklyn should insert its talented rookie into the starting lineup and give him more responsibility as a primary playmaker.

The brothers also discuss the latest injury news involving Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Edwards, examining how their potential absences could impact team rotations and create opportunities for young players, including Darryn Peterson.

Plus, Rafael and James revisit Cameron Boozer's impressive start as the Memphis Grizzlies improve to 4-0, discuss Yaxel Lendeborg's continued production and share their scouting takeaways from Darius Acuff's latest performance.

Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live as they examine the performances, opportunities and development of the NBA's next generation.

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The 2026 NBA season is just getting started, but injuries, breakout performances and unexpected opportunities are already shaping the rookie class.

In NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 11, Rafael and James Barlowe open the show with a major development in Oklahoma City, where injuries to Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams could significantly impact the Thunder's rotation.

With two key starters potentially facing extended absences, could rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz be in line for larger roles?

Both players saw increased playing time against the Phoenix Suns, and the Barlowe brothers examine how their skill sets could help Oklahoma City navigate its injury concerns.

What does this mean for the Thunder's championship aspirations, and could an unfortunate situation create a valuable opportunity for two promising rookies?

The conversation then shifts to Caleb Wilson, who continued his encouraging start to the season with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three combined steals and blocks against the Boston Celtics. Rafael and James discuss Wilson's early production and how his athleticism and versatility are translating to the NBA.

Meanwhile, Cleveland rookie Meleek Thomas made an immediate impression after sitting out the Cavaliers' first two games. Thomas came off the bench to score 16 points in just 19 minutes, knocking down four of his five three-point attempts as Cleveland handed Minnesota its first loss of the season.

James, who was a strong believer in Thomas entering the NBA Draft, shares his thoughts on the rookie's performance and whether his scoring ability could earn him a consistent role in Cleveland's rotation.

The brothers also turn their attention to an intriguing matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, featuring two of the top three selections from the 2026 NBA Draft.

With Cameron Boozer attempting to keep Memphis undefeated, the game offers an early look at two highly regarded rookies whose teams were involved in a significant trade last season. Rafael and James discuss the matchup, the players' early development and the expectations surrounding both franchises.

Finally, the episode wraps up with Darius Acuff, whose offensive production has generated plenty of attention during the opening week of the season.

How sustainable is his approach, and what should we make of his shot selection and offensive responsibilities?

Are the Thunder's injuries opening the door for two promising rookies? Is Meleek Thomas ready to become a regular contributor? And just how good can this 2026 NBA Draft class become?

Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report as they break down the performances, opportunities and scouting questions surrounding the NBA's newest generation of talent.

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The college basketball season hasn't officially tipped off, but some of the nation's top NBA Draft prospects are already giving scouts plenty to talk about.

On this episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live, Rafael and James Barlowe break down a weekend filled with high-profile college basketball exhibitions, intriguing prospect matchups and standout performances from the next generation of NBA talent.

The conversation begins with Arkansas and its No. 1-ranked recruiting class taking on Gonzaga in one of the weekend's most anticipated exhibition games. The brothers share their scouting impressions of Jordan Smith Jr., Billy Richmond, JJ Andrews, Miikka Muurinen and Abdul Toure, discussing how Arkansas' talented roster performed against quality competition and what their early play suggests about their NBA potential.

Next, Rafael and James turn their attention to the Duke-Kansas exhibition, a matchup featuring two programs loaded with NBA prospects. With projected top prospect Tyran Stokes on one side and Patrick Ngongba leading Duke's deep squad on the other, the game provided an early opportunity to evaluate some of the most highly regarded players in the 2027 NBA Draft conversation.

One of the biggest stories was Ngongba, who delivered a monster performance for Duke. The brothers examine what stood out about his play, his development and how he could impact Duke's season.

The conversation then shifts to Bruce Branch III, who filled the stat sheet against UNLV with 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Rafael and James discuss Branch's versatility, playmaking and the early signs of his development.

Finally, the episode wraps up with one of the most impressive individual performances of the weekend. High school standout Cayden Daughtry erupted for 46 points, six assists and six rebounds in a matchup against Beckham Black, the top-ranked player in the 2027 high school class. What made Daughtry's performance so impressive, and how should it impact the conversation surrounding the nation's top young prospects?

Which players helped their NBA Draft stock? Who exceeded expectations? And what did we learn from a weekend featuring some of basketball's most talented young players?

Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live as they share their scouting observations, early evaluations and takeaways from an exciting weekend of college and high school basketball.

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The 2026 NBA Draft class entered the league with plenty of hype, and through the opening week of the regular season, several rookies are already showing why expectations were so high.

In NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 10, Rafael and James Barlowe break down some of the biggest rookie performances of the weekend, starting with Caleb Wilson's monster outing against the Washington Wizards.

Wilson erupted for 30 points, 14 rebounds and three combined steals and blocks, delivering one of the most impressive performances of the young season.

The conversation then shifts to Cameron Boozer, who continues to make his presence felt for the undefeated Memphis Grizzlies. Boozer finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists against Golden State, showcasing the versatility and basketball IQ that made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Golden State's Yaxel Lendeborg also put together an impressive weekend, recording 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists against Memphis before following that performance with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists against Phoenix. The brothers examine Lendeborg's early impact and how his versatile skill set is translating to the NBA.

Meanwhile, Darius Acuff bounced back from a difficult debut with a 33-point performance against Portland. But despite the impressive scoring total, questions remain about his shot selection and offensive approach. Rafael and James discuss the debate surrounding Acuff's scoring mentality and how to evaluate a young guard who isn't afraid to take difficult shots.

The episode also highlights two rookies who may not be receiving the same attention as the lottery picks.

Denver's Trevon Brazile is beginning to look like a potential second-round steal after contributing 17 points and nine rebounds in the Nuggets' historic comeback victory over New Orleans. Dallas rookie Sergio De Larrea also turned heads with a 21-point performance, adding another name to the growing list of first-year players making an early impact.

Is the 2026 NBA rookie class already exceeding expectations? Which performances are sustainable, and which players are emerging as legitimate contributors?

Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report as they break down the performances, scouting takeaways and early storylines surrounding one of the NBA's most anticipated rookie classes.

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The NBA regular season is underway, and the next generation of basketball stars is already giving us plenty to talk about!

On this episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live, Rafael and James Barlowe kick things off with Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who wasted no time making headlines after a heated exchange with Luka Dončić. The brothers discuss Lendeborg's competitive approach, his comments following the game, and whether the rookie's confidence could become one of his greatest strengths.

The conversation then shifts to the contrasting NBA debuts of Darius Acuff and Keaton Wagler. Acuff struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 5-24 from the field while recording three assists and four turnovers. Wagler, meanwhile, delivered an encouraging performance with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals while connecting on three shots from beyond the arc.

From there, Rafael and James turn their attention to the next NBA Draft class, beginning with the Kansas-Louisville exhibition featuring projected top prospect Tyran Stokes and Louisville's Obinna Ekezie. What did the matchup reveal about two intriguing prospects heading into the college basketball season?

The brothers also break down Nikola Kusturica's impressive all-around performance in UCLA's exhibition victory over California Baptist. Despite struggling with his shot, Kusturica impacted nearly every aspect of the game, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks in just 24 minutes.

Finally, Rafael and James examine Duke's loaded roster, the emergence of DeRon Rippey, and questions surrounding Cameron Williams' role and fit within a talented Blue Devils rotation.

From NBA rookie growing pains to the early emergence of future draft prospects, this episode covers the performances, questions and scouting storylines shaping the next generation of basketball talent.

Subscribe to NBA Draft Junkies for NBA Draft analysis, rookie evaluations, college basketball scouting and conversations about the future of the game.

The preseason is officially behind us, the 2026-27 NBA season is underway, and now the real evaluation begins!

In this episode of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 9, Rafael and James Barlowe break down the regular-season debuts of some of the most highly anticipated prospects from the 2026 NBA Draft class.

After weeks of preseason performances, scouting discussions and predictions, the Barlowe brothers take a closer look at how these rookies are adjusting to meaningful NBA competition. What stood out? Which players showed encouraging signs? And what early concerns could become important as the season progresses?

The conversation focuses on Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries, examining their early performances, offensive and defensive contributions, decision-making and opportunities within their respective teams.

Rafael and James also discuss the challenges facing first-year players, the importance of opportunity and playing time, and why a rookie's first few games can offer valuable scouting insights without necessarily defining their long-term potential.

Which rookies impressed the most? Who has the best opportunity to make an immediate impact? And what should fans be watching as the 2026 rookie class begins its NBA journey?

Join Rafael and James for another episode of NBA Draft Junkies Live as they share their first impressions and separate the early excitement from the areas that still need development.

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The NBA season tips off Tuesday, but some of the biggest decisions have already been made.

Brandon Miller reportedly secured a five-year, $209 million extension with Charlotte, while other members of the 2023 NBA Draft class, including Scoot Henderson, Dereck Lively II and Anthony Black, enter the season without new deals.

Rafael and James Barlowe examine what those decisions reveal about how NBA teams value young talent, the uncertain futures of recent first-round picks, and whether today's league gives prospects enough time to develop.

Plus, the brothers make their predictions for the 2026-27 NBA season, including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, breakout players and the rookies who could surprise everyone.

Join NBA Draft Junkies Live at 10 PM Central as we count down to Opening Night!

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The NBA season hasn't even tipped off, and there's already plenty of drama. From Ben Simmons' devastating Achilles injury to Stephen Curry giving Warriors fans an injury scare, Rafael and James Barlowe discuss the growing list of preseason injuries and their potential impact on the season ahead.

Plus, Cason Wallace reportedly lands a massive five-year, $139 million extension with Oklahoma City. Who's next to get paid from the 2023 NBA Draft class, and which players could be running out of time? The brothers also turn their attention to the 2027 NBA Draft, where Tyran Stokes, Bruce Branch III and other top prospects are already turning heads in exhibition games.

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The NBA regular season is almost here, and after several weeks of preseason basketball, it's time to take a closer look at the 2026 NBA Draft lottery picks.

In NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 7: Red Flags & Green Lights, James Barlowe examines the encouraging signs and potential concerns surrounding the most highly touted rookies in the 2026 class.

James shares what he's loved about their preseason performances, the skills that have translated to the NBA level, and some of the red flags that could impact their development.

From AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson to Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Mikel Brown Jr., Brayden Burries and more, James discusses what he's learned from the preseason and what questions remain unanswered.

It's time for another edition of NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report, as Rafael and James continue evaluating the 2026 NBA Draft class during the preseason.

The episode begins with the highly anticipated debut of Mikel Brown Jr., the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who made his first appearance for the Brooklyn Nets against the Miami Heat. Coming off the bench, Brown finished with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists in just 18 minutes. Rafael and James share their first impressions of Brown's performance, discuss how his game could translate to the NBA and examine his potential role in Brooklyn's backcourt.

The conversation then shifts to Yaxel Lendeborg, who continues to impress for the Golden State Warriors. Lendeborg delivered another well rounded performance Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rafael and James discuss his versatility, early impact and how he could fit into Golden State's rotation.

Finally, the brothers turn their attention to a Central Division preseason matchup featuring two lottery picks, Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls and Brayden Burries of the Milwaukee Bucks. Burries filled the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals, adding another strong performance to his preseason résumé.

James has been vocal about his belief that Milwaukee should prioritize Burries' development, and his latest outing only strengthens that argument.

Rafael and James discuss whether the Bucks should give Burries a featured role immediately and what they've learned about Wilson and Burries through the preseason.

From first impressions to emerging rookie standouts, the Barlowe brothers continue their evaluation of the NBA's newest generation of talent.

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The 2026 NBA rookie class continues to provide plenty of storylines, and Rafael and James are back with another episode of NBA Draft Junkies to break down the latest preseason action.

The conversation begins with Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, who finished with 14 points and five assists in 24 minutes on Monday night. Rafael and James discuss what they've seen from Peterson throughout the preseason, his offensive development and what his early performances might tell us about his transition to the NBA.

Next, the focus shifts to Mikel Brown Jr., the sixth overall pick, who is scheduled to make his preseason debut when the Brooklyn Nets face the Miami Heat.

What should we expect from Brown as a rookie? How will he fit into Brooklyn's backcourt, and what kind of opportunity will he have to showcase his scoring and playmaking ability?

The brothers also examine the debut of Allen Graves, the analytics favorite who struggled in his first appearance, finishing with five points on 1-7 shooting, including 1-6 from three-point range, while committing four fouls.

Finally, Meleek Thomas, one of James's favorite prospects, provided instant offense with 16 points in just 13 minutes on 6-9 shooting, adding three rebounds.

Rafael and James discuss Thomas's scoring instincts, offensive confidence and what his performance could mean for his role moving forward.

It's another episode of NBA Draft Junkies, featuring early scouting impressions, rookie expectations and the performances shaping the conversation around the 2026 NBA Draft class.

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It's time for NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 4, as Rafael and James continue breaking down the early performances of the 2026 NBA rookie class.

The Oklahoma City Thunder rookies are making plenty of noise this preseason. Aday Mara delivered another impressive all-around performance against Atlanta, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Meanwhile, Bennett Stirtz led Oklahoma City with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists.

Rafael and James discuss whether the Thunder may have found two more valuable pieces for their already talented roster.

On the other side, Kingston Flemings helped lead the Atlanta Hawks to victory, contributing seven points and seven assists.

The conversation then shifts to No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who recorded 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 25 minutes against Brooklyn. They'll also revisit Caleb Wilson's strong Sunday performance, when he finished with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and a block.

Finally, Rafael and James close with a bonus discussion about Rob Dillingham, following Rafael's recent article that sparked plenty of debate on social media. They'll examine the reactions, the questions surrounding Dillingham's NBA future and what his situation says about evaluating young players.

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The Barlowe brothers are back! After hotel connection issues in Atlanta forced Rafael and James to postpone their usual Friday Rundown, NBA Draft Junkies Live returns for a special Sunday edition.

The brothers start with one of the most anticipated rookie matchups of the preseason, as former teammates Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, the third and fourth picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, squared off in Chicago. Rafael and James share their scouting takeaways from the matchup before discussing Darius Acuff's big performance and the steady, consistent play of Dallas Mavericks rookie Sergio De Larrea.

The conversation then shifts to grassroots basketball and the introduction of the Atlas High School International League, a new competition bringing together teams from Europe and the United States.

Finally, Rafael and James dive into the college basketball preseason, including Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje's Duke debut as a projected top prospect in the 2028 NBA Draft, and the North Carolina-USC secret scrimmage featuring Alijah Arenas and Neoklis Avdalas.

From NBA rookies to international prospects and college basketball, the Barlowe brothers have plenty to catch up on in this special Sunday Rundown!

#NBADraftJunkies #NBADraft #2026NBADraft #2028NBADraft #CameronBoozer #CalebWilson #DariusAcuff #DallasMavericks #DukeBasketball #UNCbasketball #USCBasketball #AlijahArenas #NeoklisAvdalas #CollegeBasketball #NBARookies #NBAScouting #BasketballProspects

It's time for NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report Vol. 3, as Rafael and James continue evaluating the 2026 NBA Draft class during the preseason.

The biggest headline is the debut of No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who finished with 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals in 23 minutes. They'll also take a deeper look at Caleb Wilson's 15 point performance on Wednesday night and Brayden Burries' impressive 16 point, five assist outing, including why James believes the Bucks should make Burries a featured part of their offense.

The discussion then shifts to Thursday night's games, where Chris Cenac Jr. recorded seven points, eight rebounds and four blocks but struggled with his efficiency on 13 shot attempts.

Meleek Thomas scored 11 points in his debut, while Kingston Flemings impressed with 15 points and five assists on 6-of-8 shooting in his hometown of San Antonio.

Which rookies are already showing signs that their games will translate to the NBA, and what should we take away from these early performances?

#NBADraftJunkies #RookieReport #2026NBADraft #AJDybantsa #BraydenBurries #CalebWilson #KingstonFlemings #ChrisCenacJr #MeleekThomas #MilwaukeeBucks #FearTheDeer #NBARookies #NBAPreseason #NBA #NBADraft #NBAProspects #NBAScouting

It's another edition of the NBA Draft Junkies Rookie Report, as Rafael and James break down the latest preseason performances from the 2026 NBA Draft class.

Darryn Peterson responded to a disappointing debut with 23 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Golden State's Yaxel Lendeborg led the Warriors with 17 points and nine rebounds in his second outing.

But the biggest storyline might be in Oklahoma City, where Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz have made impressive early contributions. Mara has opened the preseason with consecutive perfect shooting performances, including 22 points on 10-10 shooting tonight vs the Bucks, while Stirtz has delivered backto back 15 point games.

The episode also covers Cameron Boozer's latest performance for Memphis, where he finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists against Orlando.

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