2026 NBA DRAFT VERSATILE FORWARDS AND WING DEFENDERS
2026 NBA DRAFT VERSATILE FORWARDS AND WING DEFENDERS
Even if you are not an elite scorer or shooter, you can have value in the NBA. Many players simply rely on defense, length, toughness and basketball IQ. They have value with their ability to defend multiple positions or as secondary facilitators of the offense. These players can score but are not high percentage shooters. These players usually project as 3rd options on offense..
Some
prospects like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard completely outplay their
draft position (both were the 15th pick) and go on to have Hall of
Fame careers. Scottie Barnes, Franz Wagner and Stephon Castle fit this mold and
may turn into star players down the line.
Players
like Pascal Siakam, Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma, Aaron Gordon and now OG Anunoby
are great players on championship teams. Green is really the poster child for a
player like this as he has never been a great shooter but is the perfect role
player on a winning team and could potentially make the Hall of Fame.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
|
PLAYER |
PTS |
TRB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
FG% |
FT% |
|
Yaxel Lendeborg-CF-Michigan |
15.1 |
6.8 |
3.2 |
1.1 |
1.2 |
51.6% |
82.4% |
|
Grant Williams-CF 2019 |
18.8 |
7.5 |
3.2 |
1.1 |
1.5 |
56.4% |
81.9% |
|
Luol Deng-CF 2004 |
15.1 |
6.9 |
1.8 |
1.3 |
1.1 |
47.6% |
71.0% |
|
Karim Lopez-SF-Mexico (NBL) |
11.9 |
6.1 |
2.0 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
49.4% |
71.7% |
|
Franz Wagner-CF 2021 |
12.5 |
6.5 |
3.0 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
47.7% |
83.5% |
|
Jae Crowder-CF 2012 |
17.5 |
8.4 |
2.1 |
2.5 |
1.0 |
49.8% |
73.5% |
|
Nate Ament-CF-Tennessee |
16.7 |
6.3 |
2.3 |
1.0 |
0.6 |
33.3% |
79.0% |
|
Otto Porter-CF 2013 |
16.2 |
7.5 |
2.7 |
1.8 |
0.9 |
48.0% |
77.7% |
|
Jaden McDaniels-SF
2020 |
13.0 |
5.8 |
2.1 |
0.8 |
1.4 |
40.5% |
76.3% |
|
Allen Graves-CF-Santa Clara |
11.8 |
6.5 |
1.8 |
1.9 |
0.9 |
51.4% |
75.0% |
|
O.G. Anunoby-CF
2017 |
11.1 |
5.4 |
1.4 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
55.7% |
56.3% |
|
Jerami Grant-CF 2014 |
12.1 |
6.8 |
1.4 |
0.8 |
0.6 |
49.6% |
67.4% |
|
Joshua Jefferson-CF-Iowa St |
16.4 |
7.4 |
4.8 |
1.6 |
0.8 |
47.1% |
70.0% |
|
Draymond Green-CF/C 2012 |
16.2 |
10.6 |
3.8 |
1.5 |
0.9 |
44.9% |
72.3% |
|
Kyle Anderson-CG/SF 2016 |
14.6 |
8.8 |
6.5 |
1.8 |
0.8 |
48.0% |
73.7% |
|
Koa Peat-CF-Arizona |
14.1 |
5.6 |
2.6 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
52.8% |
62.3% |
|
Thaddeus Young-CF
2007 |
14.4 |
4.9 |
2.0 |
1.3 |
0.4 |
47.8% |
74.3% |
|
Dailyn Swain-SF-Texas |
17.3 |
7.5 |
3.6 |
1.6 |
0.3 |
53.6% |
81.5% |
|
Tristan da Silva-CF 2024 |
16.0 |
5.1 |
2.4 |
1.7 |
0.6 |
49.3% |
83.5% |
|
Baba Miller-CF-Cincinnati |
13.0 |
10.0 |
3.7 |
0.7 |
1.2 |
52.9% |
65.8% |
|
PJ Washington-PF 2019 |
15.2 |
7.5 |
1.8 |
0.8 |
1.2 |
52.2% |
66.3% |
COLLEGE STATS OF PROTOTYPE PLAYERS
|
VERS DEF 3rd Opt PROTOTYPE |
PTS |
TRB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
FG% |
FT% |
|
Draymond Green-PF-GS |
16.2 |
10.6 |
3.8 |
1.5 |
0.9 |
44.9% |
72.3% |
|
Pascal Siakam-PF-IND |
20.3 |
11.6 |
1.7 |
1.0 |
1.4 |
53.9% |
67.8% |
|
Scottie Barnes-CF-TOR |
10.3 |
4.0 |
4.1 |
1.5 |
0.5 |
50.3% |
67.4% |
|
O.G. Anunoby-CF-NY |
11.1 |
4.7 |
2.9 |
0.8 |
0.5 |
47.2% |
75.5% |
|
Tobias Harris-CF-DET |
15.3 |
7.3 |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.9 |
46.0% |
75.3% |
|
Franz Wagner-CF-ORL |
12.5 |
6.5 |
3.0 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
47.7% |
83.5% |
|
Kyle Kuzma-CF-MIL |
12.5 |
6.5 |
3.0 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
47.7% |
83.5% |
|
Stephon Castle-CG/SF-SA |
11.1 |
5.4 |
1.4 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
55.7% |
56.3% |
|
Aaron Gordon-CF-DEN |
12.4 |
8.0 |
2.0 |
0.9 |
1.1 |
49.5% |
42.2% |
|
Jerami Grant-CF-POR |
12.1 |
6.8 |
1.4 |
0.8 |
0.6 |
49.6% |
67.4% |
|
Norman Powell-SF/SG-MIA |
16.4 |
4.7 |
2.1 |
0.6 |
0.5 |
46.5% |
75.1% |
|
Jaden McDaniels-CF-MIN |
13.0 |
5.8 |
2.1 |
0.8 |
1.4 |
40.5% |
76.3% |
|
PROTOTYPE AVERAGE |
13.8 |
7.0 |
2.5 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
48.52% |
68.83% |
MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS AND COMPARISONS
|
PLAYER |
HT |
WT |
WING |
LENGTH |
REACH |
|
Yaxel Lendeborg-CF-Michigan |
6'10'' |
241 |
7'3.25'' |
5.25 |
9'0.5'' |
|
Ben Simmons-F/G-2016 |
6'10'' |
240 |
7'0.5'' |
2.50 |
9'0.5'' |
|
Pascal Siakam-PF-2016 |
6'9'' |
227 |
7'3.25'' |
6.25 |
8'11.5'' |
|
Karim Lopez-SF-Mexico (NBL) |
6'9'' |
222 |
6'11.5'' |
2.50 |
8'9.5'' |
|
Kyle Kuzma-CF 2017 |
6'9'' |
223 |
7'0.75'' |
3.75 |
8'11.5'' |
|
Franz Wagner-CF 2021 |
6'10'' |
220 |
6'11.5'' |
1.50 |
9'0.5'' |
|
Nate Ament-CF-Tennessee |
6'10'' |
211 |
6'11.5'' |
1.50 |
9'1.5'' |
|
Jaden McDaniels-CF 2020 |
6'9" |
200 |
6'11" |
2.00 |
9'0.5'' |
|
Michael Porter Jr.-CF 2018 |
6'10.75'' |
218 |
7'0'' |
1.50 |
8'11'' |
|
Allen Graves-CF-Santa Clara |
6'9" |
226 |
7'0'' |
3.00 |
8'10.5'' |
|
John Collins-CF 2017 |
6'9" |
226 |
6'11.25'' |
2.25 |
8'10.5'' |
|
O.G. Anunoby-CF 2017 |
6′7.75” |
232 |
7'2.25" |
6.25 |
8'11.5'' |
|
Koa Peat-CF-Arizona |
6'8" |
245 |
6'11.25'' |
3.25 |
8'8'' |
|
Brice Sensabaugh-CF 2023 |
6'7" |
235 |
6'11'' |
4.00 |
8'8'' |
|
Joshua Jefferson-CF-Iowa St |
6'9" |
246 |
6'10.75'' |
1.75 |
8'8.5'' |
|
Domantas Sabonis-PF 2016 |
6'10" |
250 |
6'11'' |
1.00 |
8'8.5'' |
|
Dailyn Swain-SF-Texas |
6'7'' |
211 |
6'10" |
3.00 |
8'8.5'' |
|
Julian Champagnie-SF 2022 |
6'7'' |
217 |
6'10" |
3.00 |
8'8.5'' |
|
Baba Miller-CF-Cincinnati |
6'11'' |
204 |
7'2'' |
3.00 |
9'3'' |
|
Anthony Randolph-CF 2008 |
6'10'' |
197 |
7'3'' |
3.00 |
9'.1'' |
MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS PROTOTYPE PLAYERS
Sorted by Wingspan
|
VERS DEF 3rd Opt PROTOTYPE |
HT |
WING |
LENGTH |
WT |
DRAFT |
|
Pascal Siakam-PF-IND |
6'9" |
7'3.25" |
6.25 |
227 |
16-27 |
|
Scottie Barnes-CF-TOR |
6'8'' |
7'2.75" |
7.75 |
225 |
21-4 |
|
Jerami Grant-CF-POR |
6′7.75” |
7'2.75" |
7.50 |
214 |
14-39 |
|
O.G. Anunoby-CF-NY |
6′7.75” |
7'2.25" |
7.50 |
232 |
17-23 |
|
Draymond Green-PF-GS |
6’7.5" |
7'1.25" |
6.00 |
236 |
12-35 |
|
Kyle Kuzma-CF-MIL |
6′9.5” |
7′0.25” |
2.75 |
223 |
17-27 |
|
Aaron Gordon-CF-DEN |
6′ 8.75” |
6'11.75" |
3.00 |
220 |
14-4 |
|
Franz Wagner-CF-ORL |
6'10" |
6'11.5" |
2.50 |
220 |
21-8 |
|
Tobias Harris-CF-DET |
6’7.75” |
6'11" |
3.25 |
223 |
11-19 |
|
Jaden McDaniels-CF-MIN |
6'9" |
6'11" |
2.00 |
200 |
20-28 |
|
Norman Powell-SF/SG-MIA |
6′5” |
6'10.75" |
5.75 |
215 |
15-46 |
|
Stephon Castle-CG/SF-SA |
6'6.5" |
6'9" |
2.50 |
210 |
24-4 |
|
PROTOTYPE AVERAGE |
6'7.5'' |
7'0.5'' |
4.85 |
222 |
22.0 ADP |
ATHLETIC ANALYSIS AND COMPARISONS
|
PLAYER |
Agility |
Shuttle |
Sprint |
Stand Vert |
Max Vert |
|
Yaxel Lendeborg-CF-Michigan |
10.82 |
2.80 |
3.35 |
25.5 |
32.0 |
|
Draymond Green-CF 2012 |
11.01 |
- |
3.40 |
28.0 |
33.0 |
|
Karim Lopez-SF-Mexico (NBL) |
11.14 |
2.88 |
3.32 |
32.0 |
38.0 |
|
Bruce Brown-G/F 2018 |
11.11 |
3.44 |
3.20 |
32.5 |
38.0 |
|
Nate Ament-CF-Tennessee |
11.25 |
2.85 |
3.26 |
31.0 |
37.0 |
|
Otto Porter-CF 2013 |
11.25 |
3.06 |
3.40 |
27.0 |
36.0 |
|
Koa Peat-CF-Arizona |
11.00 |
3.39 |
3.16 |
34.5 |
37.5 |
|
Thaddeus Young-CF 2007 |
11.06 |
- |
3.19 |
34.5 |
37.0 |
|
Dailyn Swain-SF-Texas |
11.25 |
3.08 |
3.21 |
28.0 |
36.5 |
|
Tony Snell-CF 2013 |
11.36 |
2.84 |
3.25 |
30.0 |
36.5 |
|
Allen Graves-CF-Santa Clara |
11.76 |
3.18 |
3.44 |
27.5 |
34.0 |
|
Robert Covington-CF 2013 |
11.69 |
3.10 |
3.44 |
29.5 |
36.0 |
|
Joshua Jefferson-CF-Iowa St |
11.91 |
3.08 |
3.42 |
27.0 |
33.0 |
|
Georges Niang-CF 2016 |
11.64 |
3.17 |
3.49 |
25.0 |
31.0 |
|
Baba Miller-CF-Cincinnati |
10.96 |
2.70 |
3.23 |
31.5 |
34.5 |
|
Taurean Prince-CF 2016 |
10.96 |
2.80 |
3.24 |
34.0 |
36.0 |
ATHLETIC ANALYSIS PROTOTYPE PLAYERS
|
VERS DEF 3rd Opt PROTOTYPE |
Agility |
Shuttle |
Sprint |
Stand Vert |
Max Vert |
|
Draymond Green-PF-GS |
11.01 |
- |
3.40 |
28.0 |
33.0 |
|
Pascal Siakam-PF-IND |
11.25 |
3.09 |
3.41 |
30.5 |
36.5 |
|
Scottie Barnes-CF-TOR |
10.88 |
2.99 |
3.15 |
36.0 |
39.5 |
|
Tobias Harris-CF-DET |
10.96 |
- |
3.17 |
31.5 |
37.5 |
|
Kyle Kuzma-CF-MIL |
10.72 |
2.98 |
3.25 |
27.0 |
34.0 |
|
Aaron Gordon-CF-DEN |
10.81 |
2.76 |
3.27 |
32.5 |
39.0 |
|
Stephon Castle-CG/SF-SA |
10.93 |
2.91 |
3.19 |
28.5 |
37.0 |
|
Norman Powell-SF/SG-MIA |
10.69 |
3.20 |
3.20 |
32.5 |
40.5 |
|
Jaden McDaniels-CF-MIN |
11.54 |
3.23 |
3.32 |
29.5 |
33.5 |
|
O.G. Anunoby-CF-NY |
DNT |
- |
DNT |
DNT |
DNT |
|
Franz Wagner-CF-ORL |
DNT |
- |
DNT |
DNT |
DNT |
|
Jerami Grant-CF-POR |
DNT |
- |
DNT |
DNT |
DNT |
|
PROTOTYPE AVERAGE |
10.98 |
3.02 |
3.26 |
30.67 |
36.72 |
RANKINGS AND SCOUTING REPORT
Yaxel Lendeborg-CF-Michigan
6'10''/241/7'3.25''
15.1 PTS 6.8 REB 3.2 AST 1.1
STL 1.2 BLK
Sr./23.7
Hometown: Pennsauken, NJ
Current NBA Comparison: Draymond Green/Pascal Siakam/Ben Simmons
Old School NBA Comparison: Luol Deng
ROLE: Versatile Starting Forward with All Defensive Potential
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Rebounding/Defense/Elite Length
Landenborg
was simply the best player on the best team in the country. He was the Big Ten
Player of the Year after transferring from UAB where he was the back to back
AAC Defensive Player of the Year. He showed his elite length at the combine and
showed his quickness in the lane agility drill where he was quicker than sub
200 pound gaurds like Darius Acuff and Keaton Wagler.
As far as NBA projections go, he has the size and length of Siakim and Simmons. His quickness and recognition give him the defensive versatility of Draymond and Deng. He is arguably the safest player in the draft because his floor is so high. A team in win now mode like the Thunder, Heat, Warriors or Hornets can use him right away.
Karim Lopez-SF-Mexico (NBL New Zealand Breakers)
6'9''/222/6'11.5''
11.9 PTS 6.1 REB 2.0
AST 1.2 STL 1.0 BLK
Int./19.1
Hometown: Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Current NBA Comparison: Franz Wagner/Kyle Kuzma
Old School NBA Comparison: Jae Crowder
ROLE: Versatile Starting Forward
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Rebounding/Defense
Lopez
has great size to play either forward spot in the NBA. He already has a sturdy ready
frame at such a young age. He doesn’t do anything great but he has an advanced
skill set. He has the potential to be a high-level role player given his
versatility. He can develop into 3rd/4th option on a
playoff team. The upside is there, eventually the production should match.
Nate Ament-CF-Tennessee
6'10''/211/6'11.5''
16.7 PTS 6.3 REB 2.3 AST 1.0
STL
Fr./19.7
Hometown: Manassas, VA
Current NBA Comparison: Jaden McDaniels/Tari Eason
Old School NBA Comparison: Otto Porter
ROLE: Starting forward with #3 scoring option upside
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Rebounding/Length/Upside
Ament
was the number four prospect in the 2025 high school class. He was good in his
one season at Tennessee. He was not as good as the players ranked just ahead
and behind him in Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He can score, rebound and is
also a solid passer. His measurement numbers and skill set are close to
McDaniels and Eason. Both guys are very valuable role players. His shooting
splits are real cause for concern as it shows both inconsistency and bad
decision making. He will be a good late lottery pick but if a team reaches on
him in the top 8 range, they are taking a HUGE risk.
Allen Graves-CF-Santa Clara
6'9"/226/7'0''
11.8 PTS 6.5 REB 1.8
AST 1.9 STL 1.0 BLK
Fr./19.8
Hometown: Ponchatoula, LA
Current NBA Comparison: Jerami Grant/OG Anunoby
Old School NBA Comparison: Robert Covington
ROLE: High Impact Defender
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Elite Length/Long Range Shooting
Graves
is an advanced stats darling, with his defensive versatility profile and
ability to hit open threes. If he is drafted in the top 20 he should thank OG
Anunony’s performance in the NBA finals. OG has the blueprint on how to use a
unique player like Graves. Graves was the 6th Man of the Year in the
WCC at Santa Clara but ironically could be a ten year starter in the NBA.
Koa Peat-CF-Arizona
6'8"/245/6'11.25''
11.9 PTS 5.6 REB 2.6
AST
Fr./19.5
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Current NBA Comparison: Grant Williams/Brice Sensabaugh
Old School NBA Comparison: Thaddeus Young
ROLE: Role Playing Backup Forward with starter upside
BEST TOOLS: Rebounding/Power/Versatility
Peat
was the third best player behind Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries on a loaded
Arizona team that went to the Final Four. The best part about Peat is that he
had some of his best games against the top frontcourts in the country such as
Florida, Arkansas and Purdue. He was the physical presence they needed that
also brought some scoring punch. He project as a solid role player like Williams
and Sensabaugh and is a very safe pick outside the top 20 because of his
versatility. He is also very athletic for a player with his frame.
Joshua Jefferson-CF-Iowa St
6'9"/246/6'10.75''
16.4 PTS 7.4 REB 4.8
AST 1.6 STL
Sr./22.5
Hometown: Las Vegas
Current NBA Comparison: Georges Niang/Kyle Anderson
Old School NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw
ROLE: Second Unit Point Forward
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Rebounding/Defense/Physicality
Jefferson
is built like a power forward but has the playmaking skills of a wing or guard.
His lack of length and age may cause him to drop to the late first round or
early second round. He is a player with a very unique skill set that can lead
him to staying the league for a long time.
Dailyn Swain-SF-Texas
6'7''/211/6'10"
17.3 PTS 7.5 REB 3.6
AST 1.6 STL
Jr./20.9
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Current NBA Comparison: Tristan da Silva/Julian Champagnie
Old School NBA Comparison: Tony Snell
ROLE: Defensive Wing/Second Unit scorer and facilitator
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Rebounding/Passing/Toughness
Swain
has a nice versatile skill set and a good frame for a wing. He can attack the
rim as well as any wing forward in this class and knows how to use his size to
his advantage. His shooting mechanics are flawed though he was a solid free throw
shooter. He may never be a great shooter but as the least can have an impact as
a defender.
Baba Miller-CF-Cincinnati
6'11''/204/7'2''
13.0 PTS 10.0 REB 3.7
AST 1.2 BLK
Sr./22.4
Hometown: Mallorca, Spain
Current NBA Comparison: PJ Washington
Old School NBA Comparison: Anthony Randolph
ROLE: Backup Forward
BEST TOOLS: Elite Length/Rebounding/Versatility/Energy
Originally
from Spain, Miller played at FSU then FAU before finishing up at Cincinnati for
one season. He can do a little bit of everything except shoot the basketball. A team will take a flyer on him based on his size, length and versatility.
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