The Golden State Warriors welcomed nine draft hopefuls to their practice facility on Thursday, giving the front office a final look at several players projected to hear their names early in next week’s 2026 NBA Draft.
Warriors host first-round talent
Five participants in the workout appear inside ESPN’s top 20:
- Brayden Burries, G, Arizona – No. 11
- Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington – No. 15
- Labaron Philon, G, Alabama – No. 16
- Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa – No. 19
- Cameron Carr, G, Baylor – No. 20
The quartet was joined by forward Anthony DellOrso (Arizona), forward Barry Dunning (Pittsburgh), forward Lajae Jones (Florida State) and forward Tre White (Kansas). NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole noted that while Steinbach is an elite rebounder, the 7-footer’s defensive concerns may limit his fit in Golden State’s switching scheme.
Dallas assessing guard trio at No. 9
Christian Clark of The Athletic reports that the Dallas Mavericks are evaluating guards Burries, Kingston Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. for the ninth overall pick. Clark favors Flemings if the Houston standout is still available, adding that every player on Dallas’ roster except rookie forward Cooper Flagg and veteran guard Kyrie Irving could be moved in trade talks.
Lopez poised to make Mexican history
New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez, ranked 13th by ESPN, is on track to become the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. The 19-year-old averaged double-digit scoring in Australia’s NBL this season.
Woo’s retrospective rankings
In an ESPN.com feature, Jeremy Woo revisited how he graded prospects entering the league over the past two years. Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg tops the list, followed by AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Dylan Harper. The 10-player group concludes with guard-forward Kon Knueppel, whom Charlotte chose fourth overall in 2025.
The 2026 NBA Draft begins Tuesday night.
Source: Hoops Rumors
