TITLE: Meleek Thomas Climbs Draft Boards as Bulls, Hornets, Sixers Map First-Round Strategies
SLUG: meleek-thomas-bulls-hornets-sixers-draft-rumors
CONTENT:
Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas is gaining traction with clubs drafting in the high teens and early 20s after a strong series of pre-draft workouts, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Thomas, slotted No. 29 on ESPN’s big board, was in Chicago on Friday for a workout alongside Christian Anderson and Labaron Philon; all three are being considered by the Bulls with the No. 15 pick.
With the NBA draft two days away, several teams are shaping their first-round plans:
Charlotte Hornets: League personnel expect Charlotte to add a frontcourt player if the club bypasses that position at No. 14 and instead selects again at No. 18. Despite that expectation, multiple scouts and agents have linked the Hornets to guards Bennett Stirtz of Iowa and Cameron Carr of Baylor.
Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs: Both Toronto (No. 19) and San Antonio (No. 20) have brought in numerous forwards and centers for workouts, creating the impression that each franchise plans to target size on draft night.
Philadelphia 76ers: Frontcourt prospects Allen Graves (Santa Clara) and Chris Cenac (Houston) visited Philadelphia this week, but Fischer reports they are unlikely to slip to the Sixers at No. 22 because several teams ahead of them are also eyeing big men. Philadelphia would have interest if either player unexpectedly falls.
Detroit Pistons: Wings Dailyn Swain and Ebuka Okorie, both of whom worked out for Philadelphia, are candidates for the Pistons at No. 21. Detroit has predominantly been tied to backcourt and wing options throughout the pre-draft process.
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets hosted Michigan center Morez Johnson for a workout on Sunday. Brooklyn owns the sixth pick, while Johnson is ranked No. 15 by ESPN.
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held in two days, with teams finalizing boards and workout schedules ahead of Thursday’s first round.
Source: Hoops Rumors
