Show notes
The 2026 NBA Draft class is loaded with point guard talent — and the debate over who goes first among them is one of the most compelling conversations in basketball right now. On this episode of Locked On NBA Draft with No Ceilings, Albert Ghim and Corey Tulaba break down the three guards they believe sit atop the class: Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., and Kingston Flemings.
With teams like the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks all holding picks in the 5-through-8 range and all in need of a point guard, the first guard taken could come as early as No. 5 — making this one of the most consequential stretches of the entire draft.
Albert and Corey dig into what makes each of these prospects unique, what their NBA ceilings look like, and which teams are the best fits heading into draft night on June 23–24.
Acuff is the most polished lead guard of the bunch — a scorer and creator who can get to his spots without needing a screen, though questions about his defense have some scouts sliding him down their boards. Brown is the most tantalizing of the group at 6-foot-4 with deep range and shrewd playmaking — his best moments are special, but there were shaky nights too, and his medicals will be a major factor. And Flemings turned in one of the best all-around combine performances of any guard in Chicago, leading the event in the three-point star drill and finishing top five in the max vertical, pro lane agility, shuttle run, and sprint time — reinforcing why scouts love his complete game despite size concerns.
This is the point guard debate you need to hear before draft night.
Topics covered:
Darius Acuff Jr. scouting breakdown — elite shot creation, defensive questions, and NBA fit
Mikel Brown Jr. — the highest ceiling of the group and what his medicals mean for his draft slot
Kingston Flemings — combine standout, complete player, and where the size concerns are real vs. overblown
Which teams make the most sense for each guard
Who Albert and Corey have ranked No. 1 among the 2026 point guard class
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