The 2026 NBA Draft Outlook
Dailyn Swain, a former Texas basketball star, is expected to hear his name called in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft. Over his single season with the Longhorns he averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds, showcasing a blend of scoring and rebounding that caught the eye of analysts and scouts alike.
Measurements from the NBA combine placed Swain at 6‑foot‑6.5 and 211 pounds, and his 36.5‑inch vertical leap tied for 15th among 31 participants. He also excelled in shooting drills, ranking in the top‑10 in several categories. However, a late‑stage injury forced him to sit out the second day of scrimmage, raising questions about his durability heading into the draft.
Where Might Swain Land?
Various projections place Swain at different spots. ESPN predicts the San Antonio Spurs will select him with the 20th pick, while Yahoo Sports forecasts a move to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 25th spot. CBS Sports aligns him with the Charlotte Hornets at the 18th pick. Each scenario reflects a different team’s need for a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and protect the rim.
Other Longhorn Prospects
The draft conversation extends beyond Swain. Tramon Mark, Chendall Weaver and Jordan Pope are not currently projected as draft picks, according to recent reports. Meanwhile, former Texas forward Dillon Mitchell is expected to hear his name called in the second round, illustrating the depth of talent emerging from the program.
The 2025 draft already saw guard Tre Johnson selected sixth overall by the Washington Wizards, underscoring a recent trend of Longhorns breaking into the first round. If Swain joins him, it would mark the second consecutive year a Texas player is chosen in the opening round.
A Tradition of Producing NBA Talent
Texas has been a prolific source of NBA talent, boasting 10 lottery picks and 16 first‑round selections since 2000. Since the draft began in 1947, a total of 50 Longhorns have been drafted, and the program has placed 19 players into the draft over the past 20 years. Notable alumni such as Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tristan Thompson, Mohamed Bamba, Chris Mihm, T.J. Ford, Jaxson Hayes, D.J. Augustin and Myles Turner have helped cement the university’s reputation as a pipeline for professional basketball.