Tamin Lipsey, the Iowa State Cyclones guard who has anchored the team’s defense for the past three seasons, continues to draw attention for his rare blend of steal production and playmaking. His reputation as a lockdown defender has made him a cornerstone of the Cyclones' identity.
A Defensive Maestro Without a Draft Slot
Despite his statistical dominance — including a record as the Cyclones’ all‑time leader in steals and a recent honor as the nation’s top point‑of‑attack defender for the 2025‑26 season — Lipsey is conspicuously absent from the latest NBA mock drafts. The draft landscape does, however, feature his teammate Joshua Jefferson, who is projected to hear his name called in the 2026 NBA Draft, highlighting the divergent fortunes of the two prospects.
Lipsey’s defensive résumé also includes elite ball security, a reputation as a crafty passer, and a jump shot that analysts say requires refinement before he can compete at the highest level. Those attributes could still make him an attractive piece for an NBA roster seeking a defensive specialist.
If the draft does not deliver a spot, the guard could still earn a place on an NBA roster through the summer league, where his ability to operate as a No. 3 point guard might appeal to teams looking for a defensive-minded playmaker.