ESPN’s final 2-round NBA Mock Draft has concerning update on Jayden Quaintance
Round 1 of the 2026 NBA Draft is ready to tip off tonight, and whereas one former Kentucky Wildcat is predicted to listen to his identify known as, it isn’t a performed deal.
When Jayden Quaintance first declared for the draft, many mock draft projections had him safely in Round 1, and a few even had him going within the lottery.
However, as draft day has drawn nearer, many projections have barely had Quaintance cracking the primary spherical, and that is holding true main into Day 1.
At ESPNJeremy Woo’s final 2-round mock draft has Quaintance going twenty eighth to the Brooklyn Nets, whereas fellow Wildcat Otega Oweh didn’t hear his identify known as.
In addition, Woo reviews that NBA groups truly suppose Quaintance’s earlier knee points might trigger him to overlook time in what can be his rookie season.
“Teams have remained unclear about Quaintance’s floor, with some speculation he could slip out of the first round due to health,” Woo writes. “He didn’t earn a inexperienced room invitation as groups proceed to precise concern in regards to the state of his injured knee, which a number of staff sources concern might trigger him to overlook time subsequent season. He had knee surgical procedure in March 2025 after tearing an ACL at Arizona State, and he was capable of play in simply 4 video games at Kentucky final season as a result of precautions round that damage.
“Still, teams love his talent and physical tools as a vertical spacing 5-man and see major upside if he can get back to full strength. Where Quaintance lands will depend on individual teams’ comfort level selecting him. There remains enough enthusiasm around his ability that it’s hard to see him falling all the way out of Round 1. Brooklyn could have the patience and developmental runway to roster him.”
That can be a brutal improvement for Quaintance, as many assumed the knee concern that plagued him at Kentucky was minor and wouldn’t have an effect on his rookie season.
Perhaps that perception was incorrect and Quaintance does have some type of lingering concern that would have an effect on its availability for the 2026-27 NBA season. Here’s to hoping that’s not the case and he goes on to have a wholesome profession within the execs.
