With the long-awaited process finally complete and the NBA Draft finally upon us, what better time than now to give a final projection for Nick Boyd? The former Wisconsin standout has had one of the more unusual late-cycle rises in recent draft memory, going from a player who wasn't placed inside the top 80 on most draft boards to seemingly being a lock to be selected.
That selection more than likely will not take place on Day 1 of the draft, as Boyd has multiple factors working against his stock. Things like his age — 25 years old — raise questions about how much room he has left to improve, while his lack of sustained high-level production raises questions about whether he can translate to the next level at all.
Nonetheless, through a strong pre-draft process and a variety of other factors, Boyd has boosted his name right where he wanted it, all but guaranteeing himself a shot in the NBA. Where that shot will come is relatively unknown, but it should be fairly simple to narrow down.
Draft Range
More than likely, Boyd will have to wait quite a bit into Day 2 of the draft before hearing his name called, with things beginning to heat up around the No. 40 pick. Typically, teams inside the top 40 are still looking to add players on guaranteed contracts who can contribute right away while also providing some level of long-term upside.
However, once we get into the latter portion of the draft, things begin to change. Teams become more willing to take calculated risks on boom-or-bust prospects or older players who may not return high-end value but are worth bringing into the organization. For Boyd, finding the right fit is crucial, as there are teams that will value bringing in a player his age on a two-way deal.
One likely landing spot that has emerged is Dallas, which recently hired his former college coach, Dusty May, who has spoken incredibly highly of Boyd as a player. Not too long ago, May was drawing up plays for Boyd to hit game-winning shots in the NCAA Tournament. Now, he has a chance to help make Boyd's NBA dreams come true.
BREAKING: University of Michigan coach Dusty May has agreed to become the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell me, @AdamSchefter, @PeteThamel. Major college-to-pro jump for the 2026 NCAA championship coach and swing for the Mavericks and Masai Ujiri. pic.twitter.com/rwlwhRtNfo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2026
The Mavericks aren't the only possible landing spot, though, as Boyd has worked out for numerous teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Hornets. Nonetheless, Boyd has positioned himself well and appears set to realize his basketball dreams at some point over the next two days.
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