Florida Gator forward Thomas Haugh could get drafted by an NBA contender.
Florida Gator forward Thomas Haugh is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and a new mock draft has him landing with a championship contender.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has the Oklahoma City Thunder taking Haugh with the 18th pick in the 2026 draft.
The Thunder won the NBA championship last season against the Indiana Pacers. They could win it all again this year too.
"Thomas Haugh's draft case revolves more around fit than upside," Wasserman wrote. "It seems more likely his suitors will be playoff contenders who see the right puzzle piece, rather than rebuilding teams willing to wait on long-term potential.
"He continues to hit threes, deliver above-the-rim finishes and give scouts the occasional flash of creation into drives or dribble jumpers. Haugh has earned the plug-and-play label with 6'9" size, shooting, athleticism and IQ/hustle."
Haugh playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren would be deadly. The Gator averaged 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season while shooting 46.0% from the field, 32.6% from beyond the arc and 77.4% from the free-throw line.
Haugh helped Florida win the NCAA championship in 2025. He's a proven winner whose basketball skills project to be a good fit in OKC under head coach Mark Daigneault.
Haugh finished his college career with averages of 10.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He was one of the best players in the SEC this season and is entering the NBA on a high note, development-wise.
It will be intriguing to see where Haugh is playing next season. Wasserman has compared him to Jeff Green, who has been in the NBA since 2007 and is still playing.
Haugh's career high in college is 27 points. He scored 27 points twice this season for the Gators.
Gators Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Florida Gators. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.