Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas has kept his name in the 2026 NBA Draft following strong feedback from teams, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery. The decision finalizes another key entry in a draft class already viewed as one of the deepest in recent years.
Sidery reported that Thomas received multiple indications from franchises projecting him in the late first-round range, largely due to his offensive upside and length. His shooting profile has become a central talking point after he posted 41.6% from three-point range during his lone season at Arkansas.
Thomas completed the 2025–26 campaign as a freshman in the SEC, appearing in 37 games with 21 starts. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while playing 30.5 minutes per game in a high-usage role.
His efficiency stood out in a draft class where perimeter shooting is highly valued across projected lottery and first-round selections. Thomas shot 43.5% from the field and maintained a strong 84.3% mark at the free-throw line/
The 2026 NBA Draft order was finalized after the lottery on May 10, with the Washington Wizards securing the No. 1 pick. Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls follow in the top four, shaping a draft board led by names such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.
Thomas’ 5.3 three-point attempts per game at Arkansas show a willingness to operate as a spacing threat rather than a passive floor spacer. That volume, combined with a 41.6% conversion rate, places him among the more efficient catch-and-shoot prospects in the class.
Defensively, his 1.5 steals per game provide additional value for teams seeking perimeter disruption from wings. His 6-foot-5 frame and length give him the physical profile NBA teams typically target in rotation-caliber guards.
The 2026 draft is scheduled for June 23–24 at Barclays Center, with front offices now transitioning from postseason scouting to final workout evaluations.