Is Kingston Flemings a Top-5 Pick? Here's What Our Latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft Says
Compared to the top freshmen guards, scouts were less familiar with Kingston Flemings entering the season. He wasn't a McDonald's All-American or a member of USA's team at the Nike Hoop Summit. But Flemings made such a strong first impression at Houston that he was thrown into the lottery discussion before December.
Flemings boasts good size and a very well-rounded profile in terms of scoring skills, playmaking efficiency, defensive tools and intangibles.
There are few holes in the scouting report for scouts to think about, but Flemings enters the draft process viewed as one of the safest prospects outside the top five.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Houston | Position: PG | Height: 6'4" | Weight: 190 lbs | Age: 19 | PPG: 16.4 | RPG: 3.9 | APG: 5.3 | BPG: 0.3 | SPG: 1.6 | FG%: 47.5 | 3PT%: 39.2
Latest Mock Position
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No. 7
Realistic Draft Range: Lottery
It only took a few weeks for Flemings to show up in lottery projections. From December on, he's moved very little on our board in the No. 5 to No. 10 range thanks to consistent production, a clear impact on winning and no red flags.
The rise of Darius Acuff Jr. and Keaton Wagler, two premier shooters in the class, has pushed Flemings down a bit. But Flemings still sounds like one of the class' most popular, well-liked players whose potential to play both backcourt positions should help create more suitors.
Realistic Pro Comparison: De'Aaron Fox
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There are differences in the way Flemings and De'Aaron Fox move, but they share similar tools, skill sets and shot diets.
Like Fox, Flemings will start his career more comfortable in the mid-range than from behind the arc. Both excel at getting downhill or pulling up in the mid-range.
They can be two-way playmakers, though neither are the most natural facilitators. Fox has a career 6.1 assist average, a number that seems realistic for Flemings.
Strengths
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Strength 1: Pull-up shooting
Flemings has a clear comfort level in the mid-range, where he likes to get to his spot, plant both feet and elevate over the defender into a pull-up. He's able to create separation easily on his two-point jumpers. Flemings made 96 shots off the dribble (76 inside the arc) at a 41.7 percent clip.
Strength 2: Driving potential
Though Flemings' finishing at the basket was mixed, the ingredients for strong rim pressure are there. He has an effective first step, and he takes long strides with good footwork that help Flemings create driving opportunities.
Strength 3: Playmaking IQ
With a 32.6 assist percentage and 11.1 turnover percentage, Flemings demonstrated both playmaking feel and good decision-making. NBA coaches should feel comfortable with Flemings running offense and being used as the lineup's primary creator and passer.
Strength 4: Defensive tools
Flemings finished with a 3.0 steal percentage, showing effective hand and foot quickness. He'll be capable of guarding 2s, but he has the chance to be a tough point-of-attack defender who can contest, pressure the ball and get deflections.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Three-point volume
As dangerous as Flemings looked in the mid-range, it's still worth questioning the value of a lead guard who doesn't take many threes. He attempted just 2.9 in 31.7 minutes per game, a number that casts a cloud of skepticism over his 38.7 percentage. Just using the eye test, Flemings didn't look as comfortable generating power in his shot from behind the college arc.
Strength 2: Finishing/floaters
He only shot 47.1 percent on lay-ups during conference play. Flemings had trouble finishing when there was a rim protector waiting to challenge him, and he didn't show any floater game (only 2-of-8) to counter the interior traffic or shot-blockers.
Strength 3: Free-throw rate
There aren't many top-10 picks or major success stories on the list of prospects who had a three-point and free-throw rate as low as Flemings. He seemingly tries to avoid contact at the rim off his drives.
