Sergio de Larrea aims to be chosen in the first round of the Draft: Knicks and Timberwolves will fight for him

Sergio de Larrea's stock continues to rise as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches. What just a few months ago seemed like a candidacy positioned between the second round and the last picks of the first round is morphing into something much more solid. Increasingly, projections place the Spanish point guard between the 25th and 30th picks, while several franchises have intensified their scouting over the past few weeks.

The feeling in NBA front offices is clear: Sergio de Larrea is gaining momentum at the right time.

His decision to stay in the draft after receiving positive assurances from several franchises precisely reflects that trend. The player's camp believes there are real chances of being selected in the first round, a scenario that would completely alter the landscape of his immediate future.

Amidst this climb, two teams are particularly attentive to his progress: the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The ACB League final could be the definitive showcase

What NBA teams highly value when assessing European talent is the ability to perform under pressure.

And few scenarios offer a better test than an ACB League final.

De Larrea enters this crucial phase of the season after establishing himself as a key player in Valencia Basket, which has had an outstanding campaign both in Spain and Europe. The Valladolid-born point guard has averaged around 7 points and almost 3 assists in just over 14 minutes per game, also maintaining remarkably efficient shooting percentages for a player of his age. His over 40% three-point shooting has become one of the most enticing attributes for scouts.

Moreover, it's not just about the numbers.

Scouting reports consistently highlight his maturity, court vision, decision-making ability, and experience in high-pressure games. These are qualities that tend to transition exceptionally well to the NBA.

Thus, a strong performance in the final could sway those franchises still wavering between selecting him in the first or second round.

The Knicks could offer him a clearly defined role

One destination gaining significant traction in pre-Draft discussions is New York.

And the fit makes a lot of sense.

The Knicks don't need a point guard expected to immediately take over the project's leadership. That responsibility clearly belongs to Jalen Brunson. What they seek is depth, tactical intelligence, and players capable of contributing within an already established structure.

De Larrea fits precisely into that mold.

His size for the position, tactical discipline, and ability to play on or off the ball could make him a very intriguing addition to the second unit. Moreover, the Knicks have been evaluating profiles capable of defending multiple perimeter positions and maintaining offensive flow when Brunson is off the court.

It wouldn't be a situation meant for racking up big stats from day one.

It would be an environment designed for learning, growing, and gradually assuming more responsibilities.

And for a player distinguished precisely by his basketball IQ, it could be an ideal platform.

Minnesota would offer him more playing time and prominence

From a sporting perspective, the most appealing alternative might lie in Minnesota.

The Timberwolves especially value players with the ability to orchestrate the offense, make smart decisions, and create advantages without monopolizing possessions. Additionally, the franchise has shown immense confidence in developing young talent over the past years.

This is why several analysts believe Minnesota could be one of the best fits in the entire first round for the Spaniard.

In this scenario, De Larrea would likely have more opportunities to be involved in directing the game from early stages of his career.

His court vision, pick-and-roll reading, and ability to punish defenses from the perimeter align perfectly with the needs of a franchise still searching for creative solutions to complement its main stars.

Furthermore, the measured and cerebral style that characterizes the Spaniard could adapt particularly well to certain offensive contexts of the Timberwolves.

What's capturing NBA teams' hearts?

Upon analyzing the most recent reports, a clear pattern emerges.

Teams aren't betting on Sergio de Larrea due to immense physical potential. They are doing so because he appears to be one of the most prepared players to grasp the game among the European prospects in this Draft.

His three-point shooting is likely the most valued asset at present. For several seasons, he has maintained extraordinary percentages from beyond the arc, both in catch-and-shoot situations and creating his own shots.

Alongside that, there's a highly developed playmaking vision, ability to run complex offenses, and a competitive experience that few players his age can boast.

Of course, there are also doubts.

The main one remains the physical aspect. Some scouts believe he must gain explosiveness and strength to fully adapt to the athletic demands of the NBA.

But precisely because of that, many teams see value in selecting him late in the first round.

The dream of the first round is more alive than ever

A year ago, Sergio de Larrea chose to postpone his NBA leap to continue growing at Valencia Basket.

Today, the situation is completely different.

He has been included in several first-round mock drafts, has the backing of his agency to stay in the Draft, and an increasing number of analysts consider him one of the rising names in recent weeks.

That's why the ACB League final takes on special significance.

Not because it will solely determine his future, but because it represents the last major stage before a night that could completely alter his career.

If he maintains the level shown throughout the season, it's increasingly likely that Sergio de Larrea will hear his name called during the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

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