2026 NBA Mock Draft
The 2026 draft class features a deep mix of polished college talents, high-upside freshmen, and international prospects. Scouting consensus points to an intriguing blend of skill, length, and versatility across the board. Below is a projected first-round order based on team needs, recent performance, and developmental trajectories. This list highlights players likely to make an immediate impact and those with long-term NBA potential.
1. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, SG, 6-5, Kansas
Peterson stands out as one of the most skilled two-guards in recent memory, boasting a refined scoring package that rivals top recent draft picks. Not the flashiest athlete, he makes up for it with smooth footwork, balance, and an advanced three-level offensive game. His shot creation and secondary playmaking set him apart, and his physical strength allows him to finish tough plays while defending multiple positions.
2. Washington Wizards – A.J. Dybantsa, SF, 6-9, BYU
Dybantsa is a long, explosive wing with a natural scorer’s mentality and advanced shot-making ability. He can score from anywhere on the court, blending fluidity and athleticism to attack defenders in multiple ways. While his playmaking and defensive consistency are still developing, his potential as a two-way player is clear, and BYU will give him the opportunity to showcase his full offensive arsenal.
3. Brooklyn Nets – Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Duke
Boozer combines size, skill, and high basketball IQ to dominate inside and on the perimeter. He plays with a polished inside-out game, using footwork and touch rather than raw athleticism to win matchups. His rebounding and passing ability make him a versatile frontcourt presence, and his improving outside shot expands his offensive ceiling.
4. Charlotte Hornets – Koa Peat, PF/C, 6-8, Arizona
Peat is a methodical and efficient scorer with a strong mid-range and post game. Though he lacks elite speed or explosiveness, his balance, strength, and touch make him productive on both ends. His developing handle and shooting range show promise, and he has been consistently effective at every level of competition.
5. Toronto Raptors – Nate Ament, SF, 6-9, Tennessee
Ament blends rare size with guard-like fluidity and scoring versatility. Though still raw at times and physically lean, his ability to create shots and handle the ball at his size intrigues NBA evaluators. Continued development of his decision-making and shooting consistency could unlock a high ceiling.
6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
Yessoufou has impressed scouts with his combination of strength, athleticism, and motor. His 24-point showing at the Nike Hoop Summit highlighted his scoring growth, including improved footwork and shooting. He complements his physical tools with an emerging feel for creating offense and defending multiple positions.
7. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns) – Jayden Quaintance, PF, 6-10, Kentucky
Quaintance boasts a unique blend of size, mobility, and defensive instincts, highlighted by elite shot-blocking. While his shooting range and half-court scoring still need refinement, his potential as a defensive anchor with efficient scoring upside makes him a valuable first-round target.
8. Portland Trail Blazers – Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, North Carolina
Wilson uses his length, quickness, and strength to make an impact defensively and on transition offense. He excels at finishing easy baskets, defending perimeter wings, and creating turnovers. His playmaking is promising, though his self-creation and shooting remain areas for growth.
9. Miami Heat – Dash Daniels, PG/SG, 6-6, Melbourne United (NBL)
Daniels is one of the youngest prospects, entering the draft with a strong defensive foundation and versatility in the backcourt. His athleticism and defensive instincts stand out, while his ball handling and scoring are improving steadily through professional experience in Australia’s NBL.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) – Karim Lopez, PF, 6-8, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Lopez has shown scoring versatility both inside and out over two seasons in the NBL. His combination of perimeter skills, size, and toughness gives him the tools to contribute on both ends. He is expected to take a bigger role next season and continue growing his game.
11. Sacramento Kings – Cayden Boozer, PG, 6-4, Duke
Cayden Boozer’s strength is his playmaking IQ and unselfish style. He runs the floor well, has great vision in transition, and sets up teammates consistently. Though he lacks elite athleticism and shot creation, his improving shooting and touch on floaters make him a solid first-round prospect.
12. Chicago Bulls – Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-3, Louisville
Brown is a crafty guard with quick feet, tight ball handling, and deep shooting range. While questions linger about his ability to finish against length, his scoring instincts and playmaking upside give him potential as a lead guard in the NBA.
13. Dallas Mavericks – Braylon Mullins, SG, Connecticut
Mullins is a natural shooter with a knack for scoring in rhythm, showing soft touch on floaters and the ability to get to his spots. His athleticism and defensive effort add value, making him an exciting offensive prospect with room to grow consistency and efficiency.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Chris Cenac Jr., C, 6-10, Houston
Cenac Jr. combines elite physical tools with a developing offensive skill set that includes three-point shooting and a versatile post game. His size and footwork allow him to protect the rim and slide on defense, while his offensive flashes suggest upside beyond a traditional rim-runner.
15. Indiana Pacers – Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn
Pettiford is a quick, creative guard with scoring ability and playmaking skills. Though his size might cap his ceiling, his speed and shot-making offer the potential to be a dynamic spark off the bench or a scoring specialist.
16. Memphis Grizzlies – Karter Knox, SF/PF, Arkansas
Knox’s physical strength, athleticism, and confident shot-making highlight his game. He is poised to take on a bigger offensive role and continue developing as a versatile forward with first-round upside.
17. Milwaukee Bucks – Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
Evans is known for his shooting and positional size. While he has mostly played a shooting role, he showed potential for more off-the-dribble creation and scoring at multiple levels, making him a promising wing prospect.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Spurs) – Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Burries has elite on-ball skills, advanced footwork, and creativity in scoring. He’s a dangerous isolation scorer with a polished finishing package, especially off the dribble, and an ability to generate rhythm through pull-ups and floaters.
19. Boston Celtics – Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Stirtz impressed with consistent scoring and creativity in the NCAA tournament. His crafty scoring and ability to make tough shots make him a tough matchup for defenders at the next level.
20. Detroit Pistons – Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas
Acuff is a strong, attacking guard with the ability to score at all three levels. His keys to NBA success will be shot selection and playmaking development.
21. Orlando Magic – Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
Lendeborg brings rare versatility at 6-9, able to handle, finish, pass, and rebound effectively. His return to college to refine his shooting should solidify his place as a first-round prospect.
22. Golden State Warriors – Alijah Arenas, SG, USC
Arenas is a creative scorer with size and highlight-making ability. Staying efficient in USC’s offense will be vital for him to reach his potential.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves – JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech
Toppin is a motor-driven scorer with touch and instincts around the basket. Increasing his three-point shooting will be crucial for him to secure a first-round spot.
24. New York Knicks – Alex Condon, C, Florida
Condon offers athletic finishing, active defense, and flashes of shooting and passing. A larger offensive role next season should give him the chance to expand his skill set.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Isiah Harwell, SG/SF, Houston
Harwell is a strong three-and-D prospect with the ability to create off the dribble and knock down shots. He projects as a long-term role player with upside if his skill development continues.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers) – Miles Byrd, SG/SF, San Diego State
Byrd is a prototypical three-and-D player, quick and aggressive on defense with developing offensive skills including pick-and-roll playmaking.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets) – Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
Philon is a skilled playmaker with excellent touch and the ability to create offense. Improving his shooting will be key for him to move up draft boards.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers – Thomas Haugh, PF, Florida
Haugh showed NBA-worthy versatility with scoring range, passing ability, and rebounding. His NCAA tournament performance highlighted his potential as a multi-faceted big man.
29. Denver Nuggets – Wesley Yates III, SG, Washington
Yates displayed flashes of three-level scoring last season and will look to build on that with his return to Washington after injury setbacks.
30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder) – Boogie Fland, PG, Florida
Once seen as a second-round pick, Fland has improved his playmaking and creativity. He will need to show more consistency finishing at the rim to boost his draft stock.
