The 2026 NBA Draft class appears even stronger than its 2025 predecessor, headlined by two tank-worthy franchise skills in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, every of whom might be the No. 1 choose in different drafts. This class affords spectacular depth, positional versatility, and a variety of high-upside prospects with NBA-ready skillsets. The energy and depth of this draft will likely be formed by NIL and participant selections late within the first spherical. With out additional ado, right here is the primary version of the 2026 Prolonged Mock Draft.
1. 1. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa 6’9”, 210, SF, BYU Fr.
Arguably essentially the most electrifying prospect within the draft, Dybantsa boasts elite bodily instruments and a devastating pull-up and isolation scoring recreation, whereas nonetheless solely starting to faucet into his huge potential. He assaults downhill with energy and steadiness, rises up for emphatic finishes, and defends with depth. His jumper continues to enhance, and his means to generate offense in isolation is uncommon for a participant his age. A Boston-area native, Dybantsa has lengthy held the No. 1 spot in his class however is now being critically challenged by Darryn Peterson for prime prospect standing. He additionally thrives in transition, rebounds effectively, and brings a aggressive edge that fuels his two-way impression. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and body, Dybantsa has the upside to grow to be a perennial All-Star.
2. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson 6’5”, 195, PG/SG, Kansas Fr.
Peterson showcases explosive athleticism mixed with a flexible total skillset that blends imaginative and prescient, physicality, and adept shot-making. He creates offense with poise, defends a number of positions, and competes with confidence. Whereas at occasions brash, Peterson’s distinctive means to facilitate for others provides one other layer past scoring. He checks many bins with main ball dealing with expertise, positional dimension, IQ, and a powerful body, and his 8’7″ standing attain is phenomenal for a wing, a lot much less a combo guard. He has the flexibility to play both backcourt spot and impression each ends of the ground. An completed two-way chief and a possible franchise expertise, he dazzled NBA scouts on the 2024 Treviso Eurocamp competing favorably in opposition to skilled European prospects.
3. Charlotte Hornets – Cameron Boozer 6’9”, 235, PF, Duke Fr.
A elegant large with nice really feel, Boozer scores with talent, contact, and energy. He’s an elite rebounder and outlet passer who thrives in pick-and-pop or face-up actions. Strong as a rock, Boozer doesn’t blow you away with explosiveness however imposes his will by means of nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He’s added vary to his jumper, turning into a constant perimeter menace who can punish switches and stretch defenses. Together with his mature method and well-rounded recreation, Boozer is corresponding to Al Horford and stands out as one of many most secure bets within the class, regardless of not having the ceiling of a few of the different prime prospects.
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Alijah Arenas 6’6”, 195, SG, USC Fr.
The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah is a dynamic scoring guard with an explosive first step and deep capturing vary. He can rating from all three ranges and has developed right into a extra versatile offensive weapon with improved energy and off-ball motion. Whereas nonetheless evolving as a playmaker, his instincts, confidence, and athleticism instantly stand out. Arenas reportedly made a full restoration after a Tesla truck accident and was again on the courtroom simply weeks later. He brings loads of expertise and talent, however the important thing will likely be sustaining consistency and focus. Phrase is that USC is able to let him rock out from day one.
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Chris Cenac 7’0”, 230, PF, Houston Fr.
Cenac blends dimension, mobility, and talent at an elite degree for a contemporary large. He runs the ground effectively, finishes with gentle contact, and blocks pictures with timing and vertical pop. Bodily, he’s similar to Miami’s Kel’el Ware, however he’s flashed some Chris Bosh-like face-up means after spending a lot of the previous yr insisting on taking part in level ahead. Old skool coaches would possibly cringe at that call, nevertheless it helped develop his deal with, really feel, and perimeter footwork. Nonetheless uncooked, however the instruments are plain and the upside is actual if the polish continues to return.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Nate Ament 6’9”, 195, PF/SF, Tennessee Fr.
Ament is a sweet-shooting stretch 4 with freakish fluidity, an enormous wingspan, and standout athleticism for his dimension. He covers floor rapidly on each ends, excels in transition, and makes use of his size to disrupt passing lanes. He has a clear capturing stroke and good contact, with shades of Austin Daye and Chris Bosh in his excessive launch and easy face-up recreation. Whereas his jumper is a energy, he struggles at occasions to create off the dribble from the perimeter on account of restricted burst, which makes it more durable to assault closeouts or generate offense in isolation. To succeed in his ceiling, he’ll must proceed including energy so he can function extra successfully close to the basket, maintain his personal in bodily matchups, and increase his vary past the arc. If he embraces contact and rounds out his offensive talent set, Ament’s mixture of instruments, size, and capturing means makes him one of the crucial intriguing long-term bets within the class.
7. Toronto Raptors – [Player: Tyran Stokes] 6’7”, 245, PF/SF, Undecided Jr.
Stokes is a bodily dominant wing with a pro-ready body, excessive motor, and fierce aggressive drive. He overwhelms defenders along with his energy and assaults the rim with aggression, thriving on contact and hustle performs. Over the previous two years, his physique has remodeled considerably. He’s now leaner, extra explosive, and higher conditioned, which has unlocked extra of his athletic potential. His talent set continues to evolve, with noticeable strides as a passer and mid-range scorer, although his perimeter shot stays a piece in progress. Stokes brings a mixture of energy, explosiveness, and psychological toughness that constantly stands out on the ground. Whereas he has but to announce his school or professional path and has not reclassified into the 2025 class, this projection is speculative. There’s a actual chance he stays in highschool one other yr. Even so, he’s already among the many most bodily prepared and aggressive wings within the draft dialog.
8. Phoenix Suns – Caleb Wilson 6’9”, 205, PF, North Carolina Fr.
A easy lefty ahead who creates mismatches along with his deal with, imaginative and prescient, and perimeter talent. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes effectively for his dimension, and has the size and mobility to modify defensively. His recreation suits the trendy 4 archetype completely, however he nonetheless must get stronger and present extra consistency on each ends. Jermaine O’Neal is the prototype when it comes to body and fluidity, however Wilson should develop larger toughness and focus to succeed in that degree. A real expertise with main upside, however he has an extended methods to go to cement a place this excessive. Will he be a breakout star at UNC? Freshmen haven’t fared as effectively within the present period, so the strain is on.
9. San Antonio Spurs – Isaiah Evans 6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke So.
Evans is an extended, wiry scorer with a pure capturing stroke and microwave scoring means. He strikes effectively with out the ball, hits robust jumpers, and brings upside as a rangy defender. A pure shooter with an extended body, Evans was thought-about a possible early entry candidate and certain would have discovered a spot within the mid to late first spherical. As a substitute, he wager on himself, returning to Duke to complete what he began. A smart determination given his means to earn NIL cash and construct his physique. Energy will unlock extra athleticism and assist him maintain up defensively. The Brandon Ingram comparisons are pure. He even resembles him bodily, however Evans isn’t fairly as lengthy, although he might shoot it higher. If the physique comes round, he has clear NBA scoring wing potential.
10. Portland Path Blazers – Boogie Fland 6’3”, 175, PG/SG, Florida So.
Fland is a assured shot-maker and fiery competitor who performs greater than his dimension. He will get downhill with craft, pulls up from deep, and defends with fast ft. Can play on or off the ball. He brings traditional Boogie Down Bronx swagger and an elite deal with that enables him to interrupt down defenders and create area with ease. Although streaky at occasions, his scoring mentality and toughness will translate to the following degree. Fland went by means of the draft course of and acquired a really feel for what groups wish to see him enhance. An premature damage final yr adopted by a gradual comeback damage his draft inventory, however he’ll get a recent begin at Florida. He needs to be one of many nation’s prime returning gamers and prospects.
11. Miami Warmth – Mikel Brown 6’3”, 170, PG, Louisville Fr.
Brown is a shifty, quick-twitch guard with spectacular courtroom imaginative and prescient and shot-making contact. He excels in ball screens, retains defenses off steadiness, and shoots off the bounce with confidence. Although slight, his really feel for the sport and talent to manage tempo are main property for a lead guard. Identified primarily for his capturing, Brown turned heads with a highlight-reel dunk on a defender on the USA Basketball U19 trials in Colorado Springs, displaying he’s extra athletic than marketed. He additionally proved on the Portland Nike Hoop Summit that he has the products to run a group. Regardless of being a bit undersized for at this time’s NBA, his talent degree and poise make him an intriguing long-term prospect.
12. Dallas Mavericks – Labaron Philon 6’4”, 175, PG, Alabama So.
Philon performs with tempo, poise, and craft. He sees the ground effectively, will get to his spots, and finishes robust layups by means of contact. His perimeter shot is enhancing, and he defends with depth. A contemporary level guard with steadiness and a sophisticated really feel for the sport. Suggestions from scouts through the pre-draft course of highlighted simply how elite he’s on the defensive finish, the place his instincts, lateral quickness, and dedication stand out. With nice positional dimension and maturity, he leapfrogged Tahaad Pettiford right here, regardless of not being the identical degree school performer. Search for an actual leap in manufacturing and effectivity in his sophomore season at Alabama.
13. Chicago Bulls – Sprint Daniels 6’5”, 200, PG/SG, Australia Fr.
Daniels is a flexible backcourt playmaker with nice dimension and instincts. He passes with creativity, sees over defenders, and performs at his personal tempo. A stable shooter and succesful defender, he thrives in pick-and-roll units and has the instruments to grow to be a contemporary jumbo guard with lead obligations. Slightly smaller however extra expert than his older brother Dyson, Sprint exhibits most of the similar defensive calling-card traits whereas providing extra polished offensive means on the similar stage. He continues to enhance steadily and impressed scouts at Basketball With out Borders in San Francisco, the place his composure and all-around recreation stood out.
14. Sacramento Kings – Ian Jackson 6’5”, 180, SG, St. John’s So.
Jackson is an explosive two-way wing with actual bounce, lateral quickness, and defensive upside. He performs with depth, assaults the rim with authority, and flashes as each a slasher and catch-and-shoot menace. Jackson opted to return to highschool following lukewarm draft suggestions, however he’s been a participant we’ve been excessive on for some time. He stays a streaky scorer, however when given the chance, he delivered a powerful stretch of video games that showcased his pure scoring instincts. With extra touches and a bigger position in his sophomore yr, he ought to shine. His mix of athleticism and shot-making is harking back to former top-10 choose and UNC alum Coby White of the Bulls.
15. Atlanta Hawks – Miles Byrd 6’6”, 180, SG, San Diego State Jr.
Byrd is a late bloomer who has emerged as a wise, two-way capturing guard. He strikes effectively off the ball, makes fast selections, and has the dimensions and talent set to grow to be a succesful stopper. His body nonetheless wants filling out, however the talent degree, flooring spacing, and capturing versatility make him a powerful match for contemporary NBA offenses. Regardless of a modest season at SDSU, Byrd used a really spectacular displaying on the NBA Draft Mix to show heads and place himself effectively heading into the 2025–26 season. An elite shooter with clear mechanics and deep vary, his means to slip between guard spots and facilitate for others with good imaginative and prescient makes him particularly intriguing for contemporary NBA rotations. Energy and consistency would be the key as he appears to take the following step to being a standout on the school degree and able to carrying a university group.
16. Orlando Magic – Tounde Yessoufou 6’6”, 210, SF, Baylor Fr.
Yessoufou is a bodily imposing wing with an explosive first step and elite defensive instincts. He performs by means of contact, rebounds aggressively, and brings relentless power on each possession. His perimeter shot is enhancing, displaying extra confidence and rhythm in catch-and-shoot conditions, which provides to his rising offensive toolkit. The all-time scoring chief in California highschool basketball historical past, Yessoufou can also be extraordinarily expert and performs with the maturity of a a lot older participant. He showcased an advancing pull-up recreation and spectacular poise on the Nike Hoop Summit, standing out for the World Choose Group. If the jumper continues to progress, his ceiling is way increased than most give him credit score for.
17. Detroit Pistons – Jayden Quaintance 6’9”, 230, PF, Kentucky So.
An extended, cellular large with elite shot-blocking timing and defensive upside, Quaintance is mild on his ft, defends in area, and alters all the things on the rim. He runs the ground onerous, finishes by means of contact, and brings physicality on each ends. His offensive recreation remains to be growing, however the flashes are promising. As a result of his age, he was not draft eligible regardless of spending a season at Arizona State. How he bounces again from a knee damage will likely be key, however he has an opportunity to go 10 spots increased in 2026 if he exhibits the identical highschool expertise remains to be progressing. The capturing type is a bit unorthodox, however he’s robust, expert, and has actual long-term potential. He makes you ponder the query of how Ben Wallace would fare in at this time’s NBA, as an undersized rim protector with elite instincts and toughness who simply finds a method to make profitable performs.
18. Golden State Warriors – Karim Lopez 6’8”, 210, PF/SF, Mexico Fr.
An extended, athletic ahead with upside on each ends, Lopez performs with motor, assaults closeouts, and makes use of his size to complete and defend. He’s nonetheless growing his deal with and jumper however flashes wing shot-maker potential with intriguing mechanics and contact. Lopez has proven prime 10 choose potential prior to now however appeared slightly timid and didn’t stand out in Treviso in opposition to a gaggle that wasn’t notably overwhelming. The bodily instruments are actual, and the capturing potential is there, however consistency and toughness want to enhance. If he places all of it collectively, he has the expertise to rise effectively above this slot this yr.
19. Memphis Grizzlies – Kam Williams 6’8”, 205, SF, Kentucky So.
Williams is a easy, expert wing with glorious capturing mechanics and positional dimension. He thrives recognizing up and has added polish off the dribble, displaying flashes as a assured shot-maker. A Tulane switch now at Kentucky, Williams isn’t a high-level playmaker but, however his mix of dimension, poise, and scoring contact offers him an actual likelihood to develop right into a starting-caliber wing. He nonetheless must iron out his capturing movement for larger consistency, however the makings are there. He cuts effectively, finishes athletic put-backs, and makes use of a 7-foot wingspan to attain effectively across the rim. He additionally blocked 1 shot per recreation as a freshman and shot 41% from three, a powerful basis to construct on.
20. Milwaukee Bucks – Tahaad Pettiford 6’1”, 170, PG, Auburn So.
A blur with the ball, Pettiford thrives pushing tempo and creating off the dribble. He’s a assured scorer and fiery chief, able to breaking down defenses and ending on the rim. Fearless in his method, he went by means of the draft course of to get useful suggestions and returned with clear objectives. Undersized, so top-20 could be a stretch, however his velocity, aggression, and mentality give him actual sparkplug upside. Shot choice and dimension stay issues, however search for him to take school hoops by storm as a sophomore with improved decision-making and relentless power.
21. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solo Ball 6’4”, 190, SG, UConn Jr.
An extended, athletic guard with clear NBA bodily instruments, Ball has the potential to impression on each ends along with his size and talent set. He’s a disciplined defender who understands rotations, stays engaged, and competes with effort on that finish. A superb ball mover and succesful shooter, he performs throughout the circulation of the offense. Ball has the instruments to explode as a junior, particularly if he continues to develop as a combo guard. He’s an explosive athlete with quickness, vertical pop, and the power to cowl floor quick. The NCAA Match was a strain cooker, and he light some within the second, however he’ll look to rebound from that studying expertise. Lottery isn’t out of the query, however there’s a variety of outcomes relying on his development as a scorer and facilitator.
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Meleek Thomas 6’4”, 180, PG/SG, Arkansas Fr.
Thomas is a dynamic athlete with burst and bounce. He assaults the rim fearlessly and exhibits promise as a pull-up shooter. Studying to learn the ground and make constant selections remains to be a piece in progress, however the pure instruments and aggression make him an upside swing. Thomas has some Jordan Hawkins to his recreation along with his motion capturing, wiry body, and talent to rise into pictures off the dribble. He additionally handles effectively and creates separation with a herky-jerky fashion that retains defenders off steadiness. Together with his assured shot-making and scoring instincts, he needs to be an instant-impact man at Arkansas.
23. Indiana Pacers – JT Toppin 6’8”, 225, PF/C, Texas Tech Jr.
Toppin is a rugged inside presence who brings toughness, rebounding, and defensive switchability. He finishes across the rim, performs by means of contact, and protects the paint, even when he’s not a conventional shot-blocker. Whereas his perimeter talent set stays restricted, he’s carved out a task by means of sheer hustle, power, and physicality. Toppin figures to have a monster junior yr, with added duty and alternative on each ends. He nonetheless has work to do refining his shot and increasing his offensive recreation, however his motor and willpower are very intriguing. Search for a brand new and improved Toppin to take one other leap subsequent season.
24. Denver Nuggets – Yaxel Lendeborg 6’10”, 235, PF/C, Michigan Sr.
Lendeborg is a rebounding machine and productive inside finisher who brings power, toughness, and a nostril for the ball on each ends. He’s not a flooring spacer, however thrives in short-roll actions, baseline cuts, and second-chance alternatives due to his physicality and energy. After initially testing the waters, Lendeborg made the choice to return to varsity for NIL alternatives and now enters the season as one of many older first spherical prospects. He has very intriguing bodily instruments, together with a 7’4″ wingspan and gentle contact across the basket out to midrange. The expertise is there for him to rise into the lottery, however his consistency and motor might want to maintain up over a full Large Ten season.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Miikka Muurinen 6’11”, 220, C, Finland Jr.
A talented, cellular large with a excessive ceiling, Muurinen brings fluidity, face-up means, and gentle contact from distance. He initiatives as a perimeter-oriented heart with actual offensive upside due to his size, coordination, and capturing potential. He nonetheless must bulk up and get extra comfy with bodily play, particularly on the inside. The instruments are plain, however the focus and maturity want to enhance significantly for him to maneuver up draft boards. If he locks in mentally and embraces the grind, Muurinen has the expertise to rise a lot increased.
26. New York Knicks – Karter Knox 6’6”, 215, SF, Arkansas So.
Knox is a shot-hunting wing with NBA instruments. He’s streaky however explosive when sizzling, with the arrogance to take robust appears and the physicality to create area. He can get tunnel imaginative and prescient at occasions, however he has a scorer’s mindset and isn’t afraid of massive moments. Not in contrast to former Arkansas early second rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings a few of the similar size and freak athleticism however with a extra superior perimeter talent set, notably as a shooter. If he sharpens his shot choice and improves defensively, he has clear rotation-level scoring upside and potential to climb into the first-round combine.
27. Houston Rockets – Darren Harris 6’6”, 205, SG/SF, Duke So.
Harris is a lights-out shooter with clear mechanics, deep vary, and terrific off-ball motion. He strikes like a seasoned professional, reads screens effectively, and infrequently forces pictures, making him a super flooring spacer. Whereas not essentially the most athletic wing, his capturing is pure and elite, among the many greatest in school basketball. He ought to have an actual likelihood to fill right into a outstanding scoring position as a sophomore at Duke. The important thing query is whether or not his athleticism and velocity can maintain up defensively and permit him to constantly create separation on the subsequent degree.
28. Boston Celtics – Thomas Haugh 6’9”, 210, SF, Florida Jr.
A high-motor ahead who contributes on protection, strikes effectively laterally, and performs inside himself. He’s a cutter, rebounder, and versatile defender with good size and good fluidity. Whereas not featured closely as a scorer final season, he’s a great shooter when given the chance and will emerge as extra of a go-to possibility this yr. Haugh was a really clutch performer within the NCAA Match and confirmed psychological toughness in large moments. He’ll flip 22 on July 7, which can give some groups pause, but when he builds off his sophomore leap, he has a powerful likelihood to rise into the mid first-round dialog.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Joson Sanon 6’5”, 195, SG, St. John’s So.
Sanon is a artistic scorer with the instruments to get his personal shot. He’s fast, assured, and unafraid of the second, able to hitting robust jumpers and scoring in bunches. He’s an elite shooter with a really quick launch and pure mechanics, making him a continuing menace from deep. Whereas a bit undersized for a two guard, he has misleading size that helps him maintain his personal defensively. Turnovers and shot choice nonetheless want refinement, however the offensive expertise is evident. If he sharpens his decision-making, Sanon has the makings of a high-level scoring guard.
30. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Tyler Harris 6’8”, 190, SF, Washington Jr.
Harris is a switchable, lengthy wing with clear 3-and-D potential. He hits open threes with improved vary and consistency, performs with effort, and might guard a number of positions successfully. A low-usage position participant with a plug-and-play really feel, Harris confirmed actual strides coming into his junior yr. A proficient wing with glorious size, his path ahead comes all the way down to gaining energy and sustaining constant manufacturing. If he continues growing, Harris has first-round expertise and the flexibility groups covet in trendy NBA wings.
