The 2026 NBA Draft class is shaping as much as be even stronger than its 2025 predecessor, headlined by two tank-worthy franchise skills in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, every of whom could be a legit No. 1 candidate in most different drafts. With spectacular depth, positional versatility, and a variety of high-upside prospects who already possess NBA-ready instruments, this class stands out. Now two and a half weeks faraway from the 2025 NBA Draft, we current our second prolonged 2026 mock draft. As all the time, the panorama will proceed to shift with NIL selections and motion all through the projected first spherical.
1. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa
6’9”, 210, SF/PF, BYU, Fr.
Arguably probably 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 capacity to generate offense in isolation is uncommon for a participant his age. One swing talent is his capacity to increase his three-point shot with consistency. A Boston-area native, Dybantsa has lengthy held the No. 1 spot in his class however is now being significantly challenged by Darryn Peterson. Let’s not neglect individuals started to activate Cooper Flagg after his first month at Duke, questioning his taking pictures and scoring. He thrives in transition, rebounds nicely, and brings a aggressive edge that fuels his two-way influence. A really distinctive expertise with the flexibility to play all 5 positions on each ends, Dybantsa affords unmatched lineup flexibility. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and body, he has the upside to turn into a perennial All-Star and potential franchise expertise.
NBA Comparability: Tracy McGrady
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 creation. He relentlessly assaults off the dribble, defends a number of positions, and competes with confidence. Whereas at occasions brash, he brings a scorer’s mindset with the imaginative and prescient and deal with to orchestrate as a lead guard. He has positional dimension, a robust body, and an 8’7″ standing attain that’s distinctive for a guard. He enters the season as a legit challenger to go first total. A participant we had rated as No. 2 within the class a full 12 months earlier than the consensus caught up, Peterson made his case in a nationally watched February showdown in opposition to AJ Dybantsa, scoring 58 factors together with the game-winning three. He borders on overconfident at occasions, however the burst and skill to generate offense off the bounce give him main intrigue. Extra scorer than facilitator, however he’s a talented passer who exhibits flashes of superior reads. An completed two-way chief and potential franchise expertise, he dazzled NBA scouts on the 2024 Treviso Eurocamp, competing favorably in opposition to skilled European prospects in addition to within the 2023 NBA 100 camp alongside Flagg and Dybantsa.
NBA Comparability: Devin Booker / DeMar DeRozan
3. Charlotte Hornets – Mikel Brown
6’3”, 170, PG, Louisville, Fr.
Brown is a shifty, quick-twitch guard with glorious imaginative and prescient and a assured taking pictures stroke. He excels in ball screens, adjustments tempo effortlessly, and hits photographs off the bounce with vary. Although barely constructed, he compensates with really feel, tempo management, and fearless playmaking. Recognized primarily for his perimeter scoring, Brown turned heads on the USA Basketball U19 trials with a highlight-reel dunk, then backed it up with robust showings on the Nike Hoop Summit and the FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne. There, he led the gold medal-winning Group USA in factors (14.9), assists (6.1), and effectivity, displaying an entire package deal of lead guard expertise together with poise, shot-making, and creation. Whereas undersized for right this moment’s NBA, Brown’s polish and offensive IQ give him clear long-term enchantment. And whereas it might be untimely, there are flashes of Steph Curry in his pull-up recreation and deep taking pictures instincts. Staying centered on core power will unlock his capacity to be an influence participant on the subsequent degree.
NBA Comparability: Darius Garland / Trae Younger
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Cameron Boozer
6’9”, 235, PF, Duke, Fr.
A elegant huge with nice really feel, Boozer scores with talent, contact, and power. He’s an elite rebounder and outlet passer who thrives in face-up actions and may stretch the ground with a assured, enhancing three-point shot. Strong as a rock, Boozer doesn’t blow you away with explosiveness however imposes his will by way of nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He could lack the ceiling of the three gamers listed earlier than him, however his consideration to element, aggressive motor, and mature method give him a particularly excessive probability of turning into a long-term NBA starter and foundational piece. He’s advanced right into a modern-day huge who can area the ground, defend his place, and convey management traits that elevate staff tradition.
NBA Comparability: Al Horford
5. Philadelphia 76ers – 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 taking pictures vary. He can rating from all three ranges and has developed right into a extra versatile offensive weapon with improved power 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 court docket 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.
NBA Comparability: Latrell Sprewell
6. Brooklyn Nets – Kam Williams
6’8”, 190, SF, Kentucky, So.
A 41% three-point shooter with prototypical dimension for a wing and a 7-foot wingspan, Williams will get set rapidly on catch-and-shoot appears to be like, rebounds nicely from the wing, and provides worth as a put-back finisher and transition athlete. A Tulane switch who shined as a freshman, he intrigued scouts together with his size, motor, and scoring instincts. His offensive recreation remains to be growing, however he’s proven flashes as a slasher and transition risk. The surface shot may use a slight tweak, however he has strong kind and an actual probability to turn into an elite-level shooter. Mixed together with his high-level dimension and athleticism, he boasts one of the intriguing packages amongst returning gamers in faculty basketball. Now set to play his sophomore season at Kentucky underneath Mark Pope, he’ll have a serious platform to showcase his recreation and construct severe momentum as a possible lottery decide.
NBA Comparability: Trey Murphy / Cam Johnson
7. Toronto Raptors – Chris Cenac
6’11”, 230, PF/C, Houston, Fr.
Cenac blends dimension, mobility, and talent with intriguing upside for a contemporary huge. He runs the ground nicely, finishes with tender contact, and blocks photographs with timing and vertical pop. Bodily, he’s similar to Miami’s Kel’el Ware, however he has flashed some Chris Bosh-like face-up capacity after spending a lot of the previous 12 months 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. At Houston, underneath Coach Kelvin Sampson, it’s clear his protection will take a leap ahead. How a lot his offensive recreation evolves will finally decide his long-term trajectory.
NBA Comparability: Kel’el Ware / Chris Bosh
8. San Antonio Spurs – Nate Ament
6’9”, 185, SF/PF, Tennessee, Fr.
Ament is a clean, high-upside stretch 4 with a tender taking pictures contact, glorious mobility, and the instruments to thrive in a contemporary system. He runs the ground nicely, finishes in transition, and alters performs defensively together with his size. His jumper is a transparent power, particularly recognizing up, and he has proven flashes of ball-handling and perimeter footwork that trace at long-term versatility. Nonetheless, he lacks physicality and struggles when defenders crowd him, limiting his capacity to create off the dribble or end by way of contact. If he provides power and turns into extra assertive, Ament has the talent set and body to develop right into a dynamic two-way ahead.
NBA Comparability: Jonathan Isaac / Austin Daye
9. Phoenix Suns – Caleb Wilson
6’9”, 205, PF, North Carolina, Fr.
A clean lefty ahead who creates mismatches together with his dimension, power, and athleticism. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes nicely for his place, and has the size and mobility to change defensively. His recreation matches the trendy 4 archetype, however he nonetheless must get stronger, harder, and extra constant on each ends. Jermaine O’Neal is the prototype by way of body and fluidity, however Wilson should develop higher physicality and focus to succeed in that degree. A real expertise with main upside, however he has a protracted methods to go to cement a place this excessive. Will he be a breakout star at UNC? Freshmen haven’t fared as nicely within the present period, so the stress is on.
NBA Comparability: Jermaine O’Neal / Kyle Kuzma
10. Portland Path Blazers – Isaiah Evans
6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke, So.
Evans is a protracted, wiry scorer with a pure taking pictures stroke and microwave scoring capacity. He strikes nicely with out the ball, hits robust jumpers, and brings upside as a rangy defender. A pure shooter with a protracted body, Evans was thought of a possible early entry candidate and certain would have discovered a spot within the mid to late first spherical. As a substitute, he guess on himself, returning to Duke to complete what he began, a sensible choice given his alternative to earn NIL cash and proceed constructing his physique. Energy will unlock extra athleticism and assist him maintain up defensively. The Brandon Ingram comparisons are pure given Evans’ body, scoring fashion, and total resemblance. If he continues so as to add power and rounds out his recreation, he initiatives as a prototypical NBA scoring wing with long-term upside.
NBA Comparability: Brandon Ingram /
11. Miami Warmth – Kingston Flemings
6’3”, 180, PG, Houston, Fr.
Flemings is a dynamic and fearless level guard who thrives creating off the bounce and taking part in with tempo. He assaults the paint with goal, has a robust deal with, and makes sharp reads out of ball screens. Although he wants so as to add power, Flemings performs with a chip on his shoulder and has the quickness to create separation, blowing by defenders and scoring on floaters or dunks when given a gap. He alters tempo nicely and has actual shot-making capacity, particularly pulling up off the dribble. At occasions, he might be turnover-prone or overly assured together with his shot choice, however he brings vocal management and power. Together with his eyes on a nationwide championship and the chance to run the present alongside fellow freshman Chris Cenac, Flemings enters Houston able to make an instantaneous influence. If the jumper turns into extra constant, he may emerge as one of many prime freshman guards within the nation.
NBA Comparability: De’Aaron Fox
12. Dallas Mavericks – Boogie Fland
6’3”, 175, PG/SG, Florida, So.
A lead guard with aptitude and swagger, Fland is a assured shot-maker and fiery competitor. He will get downhill with craft, pulls up from deep, and defends with fast ft. He can function on or off the ball and brings traditional Boogie Down Bronx edge with an elite deal with that enables him to interrupt down defenders and create area. Although he has strong dimension, he’s somewhat small for right this moment’s NBA level guard requirements and might be streaky, however his scoring mentality and toughness will translate. Fland went by way of the draft course of and received a really feel for what groups wish to see him enhance. An premature damage final 12 months adopted by a gradual comeback harm his draft inventory, however he’ll get a contemporary begin at Florida. He ought to be one of many nation’s prime returning gamers and prospects.
NBA Comparability: Collin Sexton / Nick Van Exel
13. Atlanta Hawks – Ian Jackson
6’5”, 180, SG, St. John’s, So.
Jackson is a robust athlete with a robust body and explosive vertical pop. He thrives in transition, will get downhill with power, and defends with depth. After an up-and-down freshman 12 months, Jackson returned to highschool to refine his deal with and decision-making. At his greatest, he appears to be like like a high-end two-way wing with professional instruments and highlight-reel potential. He’s a streaky shooter who typically performs too quick, however he has the expertise to make a sophomore leap. If the texture and jumper catch as much as the instruments, he’ll have an opportunity to rise again into top-10 consideration.
NBA Comparability: Coby White
14. Chicago Bulls – Miles Byrd
6’6”, 180, SG, San Diego State, Jr.
A late bloomer with a plus really feel and defensive mindset, Byrd turned heads with a breakout sophomore season. He has positional size, strikes nicely laterally, and makes the precise reads on each ends. Byrd doesn’t power the motion and may hit open photographs or make sensible passes as a secondary ball handler. Although not a high-usage scorer, he impacts profitable and guards a number of positions. Scouts love his unselfishness, IQ, and willingness to do the little issues. If he provides extra power and turns into a extra assured shooter, Byrd may carve out a task as a glue-guy wing within the NBA.
NBA Comparability: Kevin Martin
15. Detroit Pistons – Labaron Philon
6’4”, 175, PG, Alabama, So.
Philon is a slithery ball handler and gifted decide and roll initiator who reads defenses nicely and finishes with craft across the rim. He has lengthy arms, a fluid recreation, and good tempo, usually gliding by way of site visitors or stopping on a dime for pull-ups. Although not overly explosive, Philon controls the sport and places stress on opponents together with his pace and downhill play. He made actual strides as a freshman however wants to enhance his outdoors shot and get stronger to carry up bodily. Properly favored by scouts for his defensive instincts and competitiveness, Philon brings start line guard potential if he takes the subsequent step as a frontrunner and dependable scorer.
NBA Comparability: Dennis Schroeder / Kira Lewis
16. Orlando Magic – Jayden Quaintance
6’9”, 235, PF/C, Kentucky, So.
Quaintance is a rugged, athletic huge with lengthy arms, broad shoulders, and a robust motor. He performs with toughness, rebounds in site visitors, and runs the ground onerous. Whereas nonetheless growing offensively, he flashes face-up contact and has proven improved footwork on the block. He must revamp his taking pictures kind however exhibits some upside with contact. At occasions foul-prone or turnover-heavy, however his physicality and willingness to combine it up give him a robust baseline as a rotation 4/5. After spending his freshman 12 months at Arizona State, Quaintance impressed for his age as he was too younger to be eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. He’s anticipated to return to full contact in September and will begin the season in November with no limitations. The primary query is how the damage impacts his explosiveness and mobility, each of that are central to his recreation and long-term upside.
NBA Comparability: Kevon Looney / Ben Wallace
17. Sacramento Kings – Tounde Yessoufou
6’6”, 210, SG/SF, Baylor, Fr.
Yessoufou is a powerhouse wing with physicality and a relentless motor. He explodes off the ground, bullies weaker defenders, and performs with aggression on each ends. Whereas nonetheless uncooked by way of polish and decision-making, his instruments and mentality scream NBA rotation participant. He’s a freight practice in transition and exhibits upside as a straight-line driver. The swing talent will likely be his taking pictures. If he turns into even a median flooring spacer, he may turn into a high-impact two-way position participant. For somebody of his listed age, his bodily maturity and body are notably superior.
NBA Comparability: Luguentz Dort
18. Indiana Pacers – Karim Lopez
6’7”, 200, SF, Spain, Intl.
A clean, fluid wing taking part in professionally in Australia, Lopez has a refined offensive recreation with contact, footwork, and taking pictures capacity from a number of spots on the ground. He performs inside the offense, strikes nicely with out the ball, and exhibits strong instincts as a cutter and defender. Whereas not an explosive athlete, he’s sensible and efficient, although he stays inconsistent and might want to turn into extra assertive. There’s some resemblance to Klay Thompson facially and stylistically, notably in his off-ball motion and taking pictures mechanics. To completely understand his upside, Lopez might want to get stronger and enhance his consistency on each ends. Regardless of a modest displaying in Treviso, he stays a robust long-term prospect with rotation-to-starter potential.
NBA Comparability: Tobias Harris
19. Milwaukee Bucks – Sprint Daniels
6’5”, 190, PG/SG, Australia, Intl.
Daniels is an athletic wing with elite quickness, fluid motion, and a assured deal with that enables him to assault closeouts and create off the dribble. He excels on the defensive finish, the place his power, lateral mobility, and wingspan permit him to tackle robust assignments and generate stops. Offensively, he exhibits flashes as a secondary playmaker and slasher, however his perimeter taking pictures stays a piece in progress. He struggled from deep on the U19 World Championships in Switzerland and should enhance his shot consistency to justify a spot this excessive. Nonetheless, the general package deal of athleticism, motor, defensive instruments, and bloodlines offers Daniels long-term intrigue as a two-way wing.
NBA Comparability: Thabo Sefolosha
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solo Ball
6’4”, 190, SG, UConn, Jr.
Ball is a high-energy guard who defends, assaults the rim, and performs with toughness. He has good dimension for his place, a compact construct, and a fast first step. Whereas not a refined shooter, he compensates with relentless effort, downhill drives, and bodily on-ball protection. He matches the mildew of a change-of-pace guard who can disrupt rhythm and convey a activate the bench. Enhancing the jumper and tightening his deal with will likely be key to unlocking extra offensive worth.
NBA Comparability: Malik Monk
21. Los Angeles Clippers – Tahaad Pettiford
6’1”, 170, PG, Auburn, So.
Pettiford is an ultra-quick lead guard with a good deal with and a fearless mentality. He places fixed stress on defenses, weaving into the paint and creating for teammates or himself. Although undersized, he performs with confidence and toughness, displaying flashes of pull-up taking pictures and acrobatic finishes. His decision-making stays a piece in progress, and his dimension makes him a goal on protection, however his burst and scoring upside maintain him within the combine as a developmental level guard with starter potential. A DUI arrest in mid July didn’t utterly torpedo his inventory however raised some concern. Whereas it might show to be an remoted incident, if different off court docket points comply with, groups may start to query a possible sample.
NBA Comparability: Brandon Jennings / Jeff Teague
22. Indiana Pacers – JT Toppin
6’8”, 225, PF/C, Texas Tech, Jr.
Toppin is a pogo-stick athlete who performs with vertical explosion, hustle, and powerful rebounding instincts. He protects the rim, finishes alley-oops, and makes hustle performs on each ends. Although not a fringe risk but, he has improved his footwork and flashed a growing face-up jumper. His taking pictures stays a piece in progress, however he matches the mildew of a contemporary power huge who can swap defensively, thrive in transition, and convey toughness. A high-motor participant with a blue-collar mindset, Toppin does the little issues that assist groups win. The important thing to his rise will likely be increasing his offensive recreation with out sacrificing the trouble and exercise that outline his worth.
NBA Comparability: Kenneth Faried
23. Phoenix Suns – Hannes Steinbach
6’10”, 240, PF/C, Germany, Intl.
A strong German huge man with a grown-man body and good instincts, Steinbach thrives across the basket with physicality, toughness, and a willingness to attempt to dunk all the pieces in sight. He units onerous screens, containers out, and performs with a mature understanding of positioning. Although nonetheless extra of a 5 skill-wise within the dimension of a 4, his lengthy arms, effort, and really feel assist his trigger. He’s not a shooter but, however has proven flashes of midrange contact and may cross out of the put up when double-teamed. A tricky, sensible inside participant who does the soiled work and has held his personal in opposition to pro-level competitors in Europe. If he develops as anticipated at Washington, a one-and-done mid-first-round projection is inside attain.
NBA Comparability: Tom Gugliotta
24. Denver Nuggets – Yaxel Lendeborg
6’10”, 235, PF/C, Michigan, Sr.
Lendeborg is a late-blooming huge man with an uncommon path and intriguing talent set. A standout at UAB, he opted to return for his remaining season at Michigan, the place he’ll compete in an influence convention and profit from a profitable NIL deal. He can flash outstanding really feel and ball expertise for his dimension, displaying the flexibility to cross and deal with like some extent ahead. With lengthy arms, he’s disruptive as a shot blocker and in passing lanes. Whereas not an elite leaper, his large wingspan helps him compensate and play larger than he appears to be like. Offensively, he’s nonetheless growing past the paint, however his short-roll reads are enhancing and his contact continues to progress. If he buys into the every day grind and finds higher consistency, Lendeborg’s mixture of dimension, instincts, and really feel offers him an actual shot to listen to his title known as within the first spherical.
NBA Comparability: Boris Diaw
25. New York Knicks – Meleek Thomas
6’4”, 180, PG/SG, Arkansas, Fr.
Thomas is a highly-touted combo guard with a knack for scoring and a aggressive edge. He can get sizzling from deep, beat defenders off the bounce, and exhibits glimpses of three-level scoring. A assured shot-maker with lengthy arms, he competes on protection and has robust positional dimension. The swing issue is his decision-making, Thomas might be turnover-prone and typically hunts robust photographs early within the clock. If he learns to choose his spots and tighten his deal with, he may evolve right into a dynamic scoring guard.
NBA Comparability: Jordan Hawkins / Jordan Clarkson
26. Houston Rockets – 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 boldness to take robust appears to be like 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 huge moments. Not not like former Arkansas early second-rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings a number 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.
NBA Comparability: Kelly Oubre Jr.
27. Boston Celtics – Bennett Stirtz
6’4”, 1800, PG/SG, Iowa, Sr.
Stirtz is a brilliant, composed lead guard with a compact launch, sharp really feel, and versatile offensive recreation. A breakout performer at Drake final season, he turned an analytics darling after averaging 5.7 assists to only 2.0 turnovers, 2.1 steals per recreation, and taking pictures 40% from three. He flirted with coming into the draft however selected to switch to Iowa, the place proving himself within the Large Ten may solidify his first-round inventory. Whereas not probably the most explosive athlete, Stirtz performs with goal, makes these round him higher, and brings legit imaginative and prescient and passing instincts. His maturity, toughness, and consistency give him an actual probability to carve out a protracted NBA profession as a high-IQ guard who can shoot, defend, and run a staff.
NBA Comparability: Steve Blake
28. Milwaukee Bucks – Thomas Haugh
6’9”, 210, SF/PF, Florida, Jr.
Haugh is a rangy, high-energy ahead who thrives on hustle performs, defensive versatility, and well timed contributions. He defends a number of positions, rebounds nicely, and brings fixed exercise as a cutter and assist defender. Although not a refined scorer, he’s made progress as a spot-up shooter with clear mechanics and a willingness to take open appears to be like. Coaches worth his effort, maturity, and skill to influence profitable in refined methods. He performed a pivotal position in Florida’s nationwide title run, offering power and stability in key moments with the Gators’ backs in opposition to the wall. Nevertheless, with a July 7, 2003 birthdate, he’ll flip 23 shortly after the 2026 draft, making it an uphill battle to listen to his title within the first spherical regardless of his profitable pedigree and glue-guy profile.
NBA Comparability: Sam Dekker
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Tyler Harris
6’8”, 190, SF, Vanderbilt, Jr.
Harris is a protracted, athletic wing with intriguing flashes of shot-making and defensive upside. A switch coming into his junior season at Vanderbilt, his third faculty in three years after stints at Portland State and Washington, Harris brings actual intrigue together with his size, fluidity, and perimeter potential. He’s proven glimpses of scoring in any respect three ranges, from catch-and-shoot threes to mid-post turnarounds and one-dribble pull-ups. Defensively, his agility and wingspan give him the instruments to change throughout a number of positions, although consistency and motor stay areas of focus. His power or lack thereof has restricted him up to now, nevertheless it’s the important thing swing attribute that may decide if he can evolve into a real 3-and-D contributor on the subsequent degree.
NBA Comparability: Tristan De Silva
30. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Neoklis Avdalas
6’6”, 190, PG/SG, Virginia Tech, Intl.
Avdalas is a talented Greek guard who blends really feel, dimension, and level ahead instincts. Set to debut in faculty basketball at Virginia Tech, he could face an early adjustment interval adapting to NCAA athletes and arenas after competing professionally in Greece. Avdalas impressed together with his composure and imaginative and prescient on the 2025 NBA Draft Mix earlier than finally withdrawing. Although he struggled with consistency and confidence earlier in his junior years, his current improvement has reaffirmed his standing as one among Europe’s most polished younger guards. He’s not an elite athlete, however he manipulates tempo, reads defenses nicely, and barely will get sped up. Taking pictures and defensive physicality are query marks, however his European background ought to help his transition and provides him long-term intrigue as a rotation-caliber guard.
NBA Comparability: Tomas Satoransky
