The 2026 NBA Draft class appears to be like even stronger than its 2025 predecessor, headlined by two tank-worthy franchise abilities in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, every of whom might be the No. 1 decide in different drafts. This class presents spectacular depth, positional versatility, and a variety of high-upside prospects with NBA-ready skillsets. The power and depth of this draft will probably be formed by NIL and participant choices 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 probably the most electrifying prospect within the draft, Dybantsa boasts elite bodily instruments and a devastating pull-up and isolation scoring sport, 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 capability 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 significantly challenged by Darryn Peterson for prime prospect standing. He additionally thrives in transition, rebounds nicely, and brings a aggressive edge that fuels his two-way influence. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and body, Dybantsa has the upside to turn out 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 capability to facilitate for others provides one other layer past scoring. He checks many packing containers with main ball dealing with expertise, positional dimension, IQ, and a powerful body, and his 8’7″ standing attain is outstanding for a wing, a lot much less a combo guard. He has the flexibility to play both backcourt spot and influence 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 towards skilled European prospects.
3. Charlotte Hornets – Cameron Boozer 6’9”, 235, PF, Duke Fr.A cultured large with nice really feel, Boozer scores with talent, contact, and power. He’s an elite rebounder and outlet passer who thrives in pick-and-pop or face-up actions. Stable as a rock, Boozer doesn’t blow you away with explosiveness however imposes his will by nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He’s added vary to his jumper, turning into a constant perimeter risk who can punish switches and stretch defenses. Together with his mature strategy and well-rounded sport, 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 among 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 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 courtroom simply weeks later. He brings loads of expertise and talent, however the important thing will probably 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 stage for a contemporary large. He runs the ground nicely, finishes with mushy contact, and blocks photographs 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 capability after spending a lot of the previous 12 months insisting on taking part in level ahead. Old-fashioned coaches may cringe at that call, but it surely helped develop his deal with, really feel, and perimeter footwork. Nonetheless uncooked, however the instruments are simple and the upside is actual if the polish continues to come back.
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 taking pictures stroke and good contact, with shades of Austin Daye and Chris Bosh in his excessive launch and clean face-up sport. Whereas his jumper is a power, he struggles at occasions to create off the dribble from the perimeter because of restricted burst, which makes it tougher to assault closeouts or generate offense in isolation. To achieve his ceiling, he’ll must proceed including power so he can function extra successfully close to the basket, maintain his personal in bodily matchups, and broaden his vary past the arc. If he embraces contact and rounds out his offensive talent set, Ament’s mixture of instruments, size, and taking pictures capability makes him one of the vital intriguing long-term bets within the class.
7. Toronto Raptors – 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 together with his power 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 persistently stands out on the ground. Whereas he has but to announce his faculty 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 12 months. 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 clean lefty ahead who creates mismatches together with his deal with, imaginative and prescient, and perimeter talent. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes nicely for his dimension, and has the size and mobility to modify defensively. His sport suits the fashionable 4 archetype completely, however he nonetheless must get stronger and present extra consistency on each ends. Jermaine O’Neal is the prototype by way of body and fluidity, however Wilson should develop better toughness and focus to succeed in that stage. 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.
9. San Antonio Spurs – Isaiah Evans 6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke So.Evans is a protracted, wiry scorer with a pure taking pictures stroke and microwave scoring capability. 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 sure would have discovered a spot within the mid to late first spherical. As an alternative, he guess on himself, returning to Duke to complete what he began. A clever resolution given his capability 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 could 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 toes. Can play on or off the ball. He brings traditional Boogie Down Bronx swagger and an elite deal with that permits him to interrupt down defenders and create area with ease. Although streaky at occasions, his scoring mentality and toughness will translate to the subsequent stage. Fland went by the draft course of and received a really feel for what groups need to see him enhance. An premature harm final 12 months adopted by a gradual comeback damage his draft inventory, however he’ll get a contemporary 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 belongings for a lead guard. Recognized primarily for his taking pictures, 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 workforce. Regardless of being a bit undersized for at this time’s NBA, his talent stage 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 nicely, will get to his spots, and finishes robust layups by 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 in the course of 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 stage faculty performer. Search for an actual bounce 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 turn out to be a contemporary jumbo guard with lead duties. A little bit smaller however extra expert than his older brother Dyson, Sprint exhibits most of the identical defensive calling-card traits whereas providing extra polished offensive capability on the identical stage. He continues to enhance steadily and impressed scouts at Basketball With out Borders in San Francisco, the place his composure and all-around sport 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 risk. Jackson opted to return to high school 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 formidable stretch of video games that showcased his pure scoring instincts. With extra touches and a bigger function in his sophomore 12 months, he ought to shine. His mix of athleticism and shot-making is paying homage to former top-10 decide 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 taking pictures guard. He strikes nicely off the ball, makes fast choices, and has the dimensions and talent set to turn out to be a succesful stopper. His body nonetheless wants filling out, however the talent stage, ground spacing, and taking pictures 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 nicely heading into the 2025–26 season. An elite shooter with clear mechanics and deep vary, his capability 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 be like to take the subsequent step to being a standout on the faculty stage and able to carrying a school workforce.
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 contact, rebounds aggressively, and brings relentless vitality 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 sport and spectacular poise on the Nike Hoop Summit, standing out for the World Choose Workforce. If the jumper continues to progress, his ceiling is far larger than most give him credit score for.
17. Detroit Pistons – Jayden Quaintance 6’9”, 230, PF, Kentucky So.An extended, cell large with elite shot-blocking timing and defensive upside, Quaintance is mild on his toes, defends in area, and alters every little thing on the rim. He runs the ground arduous, finishes by contact, and brings physicality on each ends. His offensive sport remains to be growing, however the flashes are promising. Because of his age, he was not draft eligible regardless of spending a season at Arizona State. How he bounces again from a knee harm will probably be key, however he has an opportunity to go 10 spots larger in 2026 if he exhibits the identical highschool expertise remains to be progressing. The taking pictures kind 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 solution to make successful 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 decide potential prior to now however appeared a bit timid and didn’t stand out in Treviso towards a gaggle that wasn’t significantly overwhelming. The bodily instruments are actual, and the taking pictures potential is there, however consistency and toughness want to enhance. If he places all of it collectively, he has the expertise to rise nicely above this slot this 12 months.
19. Memphis Grizzlies – Kam Williams 6’8”, 205, SF, Kentucky So.Williams is a clean, expert wing with glorious taking pictures 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 provides him an actual likelihood to develop right into a starting-caliber wing. He nonetheless must iron out his taking pictures movement for better consistency, however the makings are there. He cuts nicely, finishes athletic put-backs, and makes use of a 7-foot wingspan to attain effectively across the rim. He additionally blocked 1 shot per sport as a freshman and shot 41% from three, a powerful basis to construct on.
20. Milwaukee Bucks – 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 function, has a powerful 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. He modifies tempo nicely and has actual shot-making capability, particularly pulling up off the dribble. At occasions, he could be turnover-prone or overly assured together with his shot choice, however he brings vocal management and vitality. Together with his eyes on a nationwide title and the prospect 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.
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 influence on each ends together with his size and talent set. He’s a disciplined defender who understands rotations, stays engaged, and competes with effort on that finish. An excellent 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 stress cooker, and he pale 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 progress as a scorer and facilitator.
22. Los Angeles Lakers – 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 strategy, he went by the draft course of to get beneficial suggestions and returned with clear targets. Undersized, so top-20 is likely to be a stretch, however his velocity, aggression, and mentality give him actual sparkplug upside. Shot choice and dimension stay considerations, however search for him to take faculty hoops by storm as a sophomore with improved decision-making and relentless vitality.
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 contact, and protects the paint, even when he’s not a standard shot-blocker. Whereas his perimeter talent set stays restricted, he’s carved out a job by sheer hustle, vitality, and physicality. Toppin figures to have a monster junior 12 months, with added duty and alternative on each ends. He nonetheless has work to do refining his shot and increasing his offensive sport, however his motor and dedication 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 vitality, toughness, and a nostril for the ball on each ends. He’s not a ground spacer, however thrives in short-roll actions, baseline cuts, and second-chance alternatives because of 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 mushy 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 Massive Ten season.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – 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 choices 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 sport together with his motion taking pictures, wiry body, and talent to rise into photographs off the dribble. He additionally handles nicely 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.
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 scorching, with the arrogance 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 massive moments. Not not like former Arkansas early second rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings among the identical size and freak athleticism however with a extra superior perimeter talent set, significantly 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 –Miikka Muurinen 6’11”, 220, C, Finland Jr.A talented, cell large with a excessive ceiling, Muurinen brings fluidity, face-up capability, and mushy contact from distance. He initiatives as a perimeter-oriented heart with actual offensive upside because of his size, coordination, and taking pictures potential. He nonetheless must bulk up and get extra comfy with bodily play, particularly on the inside. The instruments are simple, 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 larger.
28. Boston Celtics – Thomas Haugh 6’9”, 210, SF, Florida Jr.A high-motor ahead who contributes on protection, strikes nicely 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 shooter when given the chance and will emerge as extra of a go-to possibility this 12 months. 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 bounce, 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 relentless risk 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, Vanderbilt 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 may guard a number of positions successfully. A low-usage function participant with a plug-and-play really feel, Harris confirmed actual strides getting into his junior 12 months after transferring from Washington to Vanderbilt. A proficient wing with glorious size, his path ahead comes all the way down to gaining power and sustaining constant manufacturing. If he continues growing, Harris has first-round expertise and the flexibility groups covet in trendy NBA wings.
