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 authentic 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 at all times, the panorama will proceed to shift with NIL selections and motion all through the projected first spherical.
1. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa6’9”, 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 sport, whereas nonetheless solely starting to faucet into his huge potential. He assaults downhill with energy and stability, 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 critically challenged by Darryn Peterson. Let’s not neglect folks started to activate Cooper Flagg after his first month at Duke, questioning his taking pictures and scoring. He thrives in transition, rebounds effectively, and brings a aggressive edge that fuels his two-way impression. A really distinctive expertise with the flexibility to play all 5 positions on each ends, Dybantsa provides unmatched lineup flexibility. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and body, he has the upside to turn out to be a perennial All-Star and potential franchise expertise.
NBA Comparability: Tracy McGrady
2. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson6’5”, 195, PG/SG, Kansas, Fr.
Peterson showcases explosive athleticism mixed with a flexible general 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 powerful body, and an 8’7″ standing attain that’s distinctive for a guard. He enters the season as a legit challenger to go first general. 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 towards 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 reveals flashes of superior reads. An completed two-way chief and potential franchise expertise, he dazzled NBA scouts on the 2024 Treviso Eurocamp, competing favorably towards 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 Brown6’3”, 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. Identified primarily for his perimeter scoring, Brown turned heads on the USA Basketball U19 trials with a highlight-reel dunk, then backed it up with sturdy showings on the Nike Hoop Summit and the FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne. There, he led the gold medal-winning Crew USA in factors (14.9), assists (6.1), and effectivity, exhibiting an entire bundle of lead guard expertise together with poise, shot-making, and creation. Whereas undersized for at present’s NBA, Brown’s polish and offensive IQ give him clear long-term enchantment. And whereas it could be untimely, there are flashes of Steph Curry in his pull-up sport and deep taking pictures instincts. Staying targeted on core power will unlock his capacity to be an impression participant on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Darius Garland / Trae Younger
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Cameron Boozer6’9”, 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 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 via nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He might lack the ceiling of the three gamers listed earlier than him, however his consideration to element, aggressive motor, and mature method give him an especially excessive chance of changing into a long-term NBA starter and foundational piece. He’s advanced right into a modern-day large who can area the ground, defend his place, and produce management traits that elevate group tradition.
NBA Comparability: Al Horford
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Alijah Arenas6’6”, 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.
NBA Comparability: Latrell Sprewell
6. Brooklyn Nets – Kam Williams6’8”, 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 effectively 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 along with his size, motor, and scoring instincts. His offensive sport continues to be growing, however he’s proven flashes as a slasher and transition menace. The surface shot might use a slight tweak, however he has stable kind and an actual probability to turn out to be an elite-level shooter. Mixed along with his high-level dimension and athleticism, he boasts one of the intriguing packages amongst returning gamers in school basketball. Now set to play his sophomore season at Kentucky underneath Mark Pope, he’ll have a significant platform to showcase his sport and construct severe momentum as a possible lottery decide.
NBA Comparability: Trey Murphy / Cam Johnson
7. Toronto Raptors – Chris Cenac6’11”, 230, PF/C, Houston, Fr.
Cenac blends dimension, mobility, and talent with intriguing upside for a contemporary large. He runs the ground effectively, finishes with gentle 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 style coaches would possibly 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. At Houston, underneath Coach Kelvin Sampson, it’s clear his protection will take a leap ahead. How a lot his offensive sport evolves will finally decide his long-term trajectory.
NBA Comparability: Kel’el Ware / Chris Bosh
8. San Antonio Spurs – Nate Ament6’9”, 185, SF/PF, Tennessee, Fr.
Ament is a easy, high-upside stretch 4 with a gentle taking pictures contact, glorious mobility, and the instruments to thrive in a contemporary system. He runs the ground effectively, finishes in transition, and alters performs defensively along 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 via 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 Wilson6’9”, 205, PF, North Carolina, Fr.
A easy lefty ahead who creates mismatches along with his dimension, power, and athleticism. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes effectively for his place, and has the size and mobility to change defensively. His sport matches the fashionable 4 archetype, however he nonetheless must get stronger, more durable, 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 stage. 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.
NBA Comparability: Jermaine O’Neal / Kyle Kuzma
10. Portland Path Blazers – Isaiah Evans6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke, So.
Evans is an extended, wiry scorer with a pure taking pictures stroke and microwave scoring capacity. 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 of 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 resolution given his alternative to earn NIL cash and proceed constructing his physique. Power will unlock extra athleticism and assist him maintain up defensively. The Brandon Ingram comparisons are pure given Evans’ body, scoring model, and general resemblance. If he continues so as to add power and rounds out his sport, he tasks as a prototypical NBA scoring wing with long-term upside.
NBA Comparability: Brandon Ingram /
11. Miami Warmth – Kingston Flemings6’3”, 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 when given a gap. He modifies tempo effectively and has actual shot-making capacity, particularly pulling up off the dribble. At occasions, he could be turnover-prone or overly assured along 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 a direct impression. If the jumper turns into extra constant, he might emerge as one of many high freshman guards within the nation.
NBA Comparability: De’Aaron Fox
12. Dallas Mavericks – Boogie Fland6’3”, 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 basic Boogie Down Bronx edge with an elite deal with that permits him to interrupt down defenders and create area. Although he has stable dimension, he’s somewhat small for at present’s NBA level guard requirements and could be streaky, however his scoring mentality and toughness will translate. Fland went via the draft course of and acquired 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 recent begin at Florida. He must be one of many nation’s high returning gamers and prospects.
NBA Comparability: Collin Sexton / Nick Van Exel
13. Atlanta Hawks – Ian Jackson6’5”, 180, SG, St. John’s, So.
Jackson is a strong athlete with a powerful body and explosive vertical pop. He thrives in transition, will get downhill with pressure, and defends with depth. After an up-and-down freshman 12 months, Jackson returned to high school to refine his deal with and decision-making. At his finest, 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 Byrd6’6”, 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 effectively laterally, and makes the proper reads on each ends. Byrd doesn’t pressure the motion and may hit open photographs or make good 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 might carve out a task as a glue-guy wing within the NBA.
NBA Comparability: Kevin Martin
15. Detroit Pistons – Labaron Philon6’4”, 175, PG, Alabama, So.
Philon is a slithery ball handler and gifted decide and roll initiator who reads defenses effectively and finishes with craft across the rim. He has lengthy arms, a fluid sport, and good tempo, usually gliding via site visitors or stopping on a dime for pull-ups. Although not overly explosive, Philon controls the sport and places strain on opponents along with his pace and downhill play. He made actual strides as a freshman however wants to enhance his exterior shot and get stronger to carry up bodily. Nicely preferred by scouts for his defensive instincts and competitiveness, Philon brings start line guard potential if he takes the following step as a pacesetter and dependable scorer.
NBA Comparability: Dennis Schroeder / Kira Lewis
16. Orlando Magic – Jayden Quaintance6’9”, 235, PF/C, Kentucky, So.
Quaintance is a rugged, athletic large with lengthy arms, broad shoulders, and a powerful motor. He performs with toughness, rebounds in site visitors, and runs the ground arduous. 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 reveals some upside with contact. At occasions foul-prone or turnover-heavy, however his physicality and willingness to combine it up give him a powerful 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 principle query is how the damage impacts his explosiveness and mobility, each of that are central to his sport and long-term upside.
NBA Comparability: Kevon Looney / Ben Wallace
17. Sacramento Kings – Tounde Yessoufou6’6”, 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 prepare in transition and reveals upside as a straight-line driver. The swing talent will probably be his taking pictures. If he turns into even a mean flooring spacer, he might turn out to be a high-impact two-way position participant. For somebody of his listed age, his bodily maturity and body are significantly superior.
NBA Comparability: Luguentz Dort
18. Indiana Pacers – Karim Lopez6’7”, 200, SF, Spain, Intl.
A easy, fluid wing taking part in professionally in Australia, Lopez has a elegant offensive sport with contact, footwork, and taking pictures capacity from a number of spots on the ground. He performs throughout the offense, strikes effectively with out the ball, and reveals stable instincts as a cutter and defender. Whereas not an explosive athlete, he’s good and efficient, although he stays inconsistent and might want to turn out to be extra assertive. There’s some resemblance to Klay Thompson facially and stylistically, significantly in his off-ball motion and taking pictures mechanics. To completely notice his upside, Lopez might want to get stronger and enhance his consistency on each ends. Regardless of a modest exhibiting in Treviso, he stays a powerful long-term prospect with rotation-to-starter potential.
NBA Comparability: Tobias Harris
19. Milwaukee Bucks – Sprint Daniels6’5”, 190, PG/SG, Australia, Intl.
Daniels is an athletic wing with elite quickness, fluid motion, and a assured deal with that permits 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 reveals 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 bundle 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 Ball6’4”, 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 elegant shooter, he compensates with relentless effort, downhill drives, and bodily on-ball protection. He matches the mould of a change-of-pace guard who can disrupt rhythm and produce a prompt the bench. Enhancing the jumper and tightening his deal with will probably be key to unlocking extra offensive worth.
NBA Comparability: Malik Monk
21. Los Angeles Clippers – Tahaad Pettiford6’1”, 170, PG, Auburn, So.
Pettiford is an ultra-quick lead guard with a good deal with and a fearless mentality. He places fixed strain on defenses, weaving into the paint and creating for teammates or himself. Although undersized, he performs with confidence and toughness, exhibiting 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 fully torpedo his inventory however raised some concern. Whereas it could show to be an remoted incident, if different off courtroom points comply with, groups might start to query a possible sample.
NBA Comparability: Brandon Jennings / Jeff Teague
22. Indiana Pacers – JT Toppin6’8”, 225, PF/C, Texas Tech, Jr.
Toppin is a pogo-stick athlete who performs with vertical explosion, hustle, and robust rebounding instincts. He protects the rim, finishes alley-oops, and makes hustle performs on each ends. Although not a fringe menace 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 mould of a contemporary power large who can change defensively, thrive in transition, and produce 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 probably be increasing his offensive sport with out sacrificing the hassle and exercise that outline his worth.
NBA Comparability: Kenneth Faried
23. Phoenix Suns – Hannes Steinbach6’10”, 240, PF/C, Germany, Intl.
A strong German large man with a grown-man body and good instincts, Steinbach thrives across the basket with physicality, toughness, and a willingness to attempt to dunk every thing in sight. He units arduous screens, bins 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 move out of the submit when double-teamed. A tricky, good inside participant who does the soiled work and has held his personal towards 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 Lendeborg6’10”, 235, PF/C, Michigan, Sr.
Lendeborg is a late-blooming large man with an uncommon path and intriguing talent set. A standout at UAB, he opted to return for his ultimate season at Michigan, the place he’ll compete in an influence convention and profit from a profitable NIL deal. He can flash exceptional really feel and ball expertise for his dimension, exhibiting the flexibility to move 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 huge wingspan helps him compensate and play greater 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 each day grind and finds higher consistency, Lendeborg’s mixture of dimension, instincts, and really feel offers him an actual shot to listen to his identify referred to as within the first spherical.
NBA Comparability: Boris Diaw
25. New York Knicks – Meleek Thomas6’4”, 180, PG/SG, Arkansas, Fr.
Thomas is a highly-touted combo guard with a knack for scoring and a aggressive edge. He can get scorching from deep, beat defenders off the bounce, and reveals glimpses of three-level scoring. A assured shot-maker with lengthy arms, he competes on protection and has sturdy positional dimension. The swing issue is his decision-making, Thomas could be turnover-prone and typically hunts robust photographs early within the clock. If he learns to select his spots and tighten his deal with, he might evolve right into a dynamic scoring guard.
NBA Comparability: Jordan Hawkins / Jordan Clarkson
26. Houston Rockets – Karter Knox6’6”, 215, SF, Arkansas, So.
Knox is a shot-hunting wing with NBA instruments. He’s streaky however explosive when scorching, 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 in contrast to former Arkansas early second-rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings a number of 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.
NBA Comparability: Kelly Oubre Jr.
27. Boston Celtics – Bennett Stirtz6’4”, 1800, PG/SG, Iowa, Sr.
Stirtz is a brilliant, composed lead guard with a compact launch, sharp really feel, and versatile offensive sport. 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 sport, 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 might solidify his first-round inventory. Whereas not probably the most explosive athlete, Stirtz performs with function, 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 an extended NBA profession as a high-IQ guard who can shoot, defend, and run a group.
NBA Comparability: Steve Blake
28. Milwaukee Bucks – Thomas Haugh6’9”, 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 effectively, and brings fixed exercise as a cutter and assist defender. Although not a elegant 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 impression 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 towards the wall. Nonetheless, with a July 7, 2003 birthdate, he’ll flip 23 shortly after the 2026 draft, making it an uphill battle to listen to his identify within the first spherical regardless of his profitable pedigree and glue-guy profile.
NBA Comparability: Sam Dekker
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Tyler Harris6’8”, 190, SF, Vanderbilt, Jr.
Harris is an extended, 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 and Washington, Harris brings actual intrigue along 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, but it surely’s the important thing swing attribute that can decide if he can evolve into a real 3-and-D contributor on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Tristan da Silva
30. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Neoklis Avdalas6’6”, 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 school basketball at Virginia Tech, he might face an early adjustment interval adapting to NCAA athletes and arenas after competing professionally in Greece. Avdalas impressed along 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 latest growth 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 effectively, and barely will get sped up. Capturing 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
