.png?w=1280 "NBA mock draft")
2026 NBA Mock Draft: 3 Prospects Have No. 1 Pick Potential
Now that the 2025 NBA draft is over, it's time to look ahead to the projected 2026 class.
While it may be difficult to individually top Cooper Flagg, next year's field may have an even stronger top tier. Three prospects already stand out as strong No. 1 overall-caliber talents.
But because of NIL and the number of players who returned to college this spring, it's also easy to project quality depth in the 2026 class.
Using our post-NBA Finals power rankings as the basis for the order, here's our early look at how the 2026 NBA draft could play out.
1. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson (Kansas, SG)
1 of 30
Darryn Peterson has a case as the most skilled and well-rounded 2-guard prospect of the decade. Even Anthony Edwards didn't seem as polished or fine-tuned with his overall three-level scoring package and secondary playmaking heading into the draft.
Peterson isn't the same caliber of athlete as Edwards, but he's far from stiff, and he has plenty of shiftiness and bounce for finishing and defense.
At 6’5” with a solid build and advanced footwork, Peterson creates offense with effective pacing and confidence. He is smooth pulling up off the dribble, gets into his jumper and floater with balance and rhythm, and flashes vision when needed.
AJ Dybantsa may wind up generating more highlight-reel plays at BYU, but Peterson should be able to match his production and translatability with more efficiency.
2. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa (BYU, SF)
2 of 30
AJ Dybantsa is an explosive 6’9” wing with advanced shot-making skills, NBA tools and a scorer’s mindset. He'll be the No. 1 prospect in 2026 for plenty of scouts heading into the college season.
Dybantsa blends athleticism with fluidity and body control, creating offense with a combination of burst, handle and tough shot-making that few high school prospects can match. He is wired to score at all three levels, and he's comfortable pulling up off the dribble, attacking closeouts or finishing above the rim in transition.
While his playmaking and defensive consistency are still developing, Dybantsa's flashes of vision and on-ball activity hint at two-way upside.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer (Duke, PF)
3 of 30
Cameron Boozer continues to separate himself with his combination of skill, feel and maturity that rarely show up in a player his age. At 6'9" and 235 pounds, he brings a pro-ready frame and a polished inside-out game built on efficient scoring, advanced footwork and high-IQ decision-making.
Boozer may not have vertical pop or perimeter shake, but he wins battles with fundamentals, touch around the basket and a growing shooting range. He regularly impacts games with his rebounding, passing and his ability to play within structure, making winning plays without needing volume.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat (Arizona, PF/C)
4 of 30
Going for his fourth gold medal this summer with the U.S., Koa Peat has been highly visible to scouts throughout his high school career.
He has a knack for creating and getting to his spot slowly but methodically. At around 235 pounds, he's fluid when timing his pull-up or step-back, always in rhythm. Strength, balance and touch are evident and used most in his offensive attack.
Right now, he's more efficient in the mid-range or post area, but he continues to make an effort to add the three-ball to his everyday repertoire.
Peat is 6'8" without much speed or explosion, so skeptics or questions will inevitably arise over his upside at both ends of the floor. But he still has the right body to produce or disrupt defensive inside, and his handle and shot have made encouraging strides. He's also seemingly productive in every setting he's played in.
5. Toronto Raptors: Nate Ament (Tennessee, SF)
5 of 30
Nate Ament has quickly climbed toward the top tier in the 2026 class with guard-like fluidity and scoring versatility at 6'9". However, he's still raw with occasional choppy execution, flashes of creativity, open-floor handling and three-level shotmaking.
Ament is thin, could struggle with physicality and needs to continue improving his decision-making and shooting consistency. But his combination of size and shotmaking always creates visions of enticing outcomes to NBA scouts.
6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor, SG/SF)
6 of 30
Tounde Yessoufou capitalized on a handful of opportunities where NBA scouts were allowed in the building. His 24-point Nike Hoop Summit game against the U.S. was eye-opening, as it showed his continued improvement as a scorer and shotmaker.
Otherwise, Yessoufou had built a reputation around his powerful frame, athleticism and motor, a combination he used for transition and defense. But he has started to complement his outstanding physical abilities with sharper footwork, touch and shooting skills.
7. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, PF)
7 of 30
Jayden Quaintance will have a unique resume by the 2026 draft, as he'll still be 18 years old after two full seasons of college basketball development. At 17, he started 24 games for Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, shot 60.0 percent inside the arc and blocked shots at an outstanding rate (9.8 block percentage).
While Quaintance still has to improve his shooting range and overall half-court creation, he'll offer the type of functional physical tools, instincts and potential skill set that can translate to scoring efficiency and a special defensive impact in the NBA.
8. Portland Trail Blazers: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, PF)
8 of 30
Caleb Wilson's production and value are fueled by physical tools, quickness and leaping ability. At 6'9" with a strong frame, he mainly leaves his mark on games by delivering easy baskets (transition, off dump-downs, putbacks), defending in space, creating turnovers and making plays on the ball.
Defensively, Wilson's size, feet and strength are tremendous, particularly for guarding wings around the perimeter. He's the type of defender who could rank near the top of the leaderboard of three-point attempts blocked.
Offensively, Wilson does add something with his passing, but his self-creation skill and shooting are behind his physical abilities. He will also be nearly 20 years old by the time of the 2026 NBA draft.
9. Miami Heat: Dash Daniels (Melbourne, PG/SG)
9 of 30
Dash Daniels, who won't turn 18 until right before Christmas, will play next year in the NBL after signing a Next Stars deal.
Like his older brother Dyson, Dash is an outstanding defensive prospect with the backcourt versatility to spend time playing on and off the ball.
10. OKC Thunder (via 76ers): Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers, PF)
10 of 30
Karim Lopez will have played two full NBL seasons by the time he's drafted at 19 years old. At 17, he averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, giving New Zealand a consistent source of production and scoring versatility.
The 6'8" forward operates inside and out, showing signs of perimeter skill and enough size and toughness to make plays inside at both ends of the floor.
11. Sacramento Kings: Cayden Boozer (Duke, PG)
11 of 30
The primary draw to Cayden Boozer will be his playmaking IQ. He's out there to set up teammates first and score when the defense gives something up. His head is always up in transition, and he has willing vision to the wings and corners off penetration.
Boozer consistently puts up big assist numbers. With 6'4" size and a translatable signature skill in passing, it's easy to buy his playmaking translating to Duke and eventually the NBA.
Boozer isn't as adept at self-creation, and inconsistent shooting and athletic limitations could hold him back. But he has clearly made strides with his shotmaking and range. And he has excellent touch on his floater, which is going to be an important weapon to compensate for his lack of explosion in the lane.
12. Chicago Bulls: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, PG)
12 of 30
Though he isn't physically overwhelming, Mikel Brown Jr. makes up for his 6'3" size with his footwork, tight ball-handling and deep shooting range off the bounce.
While questions remain about his ability to finish against length and absorb contact at the rim, his shiftiness, shotmaking and playmaking give him lead-guard upside.
13. Dallas Mavericks: Braylon Mullins (Connecticut, SG)
13 of 30
There aren't enough physical concerns to negate Braylon Mullins' spectacular shotmaking.
Scouts will obviously be drawn to his shooting, but Mullins also got up for 19 dunks in 3SSB play and unsurprisingly showed soft touch on his floaters. He used his dribble to get to spots. He fought hard and competed defensively as well.
Mullins will have to back up this summer's breakout. Assuming it wasn't fluky, he looks like the type of player who's going to gain a lot of attention with desirable and entertaining scoring skills.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston, C)
14 of 30
At 6'10" and 230 pounds with a 7'3" wingspan and nimble feet, Chris Cenac Jr. is an obvious weapon around the basket at both ends. That type of physical profile is always going to pop under the NBA's scouting lens.
But it's the three-point shooting confidence, slippery back-to-the-basket game and occasional flash plays of Cenac attacking closeouts that spark the imagination.
Scouts will remain patient with his skill development given the built-in appeal of a center who's an easy-basket target and shot-blocker who can slide his feet away from the hoop. But Cenac has a clear skill set in place that could allow him to serve as more than just a finisher offensively.
15. Indiana Pacers: Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn, PG)
15 of 30
Scouts were buzzing about Tahaad Pettiford after his explosive showing during the first scrimmage at the NBA combine. Still, he chose to return to Auburn, where he presumably had a strong NIL offer and promise of a massive role for 2025-26.
NBA teams worry about small guards, which could put a ceiling on Pettiford's draft stock. But his speed, creativity and shotmaking all point to a potential NBA sparkplug or scoring specialist.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Karter Knox (Arkansas, SF/PF)
16 of 30
Karter Knox went through the draft process after scoring 20 points against Texas Tech in Arkansas' final NCAA tournament game. He'll have a bigger role next season to continue developing as a shot-creator and decision-maker.
With a strong frame, powerful athletic ability and confident shotmaking, Knox looks like a surefire first-round talent.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Isaiah Evans (Duke, SF)
17 of 30
Isaiah Evans drew NBA interest as a freshman despite playing mostly in a shooting-specialist role. His high school tape showed more self-creation and three-level scoring ability, and with a larger role in 2025-26, he should be able to show more off the dribble.
Even a similar-looking Evans should have fans from teams that value his positional size and stroke.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Spurs): Brayden Burries (Arizona, SG)
18 of 30
Brayden Burries has established himself as one of the best on-ball guards in high school. He possesses an advanced level of footwork and shotmaking improvisation.
Burries is loaded with counters, both using his dribble and with his ability to hit different types of runners, flip shots or floaters in traffic. His finishing/layup package is very impressive, as he's able to create easy angles for himself.
He's a shotmaker with a good-looking stroke, especially off the dribble. A dangerous isolation scorer, he'll rock his man to sleep before generating rhythm for himself into a pull-up.
19. Boston Celtics: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, PG)
19 of 30
Consecutive 21-point games in the NCAA tournament helped Bennett Stirtz validate the production he put up throughout the season in the MVC.
He'll follow head coach Ben McCollum from Drake to Iowa, where he figures to continue giving defenses problems with his creativity, crafty scoring and tough shotmaking.
20. Detroit Pistons: Darius Acuff (Arkansas, PG)
20 of 30
With Boogie Fland moving to Florida, Darius Acuff should fill the role of scoring combo guard for Arkansas. He's strong attacking the basket, and when he's on, Acuff shows confident three-level shotmaking.
Figuring out the right shot selection and showing enough playmaking will be the freshman's keys to selling NBA scouts.
21. Orlando Magic: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, PF)
21 of 30
Yaxel Lendeborg was considered a borderline first-rounder for the 2025 draft, but his return to college and transfer to Michigan suggests he was more interested in his NIL offer, a bright spotlight and easier path up to the 2026 board.
No player in the country put up two-way counting stats like Lendeborg did at UAB. At 6'9", his versatility to handle, finish, pass and rebound has been an easy draw.
More shooting development at Michigan should lock Lendeborg into the first-round mix.
22. Golden State Warriors: Alijah Arenas (USC, SG)
22 of 30
Alijah Arenas is expected to be ready for the upcoming season after his scary car accident in April.
A highly accomplished high school scorer, Arenas offers advanced creativity and shotmaking with solid 6'6" size. He's going to routinely generate exciting highlights, but staying efficient in USC's offense will be the key to convincing scouts to buy into him.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: JT Toppin (Texas Tech, PF)
23 of 30
JT Toppin didn't even bother testing the draft process despite some scouts having him graded as a first-round pick. Credit NIL for swaying an NBA talent back to college basketball.
Toppin, who had a 41-point game in February, two more 30-plus-point games after that and scored 20 or more in his final three NCAA tournament outings, has been a force around the basket with his touch, motor and instincts.
Making more threes next season is his ticket back into the first-round discussion for 2026.
24. New York Knicks: Alex Condon (Florida, C)
24 of 30
Alex Condon generated first-round buzz this past year with his athletic finishing, defensive activity, passing and shooting flashes.
He'll return to the defending champs, presumably with a large offensive role that he'll want to use for showing more self-creation and three-point range.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Isiah Harwell (Houston, SG/SF)
25 of 30
Isiah Harwell shot 43.1 percent from three during EYBL Scholastic play to further strengthen his case as a three-and-D prospect.
Offensively, the 6'6" wing has shown some ability to create off the dribble, knock down jumpers with confidence and finish through contact. Scouts are still watching to see how consistently he can separate and convert against elite athleticism, though.
He’s the type of prospect whose tools and mindset scream long-term NBA role player with potential to carve out more if his skill level keeps trending up.
26. OKC Thunder (via Clippers): Miles Byrd (San Diego State, SG/SF)
26 of 30
Miles Byrd looked every bit of a three-and-D NBA prospect at the combine last month. He's quick and aggressive defensively, and while he struggled finishing inside the arc on offense, Byrd demonstrates clear shotmaking skill and some bonus pick-and-roll playmaking ability.
He's developed into an archetype that's widely coveted and should be popular outside next year's lottery.
27. OKC Thunder (via Rockets): Labaron Philon (Alabama, PG)
27 of 30
Labaron Philon made a last-minute decision to withdraw from the 2025 draft. That came as a surprise since his decision to skip scrimmaging signaled confidence in his draft stock.
He'll return to Alabama to improve his shooting, which is a potential needle-mover for a point guard who already excels at getting to his spots, setting up teammates and scoring with unteachable touch inside the arc.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas Haugh (Florida, PF)
28 of 30
Thomas Haugh's 20-point, 11-rebound game against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament shined light on his big-man versatility that the NBA covets.
The 6'9" forward has clear three-point shooting range as well as more offensive skill to put the ball down, score on the move and pass.
29. Denver Nuggets: Wesley Yates III (Washington, SG)
29 of 30
Wesley Yates had a strong year scoring at USC after missing his freshman season at Washington due to injuries.
He's now a Husky again, and he will try to build on last year's three-level scoring flashes, which could result in NBA interest.
30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Boogie Fland (Florida, PG)
30 of 30
Viewed as a second-round pick just a month ago, Boogie Fland will have a better chance to sell himself next season with Florida. He's in a good spot to focus on playmaking for teammates, though scouts will still want to see more efficiency finishing around the basket.
Otherwise, Fland should still look like an appealing change-of-pace guard prospect with translatable creativity and shotmaking.
.jpg?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Wild Adebayo Trade Idea 💡")
