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New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with a Lottery Shake-up That Would Devastate the League
Each year, the NBA draft lottery grants wishes and dashes dreams. That's what it's designed to do.
Every now and then, though, things go a little further. The basketball gods feel especially mischievous, the ping-pong balls bounce in a particularly chaotic manner, and suddenly the entire hoops world is staring at an internet-breaking result.
This year's lottery could produce an extreme version of that outcome. Because there's a 1.5 percent chance that the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder walk away with the first overall selection, the latest prize from their 2019 trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that grows more lopsided by the day.
Can you even imagine?
Actually, don't bother—we've done all of the imagining for you, as the latest spin with Tankathon's lottery simulator delivered this very nightmare fuel for the rest of the Association. So, let's get this mock rolling and put the Oklahoma City freakin' Thunder on the clock.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
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With the Thunder perhaps steamrolling their way to a second consecutive championship, they can't pretend to have pressing needs for anything. That said, their depth could start to take some financial hits soon with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all set to start huge-money extensions soon. While this roster more or less has everything, it doesn't necessarily have someone who can fill the coveted big-wing archetype as easily as the 6'9" Dybantsa would.
Calling him a need-filler feels a step too far, but it's still easy to envision significant minutes coming his way right from the start. OKC could use more creativity and explosiveness from its support scorers. The 19-year-old swingman supplies both. The Thunder pack a pretty mean scoring punch already, though, so they could also simplify his duties there and allow him to focus on making developmental strides as a defender and decision-maker.
This destination might be the most restrictive for Dybantsa in terms of what he'd be allowed to do and how often he'd be called upon to do it. It'd also be the one offering the best chance to play meaningful basketball right away, so if winning is important, the overwhelming amount of team success he could experience should cushion the blow from his individual stats being relatively held in check.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
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The Grizzlies aren't technically the biggest winner in this simulation, but they might feel like it. They need a new focal point in the worst way. This mock just delivered it with Peterson, who might be a couple of perfect medical reports away from having the perfect prospect profile.
If his availability issues get left behind at Kansas, he'd have only positives to provide Memphis. He is probably the best shotmaker in this draft. He projects to be one of the better defenders in this draft, along with some of the best flashes of creation and finishing.
His medical reports will be must-read materials, but if those check out, there really aren't any worries here. He could be an electric talent both on and off the ball, and he contributes on both ends. You never want to say stardom is guaranteed, but it feels like if Peterson is healthy, he's at least guaranteed of very good-dom.
3. Utah Jazz: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
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It's rare to see Wilson crack the top three. Maybe, Jazz fans will wonder whether this mock draft is overthinking things. That said, there are executives who believe Wilson "could be the second player taken in June's draft," per Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, so this isn't some enormous reach.
It might not be a reach at all. What it is, simply, is a bet that Wilson's elite explosion and play-finishing will have an easier time translating to this league—and this loaded frontcourt—than Cameron Boozer's more methodical, power-based game will.
Wilson is probably the best athlete in this draft and the hardest worker. He never takes his tools for granted; in fact, he maximizes their impact by keeping his gas pedal floored at all times. He arguably has a top-three ceiling in the draft, with flashes of shotmaking, open-floor ball-handling and all-purpose utility on defense.
4. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
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Put the Pacers down for two big wins here. First, they stayed inside the top four, meaning this pick stays with them instead of going to the Los Angeles Clippers. Second, they had Boozer fall into their laps, giving them someone who can contribute right now and perhaps form a nasty 1-2 punch down the line as a co-star for Tyrese Haliburton.
Boozer's skills are second to none in this class. His scoring range stretches from the paint to the perimeter. His feel, vision and instincts give him true offensive-hub potential. He's a vacuum on the glass, while his outlet passes are the perfect kick-starts for transition chances.
Could his lack of vertical pop and limited mobility pose some issues at this level? Maybe, but you're looking at the best problem-solver in the draft—and he hasn't celebrated his 19th birthday yet. If the worry is whether he'll max out as a top-25 player and never push for top-10 status, then this is still a very well-spent selection.
5. Washington Wizards: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas
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Could Washington's trade for Trae Young torpedo its interest in Acuff? Theoretically, sure, but that deal felt more opportunistic than identity-forming. Unless the Wizards are about to commit to Young on a long-term, super costly contract extension, his presence probably shouldn't impact this pick.
If Acuff is sitting atop their draft board, then he has to be snatched up here. There's an awfully good chance he might be after he dazzled all season and perked up his production at the most important time: 29.8 points and 6.5 assists in SEC and NCAA Tournament play.
Even with the league growing increasingly skeptical of score-first guards with defensive concerns, Acuff seems too talented to pass up. He can create or finish plays, generate advantages off the dribble and quarterback an offense or split out wide as a spacer. He has multiple paths toward plug-and-play production and several different avenues to long-term stardom.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
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Despite sliding back a few spots, Brooklyn should still be in good shape here. The Nets are hunting for star power and go-to scoring. Wagler has a chance to scratch both itches.
He skyrocketed his stock more than anyone this season. He wasn't even an NBA afterthought to start the season. Now, he's a virtual lock for the lottery's top half. He could be the kind of player who looks like a bargain in hindsight if he makes it past the top five.
He is 6'6" with a floor general's feel and an off-guard's shooting stroke. He could be perfect in both on- and off-ball roles, making him entirely easy to build around and able to elevate teammates of all play styles.
7. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
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Absent a significant serving of lottery luck—none of which was given here—Sacramento should probably plan on using its first-round pick to fill its glaring hole at point guard. Once the top four prospects are off the board, most mocks show a run on floor generals and combo guards. This projection plays out no differently.
Brown might have the steepest developmental hurdle in front of him, but he could also have the highest ceiling if everything breaks right. His shooting range shows serious reach. His highlight passes hint at genius creativity, as he can finish with force or finesse.
He wants to do too much right now, which torpedoes his shooting rates and makes inconsistency a defining trait. The ambition is nevertheless encouraging. Brown just needs to dial back his boldness setting until he is more consistently capable of taking over.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
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When the Hawks opted for financial flexibility over a future with Trae Young, they lost an incredible amount of offensive creativity. They had no way to mask that in the playoffs. Everything basically sputtered to a halt: They never cleared 110 points and finished their last three games (all losses) in double digits.
This is the right spot to start crafting their post-Trae plans on the perimeter. Flemings may never provide the same volume production or in-the-arena shooting range, but he could scratch a nagging itch for on-court organization.
He also pumps in pull-up jumpers (especially from mid-range), brings physicality to both ends and conducts action like a veteran lead guard. His ceiling is tough to set and could largely depend on the development of his three-ball, but Atlanta could reasonably feel like it's adding its floor general of the future.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
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Once the Mavericks make this pick, they won't control their own first-round selection again until 2031. Between Dallas' draft capital shortage and the pressing need to put young talent alongside Cooper Flagg, it probably makes sense to take the biggest swing possible here.
Ament would carry more risk than anyone would like in a top-10 pick, but his disappointing season at Tennessee perhaps opened the door to a buy-low bargain. Had he played up to expectations with the Volunteers, he wouldn't have made it out of the top five.
He's a 6'10" swingman who can handle, shoot and pass. That size-skill combo forever intrigues teams. It speaks to his towering potential as a walking mismatch. If Dallas aces his development, it could have a three-level scorer who can generate scoring chances all over the floor.
10. Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
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Buries doesn't play the flashiest game, but that shouldn't be confused for a lack of upside. Even if he settles into a support role early in his career—assuming the Bulls have other players worth supporting—he could rise above that if his flashes of high-level shot-creation show up often enough for him to be entrusted as a primary creator.
For now, he projects more as the kind of versatile role player who impresses not for razor-sharp strengths but rather a dearth of weaknesses. He is physical; he plays hard and he just spent an entire season showing he can contribute a large number of winning plays.
Even if those flashes of creation never amount to more, he should be a helpful long-term keeper. That should more or less earn him building-block status with the rebuilding Bulls.
11. Milwaukee Bucks: Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
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Are the Bucks making this pick in hopes of appeasing Giannis Antetokounmpo or to supplement the young guards who figure to lead their post-Giannis chapter? Either way, Carr should be a fit.
He has a fiery three-ball, bounce to finish at the basket and the right amount of physical tools and feel to be a defensive playmaker. This draft slot might oversell his ceiling a bit, but he has everything he needs to star on the pre-draft workout circuit.
12. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
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An offense-first guard who doesn't have great size (6'4", 185 lbs) seems like a curious choice for a Warriors team presumably hoping to extend its competitive window with Stephen Curry. That said, Golden State's need for talent is big enough to think its best course of action is simply taking the best player on the board.
Philon arguably deserves that label. Despite being a less-than-ideal fit with Curry, he could be a need-filler for the Dubs. They've struggled to find consistent scoring and creation from their non-stars. He's a potent point-producer with enough shiftiness to get where he wants and enough touch to convert scoring chances from all over.
13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
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The Heat figure to be in the market for frontcourt reinforcements. Maybe because they'll fully commit to the jumbo Bam Adebayo-Kel'el Ware combo. Or perhaps because they'll need Ware to get a megadeal done.
Either way, size is likely on the wish list. Steinbach has plenty to offer. He's a near 7-footer who would arrive with plenty of polish as an interior scorer and high marks for his activity on the boards. Throw in the potential of an outside shot being added to the arsenal at some point, and this would be good value near the end of the lottery.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
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If the Hornets don't feel the need to sell out for upside—and given how much they already have on the perimeter, they shouldn't—they might use this pick on a potential finishing piece. Lendeborg might be closer to his prime than most prospects (he'll turn 24 in September), but he looks ready to contribute to winning NBA games right now.
He just filled an invaluable (and versatile) role for the national champion Wolverines. A lot of what he showed there could help the Hornets: length, physicality, toughness, competitive fire and a skill tree that branches in several different directions.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
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With the Bulls essentially starting from scratch, it might make sense to fortify their interior as they build out this roster. Mara can help make that happen as a 7'3" mountain in the middle.
He does all of the interior things his frame would suggest he should do, protecting the paint, crushing lobs and getting after it on the glass. But he's also more mobile than you'd expect. He can pick apart defenses with great feel and vision as a passer.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand Breakers
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The Grizzlies figure to have one of the longest runways in the league, so they have time to take in the 19-year-old Lopez and see exactly what his future will hold.
It could be something interesting—or maybe a lot of interesting somethings. He already looks like an off-ball asset due to his constant movement, NBA build and finishing ability. His upside could shoot up several stories if he can develop his handle and find more consistency from distance.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
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With OKC's simulated fortune in this mock, AJ Dybantsa almost certainly soaks up all of the minutes the Thunder have available to freshmen. With no pressure to play their second rookie, then, they could afford to throw a dart at Quaintance and hope his elite defensive ability all returns after ample time to recover from the devastating knee injury that abruptly ended his freshman season and effectively wrecked his sophomore campaign.
Prior to that derailment, he was showcasing best-in-the-class defensive ability. Besides erasing all shots in his vicinity, he was routinely displaying mobility and instincts that bouncy 6'10, 255-pounders shouldn't be allowed to possess. His offensive bag is more of a lob-finishing coin purse right now, but OKC could envision developmental paths toward straight-line driving and close-range touch.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
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While the Hornets would probably prefer to spend one of their first-round picks on a center, the need isn't so great that they have to force the issue. So, they opt for the best-player-available right here and buy into Swain's breakout as a creative isolation scorer and defensive playmaker.
His shooting will determine how effective he can be in an off-ball support role, but properly spaced lineups could take advantage of his relentless downhill attacks.
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
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With shotmaking already at a premium and former lottery pick Gradey Dick emerging as an offseason trade candidate, the Raptors should be thinking about their perimeter punch here. They didn't have nearly enough of it this postseason. They can only pin so much of that problem onto Immanuel Quickley's absence.
Stirtz could help in multiple ways. His shooting touch is pure, his handles are functional and his vision is sharp. He should be an offensive weapon both on and off the ball, which is crucial when Toronto funnels so many possessions through its frontcourt. While he'll be challenged defensively, the Raptors might have enough length and athleticism around him to ease that concern.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
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With the Spurs being well-stocked at center and in the backcourt, they should probably chase forwards whenever possible. Especially a clearance-priced one like Peat, who entered this season with lottery expectations but fell short of that when the limitations he showed as a shooter and creator spawned questions about the true height of his ceiling.
San Antonio wouldn't need him to become a star, though. It could find plenty of uses for his physicality, competitive fire and willingness to execute a defined role. If any team can afford to overlook those spacing and creating concerns, it's probably one with a 7'4" shotmaking center and three cornerstone guards on the roster.
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
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The Pistons' playoff journey has been, as expected, a near-nightly search for scoring and creation support for Cade Cunningham. They have to expand their offensive menu this offseason. Anderson would certainly help with that.
He is a good enough decision-maker to orchestrate an offense and an accurate enough shooter to maintain value off the ball. Both should be huge positives for the Pistons, who have the right kind of length and athletic explosiveness to offset Anderson's deficiencies in those departments.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
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With rising stars at the guard spots and an elite-when-healthy center, the Sixers should be on the hunt for role-playing wings. That's Allen in a nutshell.
His skills aren't overwhelming, and hints of stardom are nonexistent, but he boasts plenty of average-to-above skills to bet on him handling support duties at the next level. He is a versatile defender and active rebounder who should be able to finish most scoring chances created by others.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
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The Hawks had seven players in their playoff rotation, with only two providing adequate outside shooting: Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu. Shooting should be a summer focus—and honestly, a focus for however long Atlanta leans so heavily on Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
Evans could step into a sharpshooting specialist role right away, but the Hawks would hope he can grow out of that with time. If he can keep making strides as a ball-handler and playmaker, he just might do it.
24. New York Knicks: Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
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It would make sense for New York to seek out size and versatility here, especially if the draft board breaks right. The Knicks might need a Mitchell Robinson replacement as soon as this summer, but even if they don't, they could use another big body who could give them more lineup versatility.
If Cenac maxes out his development, he could be a hugely helpful chess piece at some point. He has the length and hops of a rim-runner, plus the mobility and perimeter comfort of a wing. If he proves to be a fast learner, he's the kind of player New York could trot out alongside Robinson (if he's re-signed) or Karl-Anthony Towns or neither in smaller, quicker, five-out looks.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan
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Defense should be the theme of the Lakers' summer. Because if they're re-signing Austin Reaves and locking him into a long-term partnership with Luka Dončić, they'll be overloaded with offensive firepower and defensive concerns.
Johnson could help with the latter in many ways. He can bang with bigs near the basket, pester guards on the perimeter and disrupt actions as a weakside helper. While a bit undersized to play center, he could still be a productive pick-and-roll partner with L.A.'s perimeter playmakers due to his soft hands and powerful finishing, with flashes of shot-making and short-roll passing.
26. Denver Nuggets: Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
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The Nuggets feel like they desperately need a recharge this summer. Okorie could help with that as perhaps the fastest player in this draft.
His burst looks elite. It's even more threatening when defenders have to hug up on him to respect his perimeter pull-ups. He might be too aggressive right now to pilot a starting unit, but as an off-the-bench fire-baller, he could be an energy boost for a bunch that badly needs it.
27. Boston Celtics: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
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The Celtics love flooding the floor with spacers. They may not love the idea of covering the cost of Nikola Vučević's free agency or being forced to rely on Luka Garza for all of their stretch-big needs next season.
If they want another jumbo shooter, Veesaar should be up to that challenge. The 7-footer just shot a career-best 42.6 percent from the perimeter this season. He's bouncy enough to finish plays around the basket, too.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
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Analytics love Graves, who finished fifth in the country in box plus/minus this season. They probably like him more than the eye test would suggest, honestly, as he's not a great athlete and didn't face the stiffest competition at Santa Clara.
That said, the numbers might be onto something. He's a 6'9", 225-pounder who can shoot, finish, rebound and make plays defensively. If the big jump in competition level doesn't overwhelm him, he could be an invaluable glue guy.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky
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The Cavaliers don't have a lot of size beyond their starting frontcourt combo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Moreno, an athletic 7-footer, could help build out some big-man depth.
While his draft stock might be getting some by-default helium—a number of potential first-round picks opted to stay in school—Moreno can help himself by putting his size, instincts and disruptive defense on display. He's also shown the ability and willingness to make simple, smart reads as a passer.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
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If the Mavericks are thinking long-term with Cooper Flagg as their franchise focal point, then another dart throw would make sense in this spot. Yessoufou needs polish in most areas, but his blend of athleticism, energy and force could still lead to a special outcome.
He is more theory than reality right now, but that might just make him a draft prospect worth developing. If Dallas is patient, it could be leaving this talent grab with an enviable collection of length, skill, athleticism and ferocity along the wings.
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