.jpg?w=1280)
New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with Devastating Lottery Simulation
As the NBA continues working toward a (hopefully) tank-free future, this season's most egregious tankers will soon learn whether all of this losing was worth it.
Once the league holds its draft lottery on Sunday, May 10, franchises will figure out whether they have access to this draft class' best prospects or not.
Some will welcome potential fortune-changers with open arms. Others will be left coping with the fact there aren't enough elite prospects to satisfy all of the bottom-feeders.
How could this all play out? Well, we can get a detailed look at the possibilities with Tankathon's lottery simulator. And the latest spin on this hypothetical brought great news for the Sacramento Kings and bummers to the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.
1. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
1 of 30
While the Kings theoretically have more established talent than most tankers, that paints a distorted view of their reality. Truth be told, they'd love to get started penning their next chapter and would have already had they been able to drum up trade interest in their pricey vets.
That's a verbose way of saying Sacramento is desperate for a new focal point, and this simulation delivered the best bet on the draft board. Between Dybantsa's polished scoring package and developmental strides as a distributor and defender, one could argue he offers both the tallest ceiling and the highest floor in this class.
He just led the nation in scoring (25.5 points on 51 percent shooting) as a freshman teenager. His physical traits are top-shelf quality, and he makes the most of them with contagious competitiveness and a fully revved motor. He needs to keep climbing, of course, but he has a pretty clear pathway toward big-wing stardom.
2. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
2 of 30
The Nets made five first-round picks in the 2025 draft, spent most of them on playmakers and didn't necessarily walk away with more than one surefire building block (Egor Dёmin). They need elite upside—and go-to scoring punch—and could find exactly that in Peterson, whose up-and-down season at Kansas raised some concerns, but no glaring red flags as long as his medical reports are fine.
"Recent feedback from front office sources has been largely positive, with Peterson described as a serious worker who is passionate about his craft, with questions centering more about his health," ESPN's Jeremy Woo relayed. "NBA teams are hoping for clarity from his medical evaluation at the combine, with a scary preseason full-body cramping episode having impacted his season physically and mentally."
If Peterson's medicals are free of glaring concerns, then Brooklyn might race to the podium to submit this pick. His shotmaking would free up the floor for everyone else, but he can offer so much more, especially if his explosiveness and creation return to the levels he displayed in high school.
3. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
3 of 30
Pelicans fans definitely wouldn't be chortling about the Hawks' good fortune here, since this selection would belong to New Orleans had it not deemed a trade‑up for Derik Queen totally necessary last year.
Atlanta would be loving this luck, though, as it could add a bona fide blue-chip prospect in Boozer, an 18-year-old with perhaps the best polish and processing skills in this class.
He's been a winner at virtually every level—Duke disappointed at the end, but still went 35-3 and made the Elite Eight—and is a statistical standout in almost every aspect. He pairs knockout-powered scoring punch with soft shooting touch, Stickum-soaked hands, fork-in-the-road screening and footwork on par with the planet's best fútbol-ers.
Boozer doesn't have elite length or explosiveness for an NBA power player, and his lateral quickness will be challenged on perimeter switches, but he thinks the game at a high enough level to figure things out. And that's pretty much where concerns with him stop.
He's a virtual lock to be a good-to-really-good player at this level—the only question is whether he'll be great.
4. Indiana Pacers: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
4 of 30
The Pacers maybe wouldn't love the idea of drafting fourth, but this at least spares them from the nightmare scenario of their top-four protected pick getting sent to the Los Angeles Clippers. And even if Wilson is often mocked outside of the top three, that's not a universal opinion—meaning, he'd be much more than a consolation prize.
"Front office executives around the NBA increasingly believe Wilson could be the second player taken in June's draft," Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reported. "... Some teams value the high-flying North Carolina freshman above the more ground-bound Cam Boozer from Duke. Others view Wilson as having similarly high upside as Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with dramatically lower downsides due to Peterson's availability concerns."
The wager here is that Wilson still lands fourth, but that's a good reminder that he might just belong in the same elite prospect tier. He's a rim-wrecking force in the Shawn Kemp-Blake Griffin mold of mash-everything dunkers, plus a chaos-creating defender, open-floor firework and developing dribbler.
5. Washington Wizards: Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
5 of 30
Remember, Wizards fans, this is only a simulation, but...brace yourselves. You unfortunately know as well as anyone that a mountain of losses (a league-worst 65 this season) guarantees nothing at the lottery.
There's no way to spin this away from it being a brutal break for Washington, but would at least have its pick of the scoring point guards who dominate this tier. Wagler isn't necessarily standing above the rest, but he does have good size for a floor general (6'6"), great feel and enough craft to think he'll overcome his lack of strength and explosion.
For now, he could serve as either a shot-maker with the Wizards' starters or the primary intiator with their second team. Long-term, there's potential for a dynamic, net-shredding backcourt combo with him and last year's No. 6 pick, Tre Johnson.
6. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
6 of 30
Falling outside of the top four would put the Jazz in a bit of a bind. Following Keyonte George's breakout season by selecting a score-first guard seems less than ideal, but targeting anyone other than a backcourt player would feel like a reach.
So, Utah hedges its bets a bit with Flemings, who's probably the best defender of this bunch and maybe the top decision-maker, too. He has some throwback elements to his game—some favorable (good assist-to-turnover ratio, soft midrange touch) and some not as much (low three-point volume, tiny free-throw rate).
He probably isn't the biggest swing in this spot, but the Jazz don't necessarily need that. If George is as good as he looked this season, and the frontcourt combo of Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler maxes out its potential, Utah might need more a puzzle piece than a centerpiece. Flemings looks ready to fill a support role and could grow beyond it if his three-ball comes alive.
7. Memphis Grizzlies: Darius Acuff Jr., PG/SG, Arkansas
7 of 30
This can't really be called a best-case scenario for the Grizzlies, since they slid back a spot in this simulation. However, for the specific scenario of slipping to No. 7, this might be the best-case outcome.
Memphis, which sits one inevitable Ja Morant trade away from a total tear-down, needs a new offensive focal point, and Acuff effectively spent his one-and-done college season auditioning for the job. He assumed complete control of the Razorbacks as a teenaged freshman and quickly settled in as their top scorer and distributor—while posting a pristine 48.4/44/80.9 shooting slash and nearly tripling his turnovers with assists.
He oozes star qualities and should be easy to build around since he's a legitimate offensive threat on or off the ball. He isn't the best prospect from a physical standpoint, but his abilities and approach make awfully convincing arguments.
8. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
8 of 30
The Mavericks need a long-term answer at point guard and a high-end running mate to pair with Rookie of the Year winner Cooper Flagg.
Brown might scratch both itches—especially if he proves his inconsistency at Louisville was tied to a nagging back injury more than anything.
He might have to dial back the ambition of his shot-selection and risk-taking, but if developed properly, he could be an electric source of scoring and pick-and-roll playmaking.
He has deep range as a pull-up shooter, finishing ability with both hands and enough vision to find teammates through tight windows. His upside is enormous, and Dallas should have enough patience to see if it can help him approach it.
9. Chicago Bulls: Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
9 of 30
The Bulls could seek out a safer selection, but what's the fun in that? Remember, they are starting from scratch here—new front office, new head coach—so you'd think the runway is long enough to throw a dart at a project prospect like Ament.
He could've cracked the top five of this class had everything gone right during his tenure at Tennessee. That he's barely cracking the top 10 highlights the fact that it did not. He shot below 40 percent from the field and just 33.3 percent from three, uninspiring marks for a 6'10" forward who's supposed to count shotmaking as one of his greatest strengths.
That said, there were stretches where everything clicked, and he reminded folks why players his size who can pass, shoot and handle are always so intriguing. Adding strength is a must, but there's a path to stardom or at least really strong support play.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
10 of 30
Are the Bucks using this pick to start laying their post-Giannis Antetokounmpo foundation? Would they try flipping this selection in hopes of convincing the two-time MVP to extend his stay? Or might there be a world in which the incoming prospect actually suits up alongside the longtime franchise face?
No clue on those answers, but Burries could be a target under any of those scenarios.
Betting on him as a foundational piece—or a prospect someone would trade up to get—means buying into there being a lot more of the flashes of creativity that suggest he has plenty of untapped on-ball potential. Envisioning more of a support role just requires more of the same of what he showed at Arizona: relentless hustle, great physicality and scoring within the overall offensive flow.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
11 of 30
Golden State's future feels entirely in flux, other than the fact that Stephen Curry will be around to lead the Warriors. It's easy to assume, then, that the front office would want to provide as much immediate support as it can, hence spending the lottery pick on someone who will turn 24 before playing his first NBA game.
Lendeborg looks like a plug-and-play source of length, athleticism and a versatile skill tree that branches out in a ton of interesting directions. But he's also a late-bloomer, so he might have more growth potential than his age would indicate.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
12 of 30
The Thunder are about to get really expensive really soon, which could give them pause about covering Isaiah Hartenstein's upcoming $28.5 million team option—or at least the next contract that follows it. If that's the case, they could see Mara as a potential replacement, since he'd bring a similar blend of interior activity and slick passing from the center spot.
He's not at all a shooter or nimble in space, but he disrupts everything around the rim on defense, hammers home lob passes and can throw some of his own. If nothing else, he could push 2025's No. 15 pick, Thomas Sorber, for spot minutes.
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
13 of 30
The Heat are almost certain to need perimeter scoring this summer. Norman Powell is a flight risk in free agency, and Tyler Herro could rocket up the list of likely trade candidates if extension talks come up empty again.
Philon could help fill that void. He is more of a scorer than a floor general, but that might be what Miami needs. Conversely, his thin, 185-pound frame could really use a strength and conditioning program like the Heat's.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
14 of 30
The Hornets found a serviceable center rotation with Moussa Diabaté and rookie second-rounder Ryan Kalkbrenner, but serviceable isn't a reason to avoid adding to this position. Especially when this perimeter group is already so strong.
If Charlotte is thinking center here, then it should be thinking Steinbach. He's big, he's skilled around the basket, he's busy on the boards and he'll maybe be a viable three-point threat in time.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR): Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
15 of 30
If the Bulls are already valuing upside over anything in this mock, why not double-down and wager on perhaps the draft's best defender? Chicago needs an interior anchor, after all, and the healthy version of Quaintance is both a shot-eraser and a havoc-wreaking switcher away from the basket.
He's also currently covered in red flags, since the knee injury that prematurely ended his freshman season effectively wrecked his sophomore campaign. If he can get back to 100 percent, though, he's an incredibly bouncy big who lives above the basket and has no trouble defending away from it.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHO): Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand Breakers
16 of 30
The Grizzlies should be set to give Lopez a real shot at success. He doesn't create much offense, but Acuff's creativity could cover that and find chances for his slashing to shine. Lopez also has some defensive question marks, but a healthy Zach Edey would provide plenty of protection.
In return, Lopez could give this group support in a lot of other areas. He's shown promise as a shooter, great instincts as an off-ball mover, good decision-making as a passer and the willingness (and frame) to play with force.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
17 of 30
The Thunder very rarely appear vulnerable, but when they do, it often stems from a lack of outside shooting. So, if they keep this pick—they could try packaging it to move up or flip it for future draft assets—they might get good mileage out of spending it on Carr.
He's an ignitable shooter who can also zip around closeouts and finish plays above the rim. His frame needs filling out, but the Thunder shouldn't need him to log major minutes any time soon.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
18 of 30
If the Hornets use one of their top-20 picks on a center, they should probably throw the other one at a big forward. Miles Bridges and Grant Williams both have a single season left on their contracts, and Tidjane Salaün is only slightly less proven than when Charlotte made him the No. 6 pick of the 2024 draft.
This isn't just about addressing a position of need, though. Peat looms as something of a buy-low candidate, despite playing an invaluable role for an Arizona team that went 36-3 and reached the Final Four. Shooting limitations erased him lottery-lock status, but there's still a lot to like about his size, physicality, feel and willingness to play his role.
19. Toronto Raptors: Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
19 of 30
Toronto often takes nightly searches for consistent scoring and functional spacing. Anderson wouldn't bring those to an end, but he could answer those calls often enough.
He's a lights-out shooter with a knack for carving up defenses out of the pick-and-roll. He's also undersized and not very strong, but Toronto might have enough long-limbed athletes elsewhere to protect him defensively.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
20 of 30
The Spurs already roster the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in league history (Victor Wembanyama), but they could grow even stingier with Johnson, who might be the best defender in this draft.
He can bang with bigs around the basket, keep up with guards on the perimeter and muck up everything with well-timed help and rotations. His scoring range is pretty limited, but San Antonio could maybe make that work thanks to that 7'4" net-shredding alien.
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
21 of 30
Those season-long concerns everyone shared about Detroit's non-Cade Cunningham scoring options clearly existed for a reason. Stirtz couldn't ease them entirely, but it would provide badly needed doses of playmaking, shooting and support scoring.
He makes smart, decisive reads as a passer and has functional enough handles to get where he needs to go. So, he could pilot the Pistons' bench group no problem. What seals this selection, though, is the fact the spacing he'd provide would make him an asset next to Cunningham, too.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
22 of 30
The Sixers need frontcourt support wherever they can find it. Joel Embiid's understudy can always plan on significant floor time, and it's not like Paul George is the model of consistent availability, either.
Cenac is a bit of a project, but if Philly nailed his development, it could have someone who could fill in behind either one or play alongside them. He has big-man size and swingman mobility, and if he learns to embrace more of the grunt-work duties on the interior, he could evolve into an inside-out asset.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
23 of 30
The Hawks need shooters. They've basically had two good ones in the playoffs: Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu, who hardly even launched long-ball looks before this season.
Evans is a marksman, and he understands how to create openings with his off-ball movements. He also flashed a good amount of on-ball growth this season, both as a downhill driver and a secondary passer.
24. New York Knicks: Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
24 of 30
If the Knicks make a major move this offseason, they might have to sacrifice one of their high-priced wings. If they don't, they could still be in the wing market, since they don't have many (any?) worth mentioning beyond their starters.
Swain has tremendous physical traits, and he became a wildly effective self-sufficient scorer this season. It's hard to say what kind of shooting threat he'll ever be, but a downhill scorer and defensive playmaker is still a useful archetype.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
25 of 30
With several possible first-rounders staying in school, this draft class suddenly looks a little light on centers. The Lakers could still attack the position anyway, especially since his offensive skills could shine next to a creator like Luka Dončić.
Veesaar can shoot, finish around (and above) the basket and make quick reads on the move. He could have a lot of utility as on-ball screener with a diverse offensive menu.
26. Denver Nuggets: Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
26 of 30
Wing depth is arguably a need for the Nuggets now, and that's without knowing what the free-agency future holds for Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. It shouldn't take a lot of imagination, then, for Denver to envision a rotation opening for Allen.
He has the kind of versatility that makes you wonder why the proverbial jack-of-all-trades gets such a bad wrap. He hasn't mastered any skill, but he's a big wing who can handle, shoot and pass, and he shouldn't get skewered on defense.
27. Boston Celtics: Luigi Suigo, C, Mega
27 of 30
The Celtics don't have to force a center here, but this could be an area where the top prospect on their board is also a clear need-filler. Because if they aren't planning on paying Nikola Vučević in free agency, then they're probably planning on going big-man shopping at some point this summer.
Suigo would be a fascinating attempt at filling this spot for the long haul. He'll have to adjust to the speed of the NBA, but he offers an interesting blend of size (7'4"), offensive skill and perimeter shotmaking.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
28 of 30
This might call for a victory lap by Minnesota. The Wolves would love to leave this draft with a first-round-caliber point guard, and this mock draft just delivered one.
Okorie might be the fastest player in this draft, and he showcases that speed on dynamic drives to the basket. Long-range shooting is more of a swing skill than an automatic strength, but if he finds consistency with it, he'd be an advantage-creating asset.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
29 of 30
The forward spots figure to keep holding the Cavaliers' attention as long as they keep their current core, and this pick would put a pretty intriguing one in Northeast Ohio.
Graves doesn't have the cleanest prospect profile—he's a limited athlete and largely unproven against high-level competition—but his analytics are great, and his size-skill combo and feel have him flying up draft boards.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Juke Harris, SF, Wake Forest
30 of 30
After already adding Mikel Brown Jr., the Mavericks give Cooper Flagg more scoring support here with Harris.
He erupted as a sophomore, pumping his per-game production up from 6.1 to 21.4—all while improving his shooting rates from every level. He's a versatile shotmaker, a quick downhill attacker and an active defensive playmaker.
.png?w=600 "Ranking KD Trade Ideas, Landing Spots 📍")
