Every Team's Biggest Need In the 2026 NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA draft is just weeks away, taking place on June 23 and 24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
From the Washington Wizards picking at No. 1 overall to the, well, Wizards picking again at No. 60 and every selection in between, all 30 teams possess needs that will have to be addressed.
These are the positions or skills that every NBA team should be looking to fix in the 2026 NBA draft.
Note: The Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers currently own no draft picks, but we're still including them in case they make a trade to get back in.
Atlanta Hawks: Isolation Scoring
1 of 30
The Atlanta Hawks are in a great position to take an elite guard in the lottery with the use of the New Orleans Pelicans' first-round pick, as players like Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries are all expected to go in the 5-to-10 range.
Atlanta could use the extra backcourt firepower, as the Hawks ranked dead last in the NBA in isolation scoring this season (0.80 points per possession), shooting just 37.6 percent overall on their lowly 4.8 attempts per game.
This need only becomes greater if CJ McCollum doesn't return in free agency. With two first-round picks, however, the Hawks should be able to address this area.
Boston Celtics: Frontcourt Depth
2 of 30
Draft Picks: 27, 40
The Boston Celtics' core four of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are all under contract for next season, giving the team lots of options at guard and forward.
The frontcourt remains thin, however, especially with Nikola Vuฤeviฤ hitting free agency and never playing a big role following his trade to Boston. Even if Neemias Queta returns on a team option or new contract, the Celtics could use some big-man depth behind him.
This isn't a particularly strong center class, however. Boston could target a big like UNC's Henri Veesaar or Kentucky's Malachi Moreno, hoping that one falls to No. 27.
Brooklyn Nets: Best Player Available
3 of 30
Draft Picks: 6, 33, 43
Despite making a whopping five first-round selections last year, the Brooklyn Nets should still ignore positional need and take the best player on the board. Egor Dัmin showed the most promise as a 6'8" point guard, although his height would allow him to play next to a traditional floor general as well.
There's not a single player the Nets can lean on as a franchise centerpiece yet, although that could change in this draft.
The No. 6 overall pick means missing out on AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and others, although the Nets are guaranteed to get a player like Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr. or Brayden Burries.
.png?w=256)
Charlotte Hornets: Interior Scoring
4 of 30
Draft Picks: 14, 18
Coming off a strong final few months of the season, the Charlotte Hornets finally have a core they can build around. Adding two top-18 picks will only increase the team's depth and help shore up arguably their biggest weakness.
The Hornets led the NBA in made threes last season (16.4 per game), as their 37.8 percent clip ranked third overall. Interior scoring took a hit, however, as Charlotte finished 29th in made twos while a 53.8 percent mark from inside the arc ranked just 21st in the league.
Three-point shooting is obviously important in this era of the NBA, although the Hornets could still use some interior scoring to help balance out their offensive attack.
Chicago Bulls: Franchise Center
5 of 30
Draft Picks: 4, 15, 38, 56
The Chicago Bulls have pivoted to a rebuild and should probably take the best player available with all four of their draft selections. The biggest position of need? Center.
Jalen Smith is the only center-ish player on the roster for next season, although he logged 32 percent of his minutes at power forward last year.
The bad news for Chicago is that this isn't a center-rich draft. Caleb Wilson is the overwhelming favorite to go to the Bulls at No. 4, although his 6'9", 210-pound frame screams forward more than it does small-ball five.
The Bulls should hope that Michigan's Aday Mara falls to them at 15, as his 7'3" frame and 7'6" wingspan could anchor their defense for years to come.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Big Wing
6 of 30
Draft Pick: 29
The Cleveland Cavaliers don't own their first-round pick in 2027 or 2029 while still paying on the Donovan Mitchell trade with the Utah Jazz, so they'll need to make this selection count.
The Cavs need more size on the wing. Sam Merrill and Keon Ellis are 6'4". Max Strus is 6'5" and Jaylon Tyson is (a generous) 6'6". The one true wing with size on the roster is Dean Wade, although he's about to hit free agency.
Cleveland could target Texas' Dailyn Swain or Duke's Isaiah Evans near the end of the first round, giving them some additional size off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks: Franchise Point Guard
7 of 30
Draft Picks: 9, 30, 48ย
We could see a run of guards in the 5-to-10 range in this year's draft. The Dallas Mavericks have to hope at least one will still be available when they pick at No. 9.
Kyrie Irving is 34 years old and coming off a torn ACL. He no longer fits a timeline in Dallas that revolves around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. The Mavs should still have hope that Dereck Lively II can become a franchise center and hope to pair their frontcourt with an elite young guard with what could be their last top-10 pick in a while.
Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. and Houston's Kingston Flemings could be two names to watch here as future Flagg running mates.
Denver Nuggets: Defensive Help
8 of 30
Draft Picks: 26, 49
The temptation to trade this pick and get more veteran help while Nikola Jokiฤ is still in his prime is tempting, although the Denver Nuggets need young talent on cost-controlled contracts.
More specifically, this team needs players who can defend. An offense that ranked No. 1 in the regular season was ultimately doomed by a defense that finished 21st overall. Peyton Watson, one of the team's best defenders, is a restricted free agent as well.
Backup point guard is also a position of need right now, as Tyus Jones is a free agent and wasn't very impactful in his brief 11 games in Denver, either.
Detroit Pistons: Offensive Creation
9 of 30
Draft Pick: 21
Cade Cunningham was really good in the 2026 playoffs, as he currently ranks 1st in points per game (28.1) and 4th in assists (7.5). His usage rate is the 3rd-highest, only behind Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown.
It's safe to say the Detroit Pistons need to find Cunningham some help.
The Pistons' second-leading scorer in the playoffs, Tobias Harris, is going to be a free agent. Ausar Thompson wasn't much of an offensive threat (8.2 points, 3.1 assists, 14.3 percent from three) and Jalen Duren struggled ahead of restricted free agency.
Detroit needs offensive creation behind Cunningham, an area the 21st overall pick should be focused on.
Golden State Warriors: Whoever the Milwaukee Bucks Like
10 of 30
Draft Picks: 11, 54
Perhaps no team should be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo more than the Golden State Warriors, as the two-time MVP could get this franchise back into title contention now while serving as the new face when Stephen Curry inevitably retires.
The No. 11 overall pick is a good starting point in any trade offers, and the two sides should be in communication about who the Bucks have interest in. Milwaukee owns the No. 10 pick, potentially putting two new lottery picks on the floor immediately in a post-Antetokounmpo era.
This draft selection should absolutely be dangled in trade packages for stars, especially if the Warriors plan on keeping both Curry and Draymond Green for the foreseeable future.
Houston Rockets: Guard Play
11 of 30
Draft Picks: 39, 53
Getting Fred VanVleet back from a torn ACL should make a big difference for the Houston Rockets' offense next season, although the two second-round picks should be used to help add some playmaking and outside shooting as well.
The Rockets finished 27th overall in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio last season (1.65), a number similar to the lowly Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, both of whom were relying strongly on rookies.
For a team with a ton of wing and frontcourt talent, a trade to balance out the roster is entirely possible. There's a ton of senior guards projected to go in the second round, however, players who could help give the Rockets' backcourt some additional depth.
Indiana Pacers: Wing Scorer
12 of 30
Draft Picks: None
One of two NBA teams without a draft pick right now, the Indiana Pacers may have to rely on internal growth from players like Kam Jones and Jarace Walker as well as the return of Tyrese Haliburton to make it back to the East playoffs.
If Indiana trades back into the draft, they should target a wing scorer.
The Pacers traded Benedict Mathurin (17.8 points in 28 games last year) as part of the package to get Ivica Zubac, an insane deal that also included what ended up being the No. 5 overall pick and a future unprotected first.
Los Angeles Clippers: Center
13 of 30
Draft Picks: 5, 36, 52
Trading Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers was obviously a great decision (see the above slide), although it did leave a hole at the center position in Los Angeles.
The Clippers hold a $9.2 million team option on Brook Lopez, although he's certainly not the long-term answer at age 38. Yanic Konan Niederhรคuser was the 30th overall pick in the 2025 draft, yet is currently sidelined after undergoing foot surgery in March.
No. 5 overall is way too high to take Michigan's Aday Mara, perhaps the best true center in a center-weak draft. All options should be on the table for the Clippers, including trading this selection to a guard-needy team with an All-Star center.
Los Angeles Lakers: Rim Protection
14 of 30
Draft Pick: 25
The Los Angeles Lakers could have one of the most fascinating offseasons of any NBA team, as six starters/key rotation players could all become free agents.
Whether starting center Deandre Ayton comes back or not, the Lakers need to improve their rim protection.
Los Angeles allowed opponents to shoot a whopping 72.0 percent in the restricted area, ranking next to last among all 30 NBA teams. The only franchise that was worse, the Utah Jazz, lost starting center Walker Kessler to shoulder surgery after just five games.
There's a number of shot-blocking centers that should go in the late first or early second round for the Lakers to select and plug in behind Ayton, assuming he returns.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson
15 of 30
Draft Picks: 3, 16, 32
The Memphis Grizzlies are in a great position by sitting at No. 3 with two potential future All-Stars to choose from. After trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline, either Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson can slide into the starting power forward position.
Most mocks have Boozer at this spot, although Memphis will undoubtedly do their homework. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman at UNC and has an athletic NBA frame that includes a 7-foot wingspan and should be in strong consideration at No. 3 here.
The Grizzlies go with either Boozer or Wilson while taking the best player available regardless of position at 16 and 32. Memphis could be back to becoming a playoff team in the West before too long.
Miami Heat: Best Talent Available
16 of 30
Draft Picks: 13, 41
The Miami Heat should be pursuing star players this summer. Picking in the 10-to-20 range every year will net them some good talent, although all of the elite prospects will be off the board once again.
Miami should be open to drafting any position here. Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins are entering the final year of their contracts. Norman Powell is a free agent. Bam Adebayo may be the only player off limits, and he's versatile enough to float between power forward and center.
The Heat take the best player available at No. 13, as they either need potential star talent or can dangle this selection to opposing teams for a proven veteran.
Milwaukee Bucks: Best Wing Available
17 of 30
Draft Pick: 10
The Milwaukee Bucks have a lot of needs, although the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo will need to be settled before the team makes this selection.
"I just think before the draft is a natural time, right? Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, then we ought to get a lot of assets and it's Jon's job to do it," Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters. "If he's here, then you build the team differently."
Haslam is right. Milwaukee shouldn't go out and draft a power forward if Antetokounmpo intends to sign an extension to stay. Their biggest area of need is on the wing, especially if Kevin Porter Jr. turns down a player option to hit free agency.
Antetokounmpo, Ryan Rollins and Myles Turner are all locked in as starters. This No. 10 pick could be too if the right wing player is available.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Point Guard
18 of 30
Draft Picks: 28, 59
The Minnesota Timberwolves may not fix their point guard issue with these picks, but they can at least improve their situation.
Donte DiVincenzo could miss the entire 2026-27 season while recovering from a torn Achilles. Ayo Dosunmuย is a free agent and Mike Conley Jr. (also a free agent) will turn 39 this fall.
Texas Tech point guard Christian Anderson could be a fit at No. 28. He averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists as a sophomore this past season and could be a long-term fit alongside Anthony Edwards.
New Orleans Pelicans: Stretch Big
19 of 30
Draft Pick: 58
The New Orleans Pelicans' big man trio of Zion Williamson, Derik Queen and Yves Missi shot a combined 24-of-93 (25.8 percent) from three last season, with Queen making 23 of these.
New Orleans could use a stretch-big to add to the mix, someone who can share the floor with either of the three and give everyone else some room to operate.
UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau is the type of player the Pelicans should target at the end of the second round. He made 46.4 percent of his threes last season on a healthy 4.5 attempts per game.
New York Knicks: Center Depth
20 of 30
Draft Picks: 24, 31, 55
The New York Knicks don't have many weaknesses, as evidenced by their run to the 2026 NBA Finals. With Mitchell Robinson hitting free agency, however, New York may have to find a new backup center behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
A big man who can protect the rim would be an added bonus. The Knicks ranked 29th overall in blocks per game last season (3.9) with Robinson accounting for nearly a third of these (1.2).
With three picks in this draft including two in the top-31 overall, New York has a couple swings at fixing this issue.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Trade Opportunities
21 of 30
Draft Picks: 12, 17, 37
The rich only get richer as the Oklahoma City Thunder can add three top-37 picks to the roster, including two in the top-17.
OKC may not have room for three (or even two) rookies, however. If all team options are picked up, the Thunder's roster stands at a full 15 players.
Trying to package draft picks to move up is one option, although Sam Presti could go in the opposite direction as well. Trading these first-round picks for future draft capital would be a smart move, giving the Thunder more flexibility as the roster only becomes more expensive down the road.
Orlando Magic: 3-Point Shooting
22 of 30
Draft Pick: 46
Three-point shooting has plagued the Orlando Magic for years now, an area new head coach Sean Sweeney will attempt to fix.ย
Orlando ranked just 24th in made threes per game (11.7) and 27th in accuracy (34.3 percent) this past season, even after adding Desmond Bane. His 39.1 percent mark led the Magic, although core players like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black and Wendell Carter Jr. all shot between 30.5 and 34.5 percent.
With no first-round pick due to the Bane trade a year ago, Orlando will have to nab a shooter or shot-creator with a mid second-round selection.
Philadelphia 76ers: Power Forward
23 of 30
Draft Pick: 22
The Philadelphia 76ers will have a lot of roster holes this summer, as there's only eight players with a guaranteed contract for the 2026-27 season right now.
Paul George can play the four (17 percent of his court time was spent there last year), although he's more of a natural three. The Sixers should be targeting a power forward with the 22nd overall pick, someone who can play rotation minutes immediately.
This is a good spot for Arizona's Koa Peat or Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson, giving Philly's frontcourt a little more depth.
Phoenix Suns: Point of Attack Defender
24 of 30
Draft Pick: 47
The Phoenix Suns put together a strong defense as a whole last season, finishing 9th overall with a 112.9 rating. Their primary strength is at the forward positions, where Dillon Brooks and Ryan Dunn can match up physically with a lot of wings.
There isn't a lot of strong point-of-attack defenders on this roster, however, as Devin Booker and Jalen Green do most of their contributing on the offensive end.
Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie is one player to keep an eye on. He has strong defensive instincts, good hands and averaged 1.9 steals in 130 college games.
Portland Trail Blazers: Outside Shooting
25 of 30
Draft Picks: None
Three-point shooting was not an area of strength for the Portland Trail Blazers this past season, as they shot 34.3 percent in the regular season (28th overall) and 30.3 percent in the playoffs (tied for last).
The return of Damian Lillard (the second best shooter of all time?) should help, although this roster needs more floor-spacing in general.
Portland doesn't currently possess any draft picks. If the right shooter begins to fall, however, the Blazers should explore trading back in.
Sacramento Kings: Franchise Star
26 of 30
Draft Picks: 7, 34, 45
Not picking until No. 7 overall is a huge disappointment for the Sacramento Kings, as this team needed a superstar perhaps more than any other franchise.
Still, there will still be some really good players available when they select. Position doesn't matter, as the veterans on this team (Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan) should all be on the trade block.
There's going to be a few super-talented guards available at No. 7. As long as the Kings don't do something stupid and reach for a player like Aday Mara, they should be fine.
San Antonio Spurs: Forward Depth
27 of 30
Draft Picks: 20, 35, 42, 44
The San Antonio Spurs should have no interest in bringing four rookies to training camp this fall. Attempting to consolidate picks and trade up should be explored.
This team is already loaded with guards and may have the best center (player?) on the planet in Victor Wembanyama. This means focusing attention at the forward spots, especially with 34-year-old Harrison Barnes hitting free agency.
The Spurs have enough star power on this roster already. Simply finding some solid role players off the bench at the forward spots should be the goal of this draft.
Toronto Raptors: Volume Shooting
28 of 30
Draft Picks: 19, 50
Only four NBA teams shot fewer three-pointers than the Toronto Raptors last season. If this team wants to get out of the middle of the pack offensively (No. 15 overall, 115.0 rating) they'll need to dial up this number.
The Raptors already have a set starting lineup, barring any major trades this offseason. Adding another rotation player at No. 19 who can shoot threes at a high level should be the goal for Toronto.
After only one player (Immanuel Quickley) ranked in the top-73 in total threes attempted last season, the Raptors need more outside shooting.
Utah Jazz: AJ Dybantsa (or Darryn Peterson)
29 of 30
Draft Pick: 2
This will be a quick and easy draft night for the Utah Jazz as they own the No. 2 (and only the No. 2) overall pick.
Trading up to No. 1 and trying to land AJ Dybantsa should be a priority all the way up until draft night. Keeping the BYU star at home and pairing him with Ace Bailey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler (restricted free agent) and Keyonte George would give this team one of the best young cores in the entire NBA.
Darryn Peterson is a fine consolation prize, although Dybantsa should be the top choice if the price is reasonable to move up.
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
30 of 30
Draft Picks: 1, 51, 60
For the Washington Wizards to move back a spot with the Utah Jazz, there better be a hefty chest of draft picks coming. If not, AJ Dybantsa needs to be the pick.
The 6'9" wing is the ideal superstar to build around, as Washington can plug him in between Trae Young and Anthony Davis, competing for a spot in the East playoffs immediately.
This is the player the Wizards have long coveted to build around. Listening to offers is fine, although ultimately staying and making this selection is what Washington should do.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Top NFL Free Agents ๐")
.jpg?w=600 "WWE Clash in Italy Grades ๐")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL blockbuster trade may be close")
.jpg?w=600 "Clash In Italy Winners-Losers ๐")
.jpg?w=600 "Cap Space For Each NFL Team ๐ฐ")
