Start, Bench or G League? Predictions for Every 2026 1st-Round NBA Draft Pick
The strength of the 2026 draft class is going to show right away in the NBA.
The top picks are poised to produce in high-usage roles. We should see an unusual amount of rookies earning significant playing time.
Still, for prospects who went in the teens and 20s, opportunities will be dependent on their teams' depth charts and directions.
We looked into every first-round pick to project whether their usage types, and whether they'll start games, come off the bench or spend time in the G League.
1. AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards)
1 of 30
Role: Starter
Usage type: Top scoring option
Even with Trae Young and Anthony Davis in Washington, plenty of offense figures to run through AJ Dybantsa in 2026-27.
While it does seem reasonable to think that Dybantsa would have to adjust to a lower-usage role, it may make more sense for the usually ball-dominant Young to defer more.
Dybantsa, who combined for 50 points in his two summer leagues, should already create mismatches and advantages with his unique frame, athleticism, footwork and high release point. The Wizards might as well feature Dybantsa early and allow him to prepare for the No. 1 option role he's built to occupy.
2. Darryn Peterson (Utah Jazz)
2 of 30
Role: Starter
Usage type: Top scoring/playmaking option
Offense should run through Darryn Peterson early once it becomes evident how dangerous and adaptable he can be.
Even if he's splitting transition, ball-screen and isolation ball-handling duties with Keyonte George, Peterson will remain heavily involved and productive due to how comfortable he looked playing off the ball. He graded in the 99th percentile as a spot-up scorer at Kansas, per Synergy Sports, even shooting 41.2 percent on movement and handoff threes.
But we also saw Peterson's creativity shine in summer league, where he looked more like the one-on-one threat and playmaker he was at Prolific Prep. Aside from the drives, crafty finishes, floaters, step-backs and pull-ups, he totaled 26 assists in just five games in Las Vegas, showing more signs of lead-guard ability and passing that was masked at Kansas.
Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. may wind up having to take a backseat to a rookie at certain points throughout the year.
3. Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies)
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Role: Starter
Usage type: Offensive focal point
Rebuilding from scratch means the Memphis Grizzlies will play through Cameron Boozer right away.
The combination of offensive versatility and incredibly smart/quick processing should allow the rookie to operate as a primary hub.
The Grizzlies can feature him as a ball-screen handler and post player, situations where he's skilled and alert enough to make the right scoring or passing reads. He also just shot 40.6 percent from three in eight summer league games, and all signs continue to point to Boozer quickly becoming one of the league's better big-man shooters.
Triple-doubles are in his immediate future, particularly given how much offensive responsibility and freedom Boozer should have in Memphis.
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4. Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls)
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Role: Starter
Usage type: Play-finisher, secondary scoring option
The Chicago Bulls added Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, while Matas Buzelis is expected to make another leap. But the most exciting piece for the franchise is clearly Caleb Wilson. And it seems reasonable to think coach Tiago Splitter is going to give him plenty of freedom to experiment and play through mistakes.
Just by playing to his strengths, Wilson figures to put up numbers with his handle and explosion in transition, mid-range game and tools, bounce and motor around the rim.
The three-point shooting in summer league did seem fluky based on his high school and college results. But Chicago should want him to let them fly early, because Wilson clearly does have shotmaking skill and more range to unlock. And there won't be any reason for the coaches to take it slow with their presumed franchise player.
5. Keaton Wagler (Los Angeles Clippers)
5 of 30
Role: Starter
Usage type: Secondary ball-handler, combo scorer/playmaker
Playing secondary ball-handler alongside Darius Garland seems like a sensible rookie role for Keaton Wagler.
He could have trouble consistently creating separation at the point of attack. But he's also a dangerous, deep-range shotmaker who does possess on-ball creativity with his change of speeds, footwork and deceleration.
Wagler didn't total more than four assists in any summer league game, and Garland's presence will mean fewer playmaking opportunities for the rookie. Still, Wagler figures to start and be heavily involved early as the team's priority developmental project.
6. Mikel Brown Jr. (Brooklyn Nets)
6 of 30
Role: Starter
Usage type: Scoring guard, secondary playmaker
Egor Demin looks poised for a sophomore leap, which could cut into Mikel Brown Jr.'s playmaking reps. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. will clearly be the team's other top-two options. And this all may be beneficial for Brown, who did have a tendency to force shots and plays at Louisville.
While he might not have the same freedom or green light, Brown still figures to receive starter minutes and touches in a secondary ball-handler role.
Early on, the Nets will likely value his shotmaking first. Self-creation and shooting confidence should allow Brown to offer microwave streak-scoring at different points throughout games.
7. Darius Acuff Jr. (Sacramento Kings)
7 of 30
Role: Starter
Usage type: Lead guard
The Sacramento Kings will give Darius Acuff Jr. the keys and freedom to play through rookie mistakes.
He wasn't efficient in summer league, but he also just didn't make pull-ups and threes that helped fuel his NCAA scoring and rise up draft boards. With Zach LaVine, Deandre Hunter and Keegan Murray, there should be decent spacing for Acuff to operate. He also showed last year with Meleek Thomas that he's comfortable playing alongside another scoring guard like LaVine.
Acuff's size/burst for attacking and overall decision-making will be under the microscope this year at Sacramento. But even inconsistent results won't change his role—the Kings figure to be heavily invested in Acuff as the franchise's new lead ball-handler.
8. Kingston Flemings (Atlanta Hawks)
8 of 30
Role: Bench guard
Usage type: Backup point guard
The Atlanta Hawks extending CJ McCollum one extra year suggests they wanted him to mentor an incoming rookie point guard. After taking two games from the New York Knicks in the playoffs, the front office will be looking to reach the second round, which may mean they'll be relying more on veterans.
Flemings' value in 2026-27 will revolve mostly around his decision-making, mid-range scoring and defensive flashes. He could struggle to score as easily as he did at Houston without blow-by explosion or comfortable three-point range yet.
The plan will be for Flemings to eventually take over for McCollum, who'll turn 35 before the season. But as a rookie, Flemings figures to be used more for depth.
9. Morez Johnson Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
9 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Two-way energizer
Morez Johnson Jr. will play to his strengths by providing physicality and athleticism, energy and defensive versatility behind PJ Washington, Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively.
The Mavericks will presumably favor Washington's shooting for their frontcourt.
Signs of more diverse scoring have been there for Johnson, whether it's with a drive past a closeout, post up, floater or the occasional three. But at this stage, Dallas will value Johnson's ability to spark a lineup off the bench with transition runs, explosive play-finishing, second-chance points and defensive playmaking.
10. Brayden Burries (Milwaukee Bucks)
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Role: Starter
Usage type: Scoring guard
It may be difficult to picture Brayden Burries starting after the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Tyler Herro. But the rookie may already be the team's No. 1 asset and priority.
He just had one of the most impressive rookie showings in Las Vegas summer league history based on production ( 23.5 points, 4.3 assists) and efficiency (50.0 percent FG, 0.8 TO).
The ingredients are there for a quick transition, between Burries' 215-pound frame, high-command pacing and shooting versatility for scoring on and off the ball. He knows how to get quality looks within an offensive set and doesn't make many mistakes.
Milwaukee got young talent and additional draft capital in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and ironically, none may wind up more valuable than the player they took with their own pick.
11. Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors)
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Role: Bench
Usage type: Versatility forward
Summer League MVP Yaxel Lendeborg will likely come off the bench when the team is at full strength. He could earn starts early in the season, depending on Jimmy Butler's ACL recovery. Lendeborg, who'll be older than fourth-year teammate Brandin Podziemski, should have the physical tools and well-rounded skill set to provide instant two-way versatility.
When he's playing with more starters, he'll slide more off the ball into a play-finisher, spot-up shooter and ball-mover role. For the Golden State Warriors' second unit, he'll have the chance to initiate fast breaks and make plays as a ball-handler.
12. Aday Mara (Oklahoma City Thunder)
12 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Play-finisher, passing hub
There should be opportunities for Aday Mara to receive some backup minutes for a frontcourt who's top big-man reserve options are Jaylin Williams, Thomas Sorber and Branden Carlson. Sorber's health will be a key factor in Mara's chances of earning rookie opportunities.
Regardless, it seems likely the Thunder will want to experiment with one of the league's more unique prospects. At 7'3" barefoot, Mara will operate as a giant play-finisher and drop defensive rim protector. But he can also give the offense a different look with how well he's able to pass from the post or top of the arc.
He's going to have rookie struggles guarding in space, turning the ball over and missing free throws. Good health from OKC's returning bigs should mean some G League time for Mara.
13. Nate Ament (Milwaukee Bucks)
13 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Reserve scorer
The Milwaukee Bucks will enter the season with some veteran forwards or wings who'll earn starts over Nate Ament. The rotation may change if the team falls out of playoff contention and starts to prioritize prospect development.
Regardless, the Bucks should be letting Ament play through mistakes after retooling the roster through the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Positional size and three-level scoring flashes create potential that swayed Milwaukee and other teams to look past an efficient freshman season at Tennessee.
Limited explosion affected Ament's ability to blow by or finish in traffic. And he didn't shoot with enough consistency last season. But as a 6'10" perimeter player, he can still separate into makable jumpers against most defenders. And he's demonstrated clear shotmaking ability from the mid-range out to the arc.
It seems reasonable to expect a mixed rookie season full of exciting flash plays, sporadic scoring outbursts and lower field-goal percentages.
14. Hannes Steinbach (Charlotte Hornets)
14 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Offensive big
Hannes Steinbach should have a chance to be a regular rotational big, especially if coach Charles Lee feels comfortable playing him at the 4.
That will likely come down to how well he slides his feet defensively, and whether he can look threatening enough as a spot-up shooter.
Regardless, Steinbach is going to earn minutes as a post player and offensive rebounder who has a good feel for passing and being in the right spots. He should be an option to spell Naz Reid or Moussa Diabate at the end of first quarters or the start of seconds.
15. Dailyn Swain (Chicago Bulls)
15 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Versatility wing
The Chicago Bulls becoming more competitive this season could lead to G League stints for Dailyn Swain. Summer league served as a reminder that he'll need to become a more threatening shooter, particularly if the point-wing experiment isn't looking promising.
Swain moved up draft boards this season by having great success using his handle, tools and athleticism to get to spots and finish self-created drives. He did make some strides with his jumper, and it should eventually look better than it did in Las Vegas.
In the meantime, Swain's value will revolve around versatility and his ability to either create, make plays for teammates, play above the rim in the open floor and defend multiple positions.
16. Bennett Stirtz (Oklahoma City Thunder)
16 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Combo guard
No team has more guard depth than the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's likely going to take some injuries for Bennett Stirtz to crack a rotation that already features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace.
Stirtz does seem ready if called on based on his age, college production, evident IQ and skill versatility to execute in ball-screen situations or shoot off the ball. But even Nikola Topic may get the first crack at third string minutes.
Stirtz should be able to put up big numbers in the G League should the front office prefer he plays over riding the bench.
17. Ebuka Okorie (Detroit Pistons)
17 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Change-of-pace spark
Ebuka Okorie has the chance to be the top option to spell Cade Cunningham.
Behind Cunningham, he may already be the team's next-best creator. His speed, handle and shiftiness can put heavy pressure on defenses, which will be useful, even if he struggles against length around the rim.
Okorie generates lots of gravity, and unlike his time at Stanford, he should have some quality play-finishers and shooters to set up. He'll still be most effective creating for himself and scoring off drives, floaters and rhythm jumpers, but he landed in a good spot to focus on improving his playmaking as well.
18. Christian Anderson (Charlotte Hornets)
18 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Backup point guard
Christian Anderson should get the first shot at backing up Coby White, the team's new starter after it traded LaMelo Ball.
He's a fairly conventional point guard in terms of how he balances scoring with playmaking. Anderson has always come off as a mature ball-handler who won't force the issue. He'll be used heavily in ball-screen situations to either set up teammates or create for himself into pull-up jumpers.
Anderson's lack of size could limit his chances of playing many minutes alongside White. The rookie should look like your classic backup whose job will be to come in and keep the offense moving while providing enough shotmaking to keep pressure on defenses when White, Kon Knueppel or Brandon Miller are out.
19. Allen Graves (Toronto Raptors)
19 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Stretch 4
The Toronto Raptors don't draft for needs, having recently taken Collin Murray-Boyles and now Allen Graves behind Scottie Barnes.
There's a logjam that will now make it difficult for Graves to find regular rookie minutes. It may make sense for him to play in the G League, rather than have him sit. Playing at Santa Clara, he didn't consistently face credible opponents, and at 20 years old, the Raptors won't feel the need to rush him into the lineup out of position.
He does provide a different skill set the front office clearly valued, particularly with his three-point shooting and knack for creating defensive events. But unless injuries hit the team's frontcourt, Graves figures to look more like a long-term project.
20. Jayden Quaintance (San Antonio Spurs)
20 of 30
Role: G League
Usage type: Finisher
San Antonio Spurs fans shouldn't expect to see Jayden Quaintance in 2026-27. He still hasn't fully recovered from a 2025 ACL tear. And after playing just four games for Kentucky and undergoing another procedure this summer, the Spurs will likely take it extremely slow with the 19-year-old.
When he does return, he'll be out there for his incredible physical profile for finishing and shot-blocking. Any skills he's able to develop and add will ultimately be viewed as an unexpected bonus.
21. Karim Lopez (Memphis Grizzlies)
21 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Scoring forward
The Memphis Grizzlies traded back multiple times before taking Karim Lopez, who they presumably had highlighted as a target or value pick outside the lottery.
Though he was likely a best-player-available fit, considering they passed on Bennett Stirtz, Ebuka Okorie and Labaron Philon, the Grizzlies also presumably believe Lopez can play with Cameron Boozer.
However, the addition of Jerami Grant means Memphis wanted veteran presence and production to raise the team's competitiveness. In the short term, Boozer figures to start with Grant while Lopez comes off the bench and earns featured touches with the second unit.
Lopez should be ready for NBA minutes, given his production in the NBL, impressive frame and scoring versatility for different situations. He just may struggle with consistency if his three-ball hits a wall.
22. Labaron Philon (Philadelphia 76ers)
22 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Bench scorer/playmaker
Other teams just weren't confident in Labaron Philon's frame and lead-guard playmaking. He wound up landing in a spot where he can focus on aggressively look to create, rather than worrying more about running a starting unit.
His chances of playing significant minutes did take a hit when the Philadelphia 76ers signed Anfernee Simons. Philon's value similarly revolves around self-created scoring and capable playmaking.
The Sixers could play a bench unit with Philon as the primary ball-handler and Simons as the off-ball scorer. Even if he's not a 20-plus minute rookie, he should have some regular role providing instant offense off the bench.
23. Zuby Ejiofor (Atlanta Hawks)
23 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Two-way energizer
The Atlanta Hawks should find reserve minutes for Zuby Ejiofor's motor, defensive activity and improving offense.
He'll generate the most highlights and production off athletic, energy and hustle plays that result in easy baskets, second-chance points, short-range scoring and contested shots. But he'll get the coaches and fans excited about the future with flashes of shooting and passing.
With a broken foot expected to sideline Mouhamed Gueye early, Ejiofor could compete with Asa Newell for minutes at the 4.
24. Cameron Carr (Los Angeles Lakers)
24 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Three-and-D
The Los Angeles Lakers might not be done filling out the roster. But as of now, Cameron Carr has a path to rotation as a second-unit or spot-start shotmaker.
He'll have a very defined and obvious offensive role that calls for shooting, self-created perimeter scoring and play-finishing off transition, drives or cuts. He'll be a catch-and-shoot and pull-up scorer who's explosiveness should also translate to easy baskets and defensive playmaking.
Game script could lead to Matisse Thybulle stealing bench minutes, and any signing of a player archetype like Jonathan Kuminga's could cut into Carr's opportunities. However, there are still going to be regular situations when the Lakers could use the rookie's firepower and athleticism.
25. Sergio De Larrea (Dallas Mavericks)
25 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Combo scorer/playmaker
Summer league's assist leader, Sergio De Larrea was able to show the Dallas Mavericks that he possesses more playmaking feel that was masked overseas. His passing really stood out, and the Mavs don't necessarily have a backup to Kyrie Irving with a knack for creating for others.
At 6'7" with solid three-point numbers over the past few years, De Larrea could be interchangeable and able to play 2-guard.
Between his versatility and the possibility Irving won't play every night after his ACL recovery, De Larrea seems poised for a legitimate rookie role.
26. Tarris Reed Jr. (San Antonio Spurs)
26 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Interior big
Victor Wembanyama represents a roadblock to the starting lineup for Tarris Reed Jr. Still, the rookie will still have opportunities to win the backup job for a team expected to reach the Western Conference Finals every year moving forward.
A physical interior scorer and smart post passer, Reed can give the Spurs a different look from Wembanyama or even Luke Kornet.
The lack of shooting or ball-handling could make Reed look predictable early, and his athletic limitations could result in more contested shots compared to college. Reed figures to go through stretches where he's not in the rotation, which could lead to random G League stints throughout the season.
27. Chris Cenac Jr. (Boston Celtics)
27 of 30
Role: Bench/G League
Usage type: Energizer
Chris Cenac Jr. should earn sporadic opportunities by playing hard, picking up easy baskets, grabbing boards and covering ground defensively. He's just not going to be a reliable or versatile enough offensive player for the Boston Celtics to trust regularly.
At 19 years old, he presumably fell to No. 27 due to how raw and far away he seemed. Flashes of shotmaking and three-point shooting should create patience, particularly for a 6'11", 240-pound forward who's active at the rim, energetic and coachable.
But Cenac seems like an ideal candidate for the G League, where he can receive more post touches and three-point opportunities needed for confidence and skill building.
28. Joshua Jefferson (Brooklyn Nets)
28 of 30
Role: G League
Usage type: Versatility forward
Between Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, Danny Wolf, Moritz Wagner, Josh Minott and Noah Clowney, it's going to take an injury, disappointing play or too many early-season losses for Joshua Jefferson to crack the rotation.
He offers unique versatility at both ends with his ball-handling, passing and defense, but the addition of Randle suggests the team is serious about being more competitive, and Jefferson's underwhelming three-point shooting (for a limited athlete) remains an important weakness that can be worked on more through G League reps.
The Nets are now loaded with veterans and recent first-round picks, which will likely force Jefferson to wait his turn.
29. Alex Karaban (Sacramento Kings)
29 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Shooter/ball-mover
There are wing/forward minutes for Alex Karaban to take in Sacramento. The rotation could use some form of stability or consistency, and Karaban has the potential to offer reliable off-ball shooting and sound decision-making.
De'Andre Hunter has averaged 53.1 games a year over seven seasons. Nique Clifford wasn't overly convincing as a 24-year-old rookie. Karaban may wind up starting the year outside the rotation, but he's a good bet to crack it eventually if his spot-up/movement shooting and cutting translate.
30. Koa Peat (Phoenix Suns)
30 of 30
Role: Bench
Usage type: Post 4
The Phoenix Suns' power forward depth has question marks. And after a strong summer league for Koa Peat, coach Jordan Ott may feel open to experimenting early with the rookie.
The odds are that his playing time fluctuates as the team also tries to find out what it has in Rasheer Fleming and Oso Ighodaro. Peat can't stretch the floor like the former or provide the same type of passing as the latter, but he is a more versatile two-point scorer and physical finisher around the basket.
Holes in his scouting report have been picked apart since high school, yet Peat always finds a way to be productive. Watch for the pattern to repeat in Phoenix if Fleming or Ighodaro's limitations become problematic.
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