2026 NBA Mock Draft: The Race for the No. 1 Pick

With top players from the 2025 class, including Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe, heading to the NBA, attention now shifts to the 2026 draft class.

Scouts have been evaluating these athletes for a considerable time, with the initial mock draft appearing in February. There`s significant enthusiasm surrounding the top of the 2026 group; some league insiders believe the top five possesses historically high star potential. Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament are all seen as potential cornerstone players for franchises.

Over recent years, we have observed the development of the class`s best prospects and typically gain a relatively accurate understanding of the top tier. For instance, our projection from June 2024 for the 2025 draft correctly identified four of the top five picks and six of the first eight, a pattern that has historically held true.

The large number of 2025 college and international prospects who chose not to enter the draft or withdrew before the deadline—potentially two dozen players from our top 100 list—has added unusual depth to our initial first and second-round forecasts for the 2026 draft.

However, teams still need to learn much about the rest of the lottery and first round. This class isn`t considered a particularly deep pool of high school seniors entering college, nor is the 2007-born international group, newly eligible for the NBA draft, generating exceptional excitement.

Every year, less-heralded players emerge during the college basketball season, much like Cedric Coward, Nique Clifford, Walter Clayton Jr., and Danny Wolf did in the most recent draft cycle.

This unpredictability is part of what makes draft projections engaging. No one can definitively predict when or where players will make their mark, keeping NBA scouts constantly evaluating.

Who is the Top Prospect for 2026 and Why?

There are four compelling candidates vying for the No. 1 overall pick: Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, and Ament. However, most NBA teams currently see Peterson and Dybantsa as the likely top two, barring any significant surprises.

We had ample opportunity to scout these four, as well as others, at events like the Chipotle Nationals, Nike Hoop Summit, and McDonald`s All American Games in April, plus the USA Basketball under-19 training camp in Colorado Springs in June.

Peterson solidified his position at No. 1 following an exceptional senior season at Prolific Prep in California, where he proved exceptionally difficult to defend in transition. He demonstrates the ability to vary speeds coming out of the pick-and-roll, elevate for deep pull-up three-pointers, and finish explosively near the basket.

He has also shown notable improvement as a passer and defender. Kansas coach Bill Self is expected to give the 6-foot-6 Peterson a leading role in the offense, providing him an ideal platform to solidify his status as the potential top pick in the competitive Big 12 conference.

Dybantsa, previously considered a lock for No. 1 before a somewhat underwhelming high school senior year, delivered a spectacular showing at the USA Basketball U19 training camp recently. He appeared more focused on creating opportunities for teammates than seen previously and was a dominant force in transition, locking down players from point guards to power forwards through a rare combination of physical strength and intensity for an 18-year-old.

He scored efficiently and made numerous advanced reads in pick-and-roll situations, including pocket passes and lobs, illustrating significant growth in his decision-making and unselfishness.

If Dybantsa maintains *this* level of performance, he appears almost certain to emerge as the top pick. A similar showing at the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup and in his freshman season at BYU could lead us to re-evaluate our projections, also depending on Peterson`s performance.

Boozer also remains a strong contender for the top spot after his outstanding performance at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He led USA Basketball to a hard-fought overtime victory against the World Team with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, anchoring the defense and showcasing his exceptional basketball IQ. Nevertheless, some NBA executives express concerns that Boozer may be an early physical bloomer, lacking elite explosiveness and relying too much on physical dominance inside.

To silence these critics, he will need to consistently make outside shots and demonstrate versatility in passing and defense. We anticipate he will have a season at Duke comparable to Cooper Flagg`s impact, which could surprise his doubters.

Ament is a more recent entrant into the No. 1 pick discussion and perhaps the furthest from realizing his full potential, partly due to weighing only 186 pounds. However, highly skilled 6-foot-11 wings possessing his fluidity, shooting ability, defensive versatility, and scoring prowess are often regarded as potential franchise players.

Following the McDonald`s All American Game in April, several NBA executives remarked that Ament has All-Star potential. Having started practice at Tennessee on June 17, Ament appears to be gaining weight and is expected to have a prominent role in the SEC, providing him ample opportunity to build his case as a potential surprise No. 1 candidate.

Who are the Top Returning College Prospects to Watch?

While the majority of our early projected first-rounders are incoming freshmen or international players, 11 of the top 30 are returning to the NCAA. Most of these players explored the pre-draft process this spring before deciding to stay in college. Here are some of the key players NBA teams are focusing on:

Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Quaintance was only 17 years old throughout his freshman year at Arizona State and was ineligible for this year`s draft. NBA teams closely monitored his progress, drawn to his excellent physical attributes and flashes of talent as a strong interior finisher and dunker. His impressive shot-blocking statistics (2.6 per game) were particularly noteworthy, considering he could have still been a high school junior.

Although Quaintance is still quite raw skill-wise, particularly with his jump shot, and needs significant development in technique and floor awareness, his extreme youth for his college level earns him favorable consideration. NBA scouts will eagerly watch his progress after transferring to Kentucky. He will have a major platform there to solidify his position as a lottery talent, but significant refinement is necessary before he is NBA-ready.

A key factor to observe will be how quickly he recovers and returns to form following his ACL surgery in March.

Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan

Lendeborg had a breakout season last year at UAB and will transfer to Michigan, where he is expected to play a significant role and benefit from a lucrative NIL deal after considering the 2025 draft. He showed positive moments at the combine, but it wasn`t enough to guarantee him a first-round selection. Michigan has lost considerable frontcourt production, including first-rounder Danny Wolf (No. 27 pick) and Vladislav Goldin, creating an opportunity for Lendeborg to significantly boost his draft stock.

A late-developing prospect with a blend of offensive skills, defensive playmaking, and impressive length, Lendeborg is anticipated to be a key player for Michigan.

Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

Stirtz began to gain significant traction with NBA scouts in March, performing well in the NCAA tournament and generating first-round buzz. Given the momentum he had built, it was surprising that he completely bypassed the pre-draft process this spring.

Instead, Stirtz will join Ben McCollum, his former coach at Drake and Division II Northwest Missouri State, at Iowa. He is expected to lead the offense there and use the Big Ten platform to further prove himself. He is an excellent playmaker and projects to be among the nation`s top guards.

Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke

Evans, a five-star recruit, didn`t fully establish himself at Duke last season, playing a limited role on a strong team before deciding to return. As a perimeter shooter with a slim build, Evans will likely take on more scoring responsibility on a restructured Blue Devils roster, giving NBA teams a better opportunity to evaluate his capabilities.

His shortcomings in decision-making and defense limited his consistent playing time last season. Evans must improve in these areas to secure himself as a first-round pick next year. His shooting ability is a legitimate NBA asset, but he will need to work hard to win over scouts.

Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn

Pettiford impressed on the opening day of the NBA combine. While he didn`t do enough to guarantee the first-round status he desired, his performance reminded scouts of his talent as he returns to Auburn. He is expected to have greater freedom to operate next season, with the Tigers having significant backcourt minutes available.

Pettiford`s scoring and explosiveness offer him potential as an undersized guard, but NBA teams want to see him enhance his playmaking and defensive skills. At 6-1, 175 pounds, he projects as a spark plug off the bench. However, if Pettiford can reframe the discussion about his potential upside, he could possibly land in the first round.

2026 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Selections

The projected top-10 order for the 2026 draft is based on several factors, including betting odds, power rankings, and analyst projections.

1. Washington Wizards

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, 6-6, Age: 18.4

Freshman, Kansas

Peterson was the standout player in high school last season, possessing a sought-after mix of size, length, athleticism, and shot creation abilities. He is a capable passer with strong defensive potential and significant scoring talent.

Joining Coach Self at Kansas, Peterson will be the central figure in an offense designed to leverage his dynamic skills, providing him every opportunity to solidify his position as the top prospect for next year`s draft.

Note: Pick is top-8 protected; if it falls between picks 9 and 30, it goes to the New York Knicks.

2. Utah Jazz

A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, 6-9, Age: 18.4

Freshman, BYU

Dybantsa has consistently filled the stat sheet in various settings, though he had a less impactful season last year at Utah Prep.

He appeared significantly better at the USA Basketball U19 World Cup camp in June, playing with greater efficiency and dominating on both ends of the court. Every NBA team seeks 6-9 wings like Dybantsa who can score from anywhere, pass effectively on the move, and defend multiple positions.

He has already enrolled at BYU, where he will be the focal point of the offense, offering him the chance to demonstrate he is worthy of the No. 1 pick. This process may begin at the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup.

3. Brooklyn Nets

Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Age: 17.9

Freshman, Duke

Boozer is one of the most productive high school players seen in recent memory, with an exceptional winning record unmatched by many recent prospects. He possesses an elite feel for the game and can handle the ball, pass, shoot, and guard effectively.

He plays with relentless physicality, excels at rebounding, and takes pride in overpowering opponents inside. His outside shooting has also improved considerably over the past year. Boozer`s freshman season production could rival Cooper Flagg`s, potentially positioning him as a leading candidate for national Player of the Year honors, despite some NBA executives questioning his long-term ceiling.

Note: Pick is top-8 protected; if it falls between picks 9 and 30, it goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

4. Charlotte Hornets

Nate Ament, SF, 6-11, Age: 18.5

Freshman, Tennessee

Ament is a late bloomer who has significantly grown in height and is now filling out his 6-11 frame. He is an exceptional shooter, has improved his passing and defensive versatility, and his ability to create his own shot gives him arguably the highest potential upside in this class.

He will be a primary option at Tennessee, allowing NBA teams to assess whether he can develop into a consistently efficient, impactful player in the competitive SEC.

5. Sacramento Kings

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-4, Age: 18.8

Committed to Louisville

Having grown from 5-10 to 6-4 during his high school career, Brown has displayed dynamic scoring instincts and talent as a ball handler, passer, and outside shooter. However, the 176-pound guard is inconsistent in finishing at the rim, defending, and decision-making.

His ability to handle the physical demands of college basketball on both ends of the floor will significantly influence his productivity as a freshman at Louisville.

6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)

Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, 6-10, Age: 17.9

Sophomore, Kentucky

Quaintance, younger than several highly-rated incoming high school seniors, had a highly productive freshman season at Arizona State, ranking among the nation`s best shot blockers. He possesses a well-built frame, large hands, a 7-foot-5 wingspan, and is exceptionally mobile.

NBA teams will be monitoring his recovery from ACL surgery in March, which may require a slower start at Kentucky.

7. Chicago Bulls

Karim Lopez, SF/PF, 6-9, Age: 18.2

New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

Lopez had a strong season with the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL Next Star program, demonstrating significant improvement in his outside shooting. At 6-9, he combines guard skills with the physicality and effort needed to defend larger opponents.

Scouts are keen to see his potential growth in his second NBL season, where he is likely to take on a more prominent role.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, Age: 18.9

Freshman, North Carolina

At 6-9, Wilson has the look of a top prospect with an impressive build, length, and developing two-way versatility that could make him a very intriguing long-term player. He can grab defensive rebounds and initiate the fast break with his passing.

Wilson needs to improve his intensity level and outside shooting, but he possesses innate physical gifts and significant long-term potential.

9. Memphis Grizzlies

Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Age: 19.0

Freshman, Duke

Sarr follows in the footsteps of other highly-rated international prospects like Kasparas Jakucionis and Egor Demin, leaving the Spanish development system to pursue college basketball with a revamped Duke squad. The 6-8 wing is a versatile defender who has shown promising glimpses as a perimeter shooter, passer, and shot creator in the EuroLeague and ACB last year.

However, he remains unpolished in several aspects, including his decision-making.

10. Miami Heat

Dash Daniels, SG, 6-6, Age: 17.5

Melbourne United (NBL)

Daniels is likely to be the youngest player in the 2026 draft class, turning 18 in mid-December, which makes predicting how he will handle the demands of the Australian NBL next season challenging. He shares many strengths and weaknesses with his brother Dyson (a guard for the Hawks) but is bigger, stronger, and longer at the same age, which is beneficial for his NBA projection.

Like his brother, he is an excellent defender and is still developing as a ball handler, shooter, and scorer. However, he possesses a strong basketball IQ and plays with pace and unselfishness. He appears to be improving his shooting based on his summer performances in the NBL1 league with the Sandringham Sabres.

Remaining Big Board for the Class of 2026

• 11. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston, freshman
• 12. Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas, freshman
• 13. Nikolas Khamenia, SF/PF, Duke, freshman
• 14. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan, super senior
• 15. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa, senior
• 16. Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke, sophomore
• 17. Sergio De Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
• 18. Koa Peat, PF, Arizona, freshman
• 19. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn, freshman
• 20. Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn, sophomore
• 21. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston, junior
• 22. Aday Mara, C, Michigan, junior
• 23. Tounde Yessoufou, SF/PF, Baylor, freshman
• 24. Andrej Kostic, SG, Kansas State, freshman
• 25. Ognjen Srzentic, SG/SF, Mega Superbet (Serbia)
• 26. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington, freshman
• 27. Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona, junior
• 28. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama, sophomore
• 29. Alex Condon, C, Florida, junior
• 30. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, senior
• 31. Boogie Fland, PG, Florida, sophomore
• 32. Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas, sophomore
• 33. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan, sophomore
• 34. Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John`s, senior
• 35. Alex Karaban, PF, Connecticut, senior
• 36. Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas, junior
• 37. JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech, junior
• 38. Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke, sophomore
• 39. Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State, junior
• 40. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida, junior
• 41. Darrion Williams, SF/PF, NC State, senior
• 42. Derrion Reid, SF/PF, Oklahoma, sophomore
• 43. Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati, sophomore
• 44. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina, junior
• 45. Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois, junior
• 46. Kam Williams, SF/PF, Kentucky, sophomore
• 47. Ian Jackson, SG, St. John`s, sophomore
• 48. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois, junior
• 49. Mackenzie Mgbako, PF, Texas A&M, junior
• 50. Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, senior
• 51. Wesley Yates III, SG, Washington, junior
• 52. Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville, senior
• 53. Nolan Winter, C, Wisconsin, junior
• 54. Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State, sophomore
• 55. Donnie Freeman, PF, Syracuse, sophomore
• 56. Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas, sophomore
• 57. Kwame Evans Jr., PF, Oregon, junior
• 58. Tobi Lawal, PF, Virginia Tech, senior
• 59. Richie Saunders, SG, BYU, senior
• 60. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Illinois, junior