The 2026 NBA Draft is just one day away, and teams are about to be on the clock to select the next franchise-altering player.
An exciting NBA Finals that saw the New York Knicks win the league championships over the San Antonio Spurs closed the book on the 2025-26 season, and now all 30 franchises know what is needed to take that next step. This is a fun draft to be part of, with so much talent that can eventually become the faces of the league.
The top of the draft order seems fairly set, and there is a growing sense of how the top 10 will shake out. But there is plenty of intrigue with the rest of the first round, as cases could be made for nearly everyone to go up or fall down the order.
All signs points to Dybantsa as the top overall pick, and he proved all he can do in a sensational season at BYU. The stats of 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists pop off, but what really made him so good was he was able to elevate his game against premier talent, showing there shouldn’t be a worry in jumping the next level. He’s a prolific scorer with the ability to do just about anything on both sides of the ball, and he should bring a much-needed spark in the nation’s capital.
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) looks on during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Marriott Center.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
The Jazz can go one of two ways with the pick, but Peterson would be the right move for the franchise. Of course there’s all the concerns with the injuries, but when Peterson was available he showed why he was the top overall recruit in the 2025 class. His ability to command the offense will fit well with the bigs Utah has.
If Memphis is looking for a player to fit the franchise’s long identity of grit, Boozer is the right man. The national player of the year dominated by out-muscling opponents, while showcasing some shooting skills you wouldn’t think to see from this type of player. His ability to play like a guard or strong forward will be something Memphis will lean on.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The Bulls should be very happy to see Wilson fall into their lap, finally grabbing a player that can be the face of the franchise. Wilson was explosive, commanding the interior for the Tar Heels before injuries cut his season early, and it became obvious how much of an impact he made at North Carolina. The hustle will be something fans will love to see, making this a very easy decision for the new brass in the Windy City.
There are a lot of avenues the Clippers can go with the pick, but if they retain it, Wagler would fit right into the franchise. He put on a bunch of high-scoring games, like dropping 46 at Purdue, but he truly boosted his stock during Illinois’ Final Four run. He can score from about anywhere on the floor after he was one of the best 3-point shooters in the country, offering to be the perfect compliment to Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Even with a crowded back court, it will be hard for Brooklyn to deny the playmaking ability Acuff possess. He was an offensive nightmare for opponents at Arkansas, but what made him so lethal was his ability to perform in the clutch, a trait you can’t really teach and could show up on day one. He could be the next Jalen Brunson in terms of guys that don’t have size, but find ways to become stars.
If you’re starting every game for Kelvin Sampson as a freshman, there is clearly something special about you. Flemings fits the mold of being a great defender, leading Houston in steals, but his offensive game was something new, and he flourished. He’s a great 3-point shooter and can play downhill to get near bucket, and that fearless approach to playing ball should excite Sacramento.
The time at Louisville didn’t go exactly as planned for Brown, but he did put on some amazing performances that show there is plenty of potential at the pro level. Atlanta can trust him to handle the ball and take matters into his own hands when the moment calls for it, like knocking down a deep shot.
Dallas will have to decide if it wants a guard next to the returning Kyrie Irving or a wing player alongside Cooper Flagg. With Burries still on the board, Dallas should get someone that can easily fit into a shooting guard role. He showed he can do it when he had some big-time scoring performances playing in the loaded Big 12. His defensive skills are also underrated, and he could be a major player if it translates to the NBA.
This pick will say a lot about where Milwaukee stands with Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the threat of him leaving, Milwaukee gets some backup in another international player. López might not be as known the rest of the prospects, but he has game takeover talent, able to drop buckets and command the boards. While this might come off as a surprise, it’s the right move for the Bucks.
The Warriors haven’t had much luck with big men recently, but Mara has the tools to break that and get Golden State back to contending. He’s obviously tall at 7-foot-3-inches, but he knows how to play rather than just be present on the court. He can protect the rim, play in the midrange and make teams have to figure out how to play him, offensively and defensively. He’s not Victor Wembanyama, but he could be a force in a few years that could give the rest of the league headaches.
Do the Thunder really need anything? Not really, but if they are going to make a roster addition, Lendeborg is the right fit. Teams may be wary of his age (23), but the other way to look at it is he is ready to make contributions out of the jump. He may not be superstar level, but he definitely can be a difference-maker. He powered Michigan to a national title thanks to some heroic basketball, and he could step up when his name gets called.
13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach, Washington
With solid big men awaiting at the end of the lottery, Miami gets Bam Adebayo some assistance with Steinbach. Washington didn’t do much this past season, but Steinbach was a rebound machine for the Huskies, leading the country in boards (11.8). Combine it with the fact he can score at a solid rate and he helps the Heat form a solid front court.
With Charlotte clearly looking for some bigs, and Johnson the best player available, it makes for a the perfect fit. He was a two-way force for the Wolverines, able to be physical defensively and powering his way to the rim on offense. An experienced player, he could find himself in the starting lineup early in his career.
How the season ended likely cooled off Ament’s stock, but you have to remember before that he was putting up some big numbers for Tennessee. He has great size and his length will be major assets for him at the next level. With Chicago selecting Wilson earlier in the draft, Ament gives the Bulls a solid front court to build around.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
With reports of Ja Morant potentially on the move, Memphis will be looking for a new lead guard. Luckily, it will be almost like Anderson falls right into its lap. He already proved he can score, but was it a sight to see him run point and dish it out left and right for the Red Raiders. He may not be an immediate starter but his eye for the game will have him making big contributions.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
With two first round picks, Oklahoma City can do all sorts of things with this pick. If it wants to add speed on the floor, Philon is the way to go. His ability to get down the floor in the blink of an eye screams X-factor in the NBA. He thrived in Alabama’s relentless offense and he is out to score the ball, so it will be crucial for him to find buckets out of the jump. If he can be consistent, the Thunder can have another key role player.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Cameron Carr, Baylor
The Hornets can round out the future of the franchise by getting Carr to be at the wing. He possess great offensive skill, able to move around the floor quickly while ability to find his shot make him a potential weapon. He is an experienced player that can adapt to the NBA quickly compared to other players around this range.
Okorie lit it up at Stanford to assure himself he would be a first round pick, and Toronto could find the right way to make him an effective player. It will be a transition to go from the do-it-all-guy to playing with a well-rounded unit, and he will have to figure out to not get exposed with his small size, but he is pretty elusive and creative in finding ways to score.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Allen Graves, Santa Clara
The Spurs have a knack for just finding guys that fit in their brand of basketball, and Graves fits the mold. He’s willing to get down and dirty, simply outhustling others to make contributions. He thrived off the bench for Santa Clara so he will be comfortable in that role in the pros. There’s the obvious concerns of playing for a mid-major and not having elite opposition, but Graves showed he can play against anyone.
At every level he played at during his college career, Stirtz was a certified bucket. His knack for knocking down shots, but what really stands out is his ability to be an iron man after rarely sitting on the bench. He knows how to be productive for every second he’s on the court. His shooting prowess will be a key for a Detroit team looking for another piece to take that next step toward a championship contender.
The 76ers could have a hidden gem awaiting them in Jefferson. He literally did everything at Iowa State, from scoring to rebounding to dishing it out to playing solid defense. The track of all trades archetype will benefit him in finding a multitude of ways to impact games. Jefferson has the potential to be the steal of the draft and can be a serious contributor out of the gate.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Cenac didn’t make a major impact in his time at Houston, but he has all of the traits able to succeed in the NBA. The bright spots of his college career came when he was owning the glass, and he showed off that he can score when he is hot. His size is ridiculous and he can play out in the wing if necessary. It will probably take some time to find his path but Cenac can be a playmaker in due time.
24. New York Knicks: Tarris Reed Jr., Connecticut
The defending champions have a solid core, so they will need some depth, specifically in the center position. Reed had a strong finish to the season, powering Connecticut to the national championship game. His physicality and ability to go up against anyone standing opposite of him gives a chance to win in the interior and it will help New York defensively.
It’s obvious Peat comes from a football family because his athleticism is among the best in the country. He can be physical and bully his way to any spot on the court, something Los Angeles needs with Luka Doncic back and an aging LeBron James. He definitely needs to work on his outside shot, but the physical traits give him a good starting point to succeed in the association.
The Nuggets are in need of filling in the wings, and Evans will be able to thrive with the talent around him. He’s a spot-up shooter, making it easy for Jamal Murray or Nikola Jokić to dish it out to him to knock it down. He will have to be able to step it up defensively, but Denver can get another player that make a difference offensively.
27. Boston Celtics: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Given how much Boston values guys that shoot at high clips, Thomas feels like an obvious way to go. He can score at-will and the Celtics will be salivating at how well he shoot from 3-point land. Excelling in the fast pace Arkansas played will help him with the flow in the NBA, and he could be another weapon for the offense.
Minnesota is trying to finally get to the playing for championships, and it could help adding someone that knew all about it in college. Karaban was Mr. Reliable for Bobby Hurley, a key piece in two national championship for the Huskies. He can easily fit into the role of 3-point shooter while being a disciplined defender. It’s not a superstar, but a piece the Timberwolves could really needed.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Cleveland already is set at the guard position, and it desperately needs help at the bigs. Veesaar is in an intriguing option for the Cavaliers because he’s effectively around the rim, but he can also play out in the perimeter, adding an extra layer that could come up big come playoff time.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Dailyn Swain, Texas
After getting a guard earlier in the draft, Dallas sticks with the position to give Kyrie Irving some backup in Swain. It’s the perfect role for him to start since he can play both sides of the ball, able to handle the ball and get to the rim while playing some solid defense.
NBA mock draft second round
31. New York Knicks (via WAS): Ryan Conwell, Louisville
32. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
33. Brooklyn Nets: Sergio de Larrea, Spain
34. Sacramento Kings: Baba Miller, Cincinnati
35. San Antonio Spurs (via UTA): Richie Saunders, BYU
36. L.A. Clippers (via MEM): Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL): Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
38. Chicago Bulls (via NOP): Braden Smith, Purdue
39. Houston Rockets (via CHI): Emanuel Sharp, Houston
40. Boston Celtics (via MIL): Milos Uzan, Houston
41. Miami Heat (via GSW): Maliq Brown, Duke
42. San Antonio Spurs (via POR): Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA
43. Brooklyn Nets (via LAC): Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia
44. San Antonio Spurs (via MIA): Jack Kayil, Germany
45. Sacramento Kings (via CHA): Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida
46. Orlando Magic: Felix Okpara, Tennessee
47. Phoenix Suns (via PHI): Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee
48. Dallas Mavericks (via PHX): Jaden Bradley, Arizona
49. Denver Nuggets (via ATL): Nick Boyd, Wisconsin
50. Toronto Raptors: Tobe Awaka, Arizona
51. Washington Wizards (via MIN): Otega Oweh, Kentucky
52. L.A. Clippers (via CLE): Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
53. Houston Rockets: Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
54. Golden State Warriors (via LAL): Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt
55. New York Knicks: Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s
56. Chicago Bulls (via DEN): Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech
57. Atlanta Hawks (via BOS): Rafael Castro, George Washington
58. New Orleans Pelicans (via DET): Kylan Boswell, Illinois
59. Minnesota Timberwolves (via SAS): Aaron Nkrumah, Tennessee State
60. Washington Wizards (via OKC): Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft: Latest projections for all 60 picks
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