2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting the first round

The NBA draft picture is starting to come into focus, at least for now.

There is still plenty of time for movement, workouts and late buzz, but the early projections are beginning to settle in with a familiar group at the top. Here is one look at how the first round could shake out.

2026 NBA Mock Draft

1. Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Washington adds a potential franchise wing with size, scoring and two-way upside to build around its new core.

2. Jazz — Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Utah lands an elite shot creator who could emerge as a go-to scorer alongside its young perimeter group.

3. Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Memphis gets a polished, productive big who fits as a foundational piece in a full reset.

4. Bulls — Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Chicago adds an explosive frontcourt athlete with upside on both ends as it leans into a rebuild.

5. Clippers — Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
LA grabs a versatile guard coming off a big college run, offering long-term upside in the backcourt.

6. Nets — Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Brooklyn targets a skilled lead guard capable of creating offense right away.

7. Kings — Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Sacramento fills a need with a quick, downhill playmaker who brings energy and defense.

8. Hawks — Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Atlanta adds a scoring guard with playmaking ability as it looks to stabilize the position.

9. Mavericks — Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Dallas pairs a steady two-way guard with its young core as it eyes long-term growth.

10. Bucks — Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Milwaukee takes a swing on size and upside amid uncertainty about its future direction.

11. Warriors — Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Golden State adds an international prospect with experience and developmental intrigue.

12. Thunder — Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/SF, Michigan
Oklahoma City lands a versatile, NBA-ready forward who can contribute early.

13. Heat — Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
Miami gets a scoring guard who can generate offense and provide a spark.

14. Hornets — Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Charlotte adds size and playmaking ability in a skilled 7-footer.

15. Bulls — Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Chicago doubles up with a defensive-minded big who brings long-term upside.

16. Grizzlies — Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Memphis continues to reshape its backcourt with a strong shooter and playmaker.

17. Thunder — Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Oklahoma City adds a steady, productive big with rebounding and inside presence.

18. Hornets — Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor
Charlotte grabs an athletic wing with scoring flashes and room to grow.

19. Raptors — Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Toronto takes a developmental big with intriguing tools and long-term upside.

20. Spurs — Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
San Antonio adds physicality and defensive versatility to complement its core.

21. Pistons — Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Detroit targets a steady guard who can help space the floor and run the offense.

22. 76ers — Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Philadelphia picks up a skilled, productive forward gaining late momentum.

23. Hawks — Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Atlanta adds shooting and size on the wing to round out its roster.

24. Knicks — Koa Peat, PF/SF, Arizona
New York takes a physical forward who could carve out a role with development.

25. Lakers — Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Los Angeles addresses the middle with a big who can stretch the floor.

26. Nuggets — Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Denver adds a defensive-minded wing with athletic tools.

27. Celtics — Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
Boston grabs a versatile forward who fits its system and timeline.

28. Timberwolves — Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Minnesota gets a scoring guard who could provide bench offense.

29. Cavaliers — Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State
Cleveland adds a steady, team-first forward ready to contribute.

30. Mavericks — Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
Dallas closes the first round with a shooter who can help in the backcourt mix.