NBA Mock Draft: Top prospects entering NCAA tourney time

Darryn Peterson, Kansas, NBA
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The 2026 draft class is widely viewed as one of the deepest in years. The headliners are obvious — Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer. But the guard depth may be what really shapes the lottery.

Here’s a quick look at how things could shake out if the draft were held today:

2026 NBA Mock Draft

1. Kings — Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Elite shot creator with the highest offensive ceiling in the class.

2. Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Dynamic scorer with size and upside who is firmly in the No. 1 debate.

3. Pacers — Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Highly productive big who does a little bit of everything offensively.

4. Nets — Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Athletic two way forward who plays hard and projects as a top four talent.

5. Jazz — Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Explosive downhill guard with growing playmaking ability.

6. Hawks — Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Big guard who shoots it well and sees the floor.

7. Mavericks — Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Creative playmaker who can score and set up teammates.

8. Grizzlies — Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Talented shot creator whose upside keeps him in the top ten.

9. Bulls — Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Long, skilled forward with intriguing long term potential.

10. Bucks — Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Versatile scoring guard who has climbed draft boards all year.

11. Trail Blazers — Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
International prospect with size, toughness and developing skills.

12. Spurs — Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Plug and play forward who brings effort and winning habits.

13. Warriors — Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
Tall perimeter shooter who could rise with a strong March.

14. Hornets — Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Defensive minded center with long term rim protecting upside.

15. Thunder — Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Reliable interior player who projects as a rotation big.

16. Thunder — Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Smart combo guard who can shoot and play on or off the ball.

17. Grizzlies — Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
Versatile defender who looks ready to contribute right away.

18. Raptors — Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
Creative scorer who can manufacture offense.

19. Hornets — Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Physical forward with versatility but shooting questions.

20. Heat — Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
High IQ playmaker who should carve out a bench role.

21. Lakers — Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
Seven foot two rim protector who rebounds and anchors the paint.

22. Pistons — Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Athletic big with intriguing long term upside.

23. Nuggets — Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Explosive wing shooter with real scoring ability.

24. 76ers — Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Seven foot three interior presence with passing instincts.

25. Hawks — Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Smooth shooting wing who spaces the floor.

26. Celtics — Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
Smart interior defender who fits the modern center mold.

27. Knicks — Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
Physical forward who rebounds and defends multiple spots.

28. Cavaliers — Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
Versatile wing with size, passing feel and developing shooting.

29. Timberwolves — Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Toolsy wing defender who is improving as a shooter.

30. Mavericks — Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor
Powerful scorer whose development will determine his ceiling.

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