Final 2026 Mock Draft (Round 1)
The long awaited draft is finally upon us. This may arguably be the most stacked draft class in recent memory. There are plenty of prospects to be excited about even past the lottery. Let’s see where we think they’ll land.
Wizards - AJ Dybantsa (F)
We all know who he is. A high level scorer at all three levels, Dybantsa can do it all. His impressive athleticism and size along with his skill makes him the perfect pick at number 1. In addition to his offense, he can defend at a high level and theoretically play all five positions on the court. With the potential to be a future MVP and All-NBA player, the Wizards should take Dybantsa, especially with the re-signing of Trae Young.
Jazz - Darryn Peterson (G)
Even though this may not be Peterson’s first choice, the Jazz cannot pass up on the talent that Peterson is. A three level scoring guard with elite burst and athleticism. While he didn’t have that same speed at Kansas, he played much of the season hurt and he will be at full strength in the NBA. His tough shot making and creation makes him the best guard in the draft and don’t rule him out being taken first. After all, we all know how the last number one overall pick turned out in Washington and how much he means to the city.
Grizzlies - Cam Boozer (F/C)
A versatile player that can play as a forward or center at high levels, Boozer is a great prospect that would go one in many other classes. Boozer has a high basketball IQ and can serve as an offensive hub with his passing and scoring ability. He has the ability to stretch the floor and is an extremely strong player. He is great on the glass and has the ability to be a switchable defender. He doesn’t have the greatest vertical ability and may have trouble against quicker wings, but his strength and size should make up for it.
Bulls - Caleb Wilson (F/C)
Uber athletic player that can jump out of the gym. He is strong and has the physical tools to be an extremely impactful player in the NBA. He has a high motor, is a good defender, and is an extremely good rebounder. He runs the floor and has instincts to make the right pass when made the decision maker. Wilson is smooth and can get to the rim very well but he has one glaring weakness on offense, and that’s his three point shooting. If he can improve it, he will be dangerous and potentially the best player in the draft class in a couple of years.
Clippers - Keaton Wagler (G)
Crafty scoring guard, Keaton Wagler can flat out put the ball in the basket. He is a highly potent shooter from deep and picks his spots very well in off the dribble and on ball situations. Wagler makes the right reads and like many guards in this draft, plays very well out of the PnR. He stands at a tall 6’6 for a guard, and can play both positions. He isn’t the most athletic which affects his defensive versatility, but makes up for it with his frame and long arms.
Nets - Nate Ament (F)
Perhaps one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class, Nate Ament has the ability to be one of the best players in the class if everything goes right. If he were to go to the Nets, he would have a long runway to make mistakes and develop. Ament has already shown great defensive versatility and quickness for his size. A big wing that can shoot with a degree of shot-making ability with much room to improve. He wasn’t very efficient at Tennessee, but as he grows as an offensive player it’s bound to increase. Ament is also very athletic but could put on some weight to compete with the size of NBA wings and bigs.
Kings - Darius Acuff Jr. (G)
Acuff has recently drawn comparisons to Jalen Brunson and has taken some inspiration from his latest Finals run. Acuff is another high volume, three level scoring guard that the Kings have been looking for. Acuff has a quick first step and his ability to keep the ball on a string creates separation at a high level. While his scoring is very prominent, what really stands out is his ability to control an offense. He really reads defenses well and has a great feel for when he needs to go and when he needs to distribute. The one drawback is his potential motor on defense but that’s an issue for later.
Hawks - Kingston Flemings (G)
Speed is the name of the game. Kingston Flemings possesses a lightning fast first step and burst that will leave defenders in the dust. While he does have a smaller frame his speed allows him to move his feet, and operate on both ends. This past season Flemings showcased lead guard ability as well as an improved shooting ability which was an initial concern. His elite rim pressure and ability to dish the ball has him at number eight in this very late mock.
Mavs - Brayden Burries (G)
Even with the recent hiring of Dusty May, former Michigan head coach, I still believe the Mavs will take Brayden Burries. The combo guard from Arizona is too talented to pass up on, especially if the Mavs want to be somewhat competitive this year with the return of Kyrie Irving. Burries can shoot at a high level and has the intangibles to be a good two way player. He is a good rim finisher and can easily play on and off the ball.
Bucks - Mikel Brown Jr. (G)
What stands out most with Brown is his creativeness. Throughout his Freshman year was his creativity. He can create on the ball and find his teammates as well as score in traffic. His efficiency isn’t that great, but he was pretty high volume in college. His assist to turnover ratio isn’t very good at all standing at around 4 assists per 3 turnovers, but you can see his vision in the PnR and quick decision making. Out of all of these guards that went in the first ten, he could very well jump any of them.
Warriors - Yaxel Lendeborg (F)
The star player of the reigning national champion, Michigan Wolverines, Lendeborg fits perfectly with the Warriors. Lendeborg is a highly versatile wing that has been compared by many to a bigger Josh Hart. While he is an older prospect, that won’t deter a win now Warriors aim to maximize Stephen Curry’s last years. Lendeborg is a connector and playmaker at the wing position, but what’s most impressive is his frame and strength. He can guard all positions and rebound against bigger players. Lendeborg will finish on bigger defenders as well and can be a plug and play type of player. He isn’t the quickest and fast footed, but it doesn’t seem to affect how he can score and defend.
Thunder - Morez Johnson Jr. (F)
A versatile power forward that can stretch to a small ball five, Morez Johnson Jr. has the physical tools to play at the next level. Johnson has a high motor that allows him to run the floor very well and rebound at a high level. He is a very good defender that is very switchable and that is shown with his All-Defense honors in college. Johnson still needs to develop a shot to play very important minutes, but he can help out right away.
Bucks (Via Miami) - Aday Mara (C)
The third player from Michigan in a row seems outrageous, but that’s just how good their team was this past season. He figures to play a lot with the recent trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mara stands at a towering 7’3 and is an elite rim finisher with great touch. He shot just around 67% from the field this past season and possesses good passing as a big man. He facilitates at a high level at his size averaging 2.5 assists per game. Mara has great feel and will be a good rim protector in the NBA just as he was in college.
Hornets - Hannes Steinbach (C)
One of the highest floors in the draft, Hannes Steinbach seems to be one of the safest picks in the draft. Not to say that he doesn’t have a high ceiling, but he is an already reliable rebounder who averaged 11.8 per game and low post scorer. Steinbach has shown some ability to shoot the ball but doesn’t figure to be much of a stretch big or facilitator. Steinbach stands just under 7 feet and his size will allow him to play against the NBA centers. The Hornets are still looking for upgrades over Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate, and this is a safe option that can surpass both of them.
Bulls - Chris Cenac Jr. (C)
A player with a ton of upside, Cenac Jr. fits as a center that could have room to grow on the Bulls. Cenac has all the physical tools including a 7 '5 wingspan and 6' 11 frame, but isn’t the most polished player. His movement is fluid and similar to a wing. Cenac can somewhat stretch the floor on offense and his rebounding tenacity is highly valuable. While he finishes possessions, he also figures to be a switchable big and do the dirty work.
Grizzlies - Karim Lopez (F)
Karim Lopez has high upside, but will be considered a project for his first few seasons in the league. Averaging 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 32.6% from range on 3.0 attempts a game in the NBL, it’s hard to judge how Lopez’s game will translate from overseas to the NBA. From Memphis’ point of view, they’re clearly in rebuild mode after moving on from both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. There is no rush to see instant results from a prospect like Lopez.
Thunder - Cameron Carr (G/F)
A long and lanky wing, Cam Carr has the tools to be a premier two-way player in the league. Carr is a lethal outside shooter that can score with and without the ball and finish at the rim. Carr almost has a 7 '1 wingspan and that can help him be disruptive on the defensive end. The Thunder can use another wing after trading Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks.
Charlotte - Labaron Philon Jr. (G)
A shifty scoring guard, Philon would provide supplemental scoring and playmaking behind Lamelo Ball. Philon can create his shot and for his slender frame is a good rim finisher. The extra year he decided to play in college really helped him grow as a player in many regards. Like many other guards in the class he’s a good playmaker and screen manipulator, but his volume and efficiency from three really stands out.
Toronto - Christian Anderson Jr. (G)
Christian Anderson Jr. really found his footing in the second half of the season after JT Toppin tore his ACL. A guard with seemingly limitless range, Anderson Jr. is a pure shooter and elite playmaker. Anderson averaged 7.4 assists per game while only turning over the ball 3.3 times a game while being a high-usage guard. Now he isn’t the biggest guard so he may struggle at the NBA level, but many have figured it out at a similar frame as him.
Spurs - Allen Graves (F)
Praised for his incredible and endless motor, Allen Graves projects to go to the young and hungry Spurs. Shooting an impressive 41% from three, although low volume, Graves can be a 3 and D threat beginning next year. Graves averaged almost 3 stocks per game last year at Santa Clara and was extremely active on defense. He has great feel on the defensive end of the court and knows where to be and when to be there. Graves is in a place to potentially help out immediately wherever he goes.
Detroit - Bennett Stirtz (G)
Coming from a D2 program to averaging almost 20 points per game at Iowa, Stirtz has already made a name for himself. While he isn’t the quickest point, it doesn’t matter as he plays at his own pace. He is an incredible tough shot maker and three point shooter while being able to efficiently manipulate defenses in the pick and roll. His lack of quick bursts is made up for with his basketball IQ and ability to play mistake free basketball. Detroit can use more shooting and simply offensive help that can play alongside Cade Cunningham.
76ers - Dailyn Swain (F)
Standing at 6 ‘7 with a positive wingspan, Dailyn Swain has strong positional size as a wing. Swain is a slashing wing that can create off of his downhill attacks and find his teammates (3.6 assists per game). He pulled down an impressive 7.5 boards a game as well due to his athleticism and knack for the ball. He figures to be a strong two-way wing, but he will need to improve on his outside shooting to really become a potent offensive player.
Hawks - Jayden Quaintance (F/C)
Limited by injuries this past season, Quaintance hasn’t been able to fully showcase his skillsets, but he has shown enough to be a projected first round pick. Quaintance is a good vertical spacer with elite rim presence on both ends of the floor. He can anchor a defense and is light on his feet. Quaintance’s athleticism and hustle drives him towards every rebound and defensive play. At his size he is a switchable five man and can come out onto guards if needed.
Knicks - Henri Veesaar (C)
With the Knicks potentially losing Mitchell Robinson this offseason, it only makes sense to bring in another center. Veesaar is the prototypical modern big man in the NBA. He shot an impressive 42.7% from three this past season at UNC and can even score with his back to the basket. He has great feel for a big man and makes good reads on cuts and dribble hand offs within the offense. He isn’t the most intimidating rim protector and would have to play drop in the pick and roll. He isn’t very switchable but can be serviceable in a system like the Knicks’.
Lakers - Isaiah Evans (G/F)
Isaiah Evans showcased an ability to make shots at the next level this past season at Duke. Expanding from his known three point catch and shoot ability, he made many plays off the dribble whether it be mid ranges or getting straight to the basket. His size and shot making ability give him a considerable amount of upside and potential two-way ability. He will need to add more muscle to his slender frame and improve his ability to impact the game in other ways.
Nuggets - Joshua Jefferson (F)
Though a slightly older draft prospect, Joshua Jefferson can be a steal in this draft. He may not be the best shooter, but he is elite at what he does on the court. Jefferson is a good rim finisher, rebounder, and passer at his position and size. He plays like a big point guard at times and his passing can be invaluable to the Nuggets as he can steady the bench with Jokic off the court. He has a high motor on the glass and can switch onto multiple positions on defense.
Boston - Meleek Thomas (G)
Combo guard from Arkansas, Meleek Thomas showed he can really shoot it with his 41% from three. Thomas has his own style of scoring and while it isn’t as fluid as some of his other guards in this class, it is a more stiff way of scoring that catches defenders off guard. Thomas has shown some playmaking ability and plays the right way. Boston could use some backup guard play and Thomas will get his chance, as do most rookies, under Joe Mazzulla.
Minnesota - Ebuka Okorie (G)
The T-Wolves could use an offensive guard that can produce with Anthony Edwards on the bench, and that is exactly what Ebuka Okorie can provide. He’s not the biggest standing at 6 '1, but his elite burst and change of pace allow him to score with the best of them. He led the ACC in scoring (23.2 PPG) this past year with his impressive self-creation and efficiency as a high volume scoring guard.
Cleveland - Baba Miller (F/C)
Baba Miller is an intriguing prospect with a unique combination of skill and size. Standing at 6’11 and 208 Ibs, Baba Miller is like a super duper lite version of Evan Mobley. Miller is extremely athletic and is impressively fluid when handling the ball, even at his size. He’s also an underrated passer at his position. Cleveland can look to use him as a speed five or as another piece to their two-big lineups that they’re known for with Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The question is can Miller eventually develop a consistent jumper and any form of self-creation on offense?
Mavericks - Sergio De Larrea (G)
A big point guard who plays at his own pace, Sergio De Larrea distributes the ball quite well. As a bigger guard he has better vision of the defense and is extremely smart on offense. Playing in the EuroLeague against grown men for the past couple of years, De Larrea has been able to develop against professionals and has proven to be a good three point shooter at 40.7 percent from three. De Larrea doesn’t have that quick burst to catch defenses off guard but knows how to play off others to get his own shot. While his assist to turnover ratio is a concern, his feel for the game and reps in the NBA will help him adjust and keep those down. Kyrie Irving is also on the Mavericks and can help him with his development along with fellow guard Brayden Burries and future star Cooper Flagg.
