2026 NBA Draft – The Final Mock Draft

No more rumors. No more conflicting reports. The 2026 NBA Draft is finally here. Teams will turn the cards in for the players that they believe will be pillars of their franchise. It is an exciting night for all involved as people’s lives will change forever.

With all that being said, let’s jump into one final mock draft before the names are officially called.

While there is expected to be a lot of action come Tuesday night, there will not be any trades for this mock draft. Additionally, this is a prediction mock draft, not a mock draft based on what I would do.

1. Washington Wizards- AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Washington Wizards can’t go wrong with any of the top prospects. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer are all great picks and players that any franchise would feel comfortable building around. Despite that, it does feel like the former BYU Cougars star has been the favorite to go first overall since the middle of the season. Dybantsa is a dynamic three-level scorer with the size and athleticism that every team covets in today’s game. He averaged 25.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last year, and only improved as the season went along. Dybantsa still has room to grow as a playmaker and defender, but he showed major flashes in both areas last season.

While neither Trae Young nor Anthony Davis is guaranteed to be a part of Washington’s long-term future, it is worth noting how good a fit Dybantsa is with those two. No team should ever draft for need with the first overall pick, but in a year with multiple top prospects, it is something that could be used to make a decision.

2. Utah Jazz- Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas

There has been a lot of smoke surrounding Cam Boozer and the Utah Jazz, but it does feel like Darryn Peterson will hear his name called at number two. He is the best shot maker and pure scorer in the entire class, and he has arguably the highest ceiling on the offensive side of the ball.

This past year at Kansas, Peterson wasn’t exactly in the best situation, as he didn’t have much spacing around him at all. It made it tough for him to really get comfortable. Despite that, he still averaged 20 points per game and showed a level of shot-making that shouldn’t be normal for a freshman guard. Peterson would be a seamless fit in Utah and would be the starter at shooting guard the day he walks in the door

There are a lot of questions surrounding Peterson after a very confusing year at Kansas. He left multiple games midway through due to cramping and even missed some games entirely. He came out and said that right before the season began, he had a full-body cramp from taking too much creatine. That led to the lingering issues throughout the season, according to Peterson. Some people believe this, others think he just lacked the competitive drive to play college, and that he just wanted to essentially just get by. Regardless, there will be questions that follow Peterson until he shows that drive and love for the game.

3. Memphis Grizzlies- Cam Boozer, F, Duke

There isn’t a safer bet in the entire class than Cam Boozer. All he does is produce at a high level and win everywhere he goes. This season at Duke, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 39% from three and 55.6% from the field. He should walk into the NBA and average a double-double. He has a great feel for the game, a well-rounded offensive skillset, and he fits with just about anyone.

The Memphis Grizzlies have a massive hole in their frontcourt, and there isn’t a better solution than Boozer. He and Zach Edey, two former Naismith players of the year, will be a great tandem. They will be a tenacious duo on the glass and a fun old-school pairing on the offensive end, with their bully-ball play style. With Ja Morant’s future with the Grizzlies up in the air, they need a new face of the franchise, and Boozer can be that guy.

4. Chicago Bulls- Caleb Wilson, F, UNC

While only three players are in consideration for the number one pick, this is widely viewed as a four-player draft at the top. That is because Caleb Wilson is that special. The combination of athleticism, power, and explosiveness that he plays with is extremely rare. On top of his elite traits, Wilson has a motor that doesn’t shut off. He is an elite rebounder who thrives in transition and overall chaos. Wilson doesn’t offer much as a pure shot creator or shooter right now, but he was still ridiculously productive on offense this season.

For a Chicago Bulls team that is finally rebuilding, Wilson is the perfect player to start the turnaround with. He has all the tools that a team could want, and the passion that all the great players have. Additionally, he and Matas Buzelis will be a very fun fit, as they are both insane athletes who love to play above the rim.

5. Los Angeles Clippers(Via Indiana)- Keaton Wagler, PG, Illinois

If the Los Angeles Clippers plan on keeping Darius Garland for the long-term, Keaton Wagler should be the pick here at five. He has the size and skillset to work both on and off the ball at the next level, making him a seamless fit in any backcourt. Wagler is a great shooter, both off the catch and off the dribble. He has great vision and a full bag of moves to beat defenders with. Wagler has an overall great feel for the game, and he can make an impact in multiple ways.

The biggest concern surrounding Wagler is his frame and lack of athleticism, as he is just 180 pounds, despite coming in at 6’6. He tended to struggle around the basket, despite having the optimal size for the guard position. Part of that is because he lacks the strength to consistently finish through contact, and also because he isn’t a big-time athlete. That especially shows up with the astounding fact that Wagler didn’t have a single dunk last year. To fully maximize his potential, Wagler will have to add weight, but as he showed last year, he is still highly effective at his current frame.

6. Brooklyn Nets- Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville

No one seems to have an idea of what the Brooklyn Nets will do on draft night, but it feels like a good bet to say one of the point guards will hear their name called. With Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets will be getting one of the most dynamic shooters and playmakers in the draft. He shoots with a green light at all times and is at his best when playing with tempo.

After taking playmaking guards such as Egor Demin and Nolan Traore last year, Brooklyn needs to add a dynamic scorer to pair with them. With averages of 18 points and 5 assists per game, Brown fits that mold. He was very hot and cold in his lone year at Louisville, but when he is on, there isn’t much that can be done. Just ask NC State how they felt when he scored 45 points against them.

7. Sacramento Kings- Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas

Did the Sacramento Kings draft De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Davion Mitchell in a five-year span? Yes, they did. Do they currently have any of them on the roster? No, they do not, and that means they once again need a franchise point guard. Luckily for them, this draft is full of elite point guards, and Darius Acuff Jr. may be the best of the bunch. He is a dynamic three-level scorer and a pure gamer. There are concerns surrounding Acuff’s willingness to defend, as well as his size, but his offensive skillset is truly special. The Kings have to nail this pick, and there aren’t many players more gifted as a scorer than the Arkansas point guard.

8. Atlanta Hawks(via New Orleans)- Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

There is a lot of speculation that the Atlanta Hawks could take a big man here, but it feels unlikely. The ceiling for any big man with the Hawks is only so high, as they will just be splitting minutes with Onyeka Okongwu. Because of that, taking one of the dynamic guards makes more sense.

In this scenario, Kingston Flemings is the last one of the star point guards standing, and the Hawks couldn’t be happier. He is one of the quickest players in the draft, and he is a terrific athlete. He is comfortable playing on and off the ball, and he can score at all three levels. Flemings would be a perfect fit for a Hawks team that needs a dynamic scorer in the backcourt.

9. Dallas Mavericks- Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan

Brayden Burries felt like a lock for the Dallas Mavericks, but now, with the recent hiring of Dusty May, it feels like this pick will be a player from Michigan. Of the three who are projected to go in the first round, Morez Johnson Jr. feels like the best fit. He is a versatile defender, as well as a monster on the glass with an elite motor. He isn’t much of an offensive threat at the moment, but he showed glimpses of becoming a shooter throughout the season. The Mavericks are likely going to attempt to reshape the roster around Cooper Flagg, and Johnson is an ideal fit due to his upside as a defender and stretch big.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Nate Ament, F, Tennessee

If Nate Ament is on the board for the Milwaukee Bucks and isn’t the pick, it will be a massive surprise. He is the exact prototype that they tend to draft. He is extremely talented, but he is very raw. In recent drafts, the Bucks have taken these types of players, but they haven’t been able to develop them since they were trying to compete for titles. Now, with Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to be traded, and Milwaukee expected to rebuild, they can afford Ament the time to develop.

Despite being 6’10 and very skilled, Ament shot just 40% from the field and 33% from three at Tennessee last season. There were plenty of flashes of what he looks like when everything is clicking, such as his five games of at least 25 points in SEC play. Ament has the talent of a top-five pick, but he needs to get stronger and continue developing his game if he wants to hit his ceiling. If he develops, the Bucks will have a major steal on their hands.

11. Golden State Warriors- Brayden Burries, G, Arizona

The Golden State Warriors need to add a player who can make an immediate impact, and that is exactly what Brayden Burries will do for them. He is comfortable working on and off the ball, as he played in a combo role at Arizona last year. He is a strong perimeter defender and a perfect complement next to Steph Curry. Burries is the exact type of player that every contending team would love to add to their team. He isn’t a flashy pick, but he is a great pick given his ability to play multiple roles.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder(via LAC)- Aday Mara, C, Michigan

The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t have any glaring holes, but if they could add anything, it would be either more size or more shooting. In this scenario, they add as much size as they can with Aday Mara, the 7’3 big man out of Michigan. The Thunder are one of the best landing spots for the big man, as they have the roster to complement his skill set. He is a great passer and rim protector, and that is the ideal type of big man to play with Chet Holmgren.

Mara will certainly be targeted by teams on the defensive end, specifically pulling him out into space, but he has the length to make up for the quickness he lacks. Finding players of Mara’s size with his skillset is extremely tough, and he really is a perfect fit for the Thunder. Not to mention, it helps to have a 7’3 guy when dealing with Victor Wembenyama for the next decade.

13. Miami Heat- Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

At the time of this writing, the Miami Heat still owns this pick, but that could change over the next 24 hours. If they keep the pick, Yaxel Lendeborg feels like a perfect fit. He can come in and play right away and make an impact on both ends of the court. He is a versatile defender and a connector on offense. Lendeborg doesn’t have the highest ceiling, as he will be 24 at the start of the season, but he has all the traits and tools that teams look for.

14. Charlotte Hornets- Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington

The Hornets need to add another big man with one of their two first-round picks, and there may not be a better fit than Hannes Steinbach. He is one of the best rebounders in the draft, with an average of 12 per game last season. He offers the versatility to play both power forward and center, as he has some shooting ability. He is a perfect complement to Moussa Diabate, as both are elite rebounders, but their games are vastly different.

15. Chicago Bulls(via Portland)- Cam Carr, G, Baylor

If the Bulls are gonna roll with Josh Giddey, Buzlies, and Wilson, they need to add shooting, and that is Cam Carr’s calling card. He is an athletic shooter with plenty of length. He fits the new mold of what the Bulls want, as he is very long and athletic, but skilled as well. He still has to improve as a defender, but he has the tools to become an effective one. Opposing teams should be careful around the rim in the open court when facing these high-flying Bulls.

16. Memphis Grizzlies(via Phoenix)- Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech

With a frontcourt of Edey and Boozer, the Grizzlies will need to add perimeter shooting, and there may not be a better one than Christian Anderson. The Texas Tech guard shot 41.5% from three this season on 8 attempts per game. That is just absurd, and it wasn’t just catch and shoot threes. Anderson can shoot off the dribble or off the catch, and he is terrific at navigating the pick and roll. He is undersized, but the size of Boozer and Edey will help make up for that on the defensive end.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder(via Phildelphia)- Dailyn Swain, F, Texas

The Thunder went away from their usual standards with the Mara pick, but they returned to their comfort zone with Dailyn Swain. He is a long and athletic wing who wants to get downhill and put pressure on the rim. The jump shot needs work, but he is one of the best drivers and finishers in the class. Defensively, Swain is a mixed bag, as he took a step back this year compared to his play at Xavier, where he showed promise as a defender.

18. Charlotte Hornets(via Orlando)- Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara

After taking care of their rebounding need earlier, the Hornets add a big shooter in Allen Graves. He is a very smart player who makes quick reads with the ball and spaces the floor. The biggest concern with the standout freshman is his upside as a defender, as he lacks the athleticism that teams look for, and he fouls way too much. Considering he is just 19, Graves has plenty of time to develop and continue building out his frame. The offensive upside is legit, but he may take some time to reach his full potential.

19. Toronto Raptors- Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

This has been said a lot with other picks, but Bennett Stirtz feels like a perfect fit with the Toronto Raptors. He is one of the smartest players in the draft, a great shooter, and a true floor general. Two of the Raptors biggest needs are shooting and playmaking, and those are his two biggest strengths. He can play with and without the ball as he is a knockdown shooter, despite shooting just 36% from three last year. Toronto simply doesn’t have a player like Stirtz on the roster, and he is exactly what they need.

20. San Antonio Spurs(via Atlanta)- Chris Cenac Jr., F/C, Houston

Chris Cenac Jr. needs time to develop, but there is a lot to be intrigued by. He is a terrific athlete for his size, and he is a terrific rebounder. He can put the ball on the floor a little bit and create for himself, as well as space the floor. Now, he is still growing as an offensive player, but he showed a lot of flashes at Houston last year. With Luke Kornet under contract, the San Antonio Spurs can give Cenac the time he needs to develop, and eventually have a dynamic center rotation with Victor Wembenyama and the former Houston Cougar.

21. Detroit Pistons(via Minnesota)- Labaron Philon, G, Alabama

Labaron Philon shouldn’t make it to 21 on draft night, but he is on the board here, and the Detroit Pistons can’t turn the pick in fast enough. He gives the Pistons another much-needed scoring threat at every level and a great compliment to Cade Cunningham. Philon took major leaps in an expanded role this past year and showed he can be a dynamic offensive player. Defensively, there is some concern as he is very light, but he has good length, and he put some great defense on tape during his freshman year at Alabama. One of the guards is going to fall, and in this mock draft, it is Philon.

22. Philadelphia 76ers(via Houston)- Koa Peat, F, Arizona

The Philadelphia 76ers need another physical presence down low, and that is Koa Peat’s game. He isn’t a shooter, but he has great touch around the rim, great feel for the game, and he is a strong rebounder. He would pair very well with Joel Embiid, as he transitions into more of a perimeter player towards the latter part of his career.

23. Atlanta Hawks(via Cleveland)- Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

After passing on the big men earlier, the Hawks circle back for one here and grab Tarris Reed Jr., one of the best rebounders in the draft. He is an old-school big man who does all of his work inside the paint. Reed is a solid defender who offers rim protection, as well as some ability to switch onto the perimeter. Teams would rather have him stay inside the paint, but he can hold up in the right match-up. He is the perfect backup big man in today’s NBA due to his motor and ability to make an impact without scoring.

24. New York Knicks- Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Jayden Quaintance is a lottery talent who is bound to fall due to concerns with his medicals. After tearing his ACL in his freshman season, he returned for just four games this season before shutting things down. In his limited action, his impact as a defender was obvious. Quintance is a long and athletic big man who can switch through all positions. Offensively, he is still a work in progress, but he is a great rebounder and an underrated passer. His impact in the NBA will only go as far as his health, but the New York Knicks can take this chance coming off a championship.

25. Los Angeles Lakers- Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke

Everyone expects the Los Angeles Lakers to take a big man on draft night, but they desperately need more shooting next. That is exactly what Isaiah Evans will bring to the table, as he is one of the best shooters in the draft. He needs to get bigger to hang on the defensive end, but given his 6’6 frame, he should be able to comfortably fill out. Luka Doncic is at his best with a rim-running big man and shooters around him. There isn’t a big available man who is ready to make an impact, but Evans can make one right away as a shooter.

26. Denver Nuggets- Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

Ebuka Okorie feels like the odd man out in this draft class as far as the point guards go. He was one of the best freshmen in the country, as he averaged 23 points and 3.6 assists per game for Stanford. Despite being just 6’1, Okorie’s biggest strength is his ability to get downhill and put pressure on the rim. His 7.3 free throws per game showcase how aggressive he is as a downhill attacker. The downside of being a smaller guard is his lack of defensive upside. He will absolutely be targeted by opposing teams at all times. The Nuggets need to add some kind of scoring punch off the bench, and Okorie will give them that.

27. Boston Celtics- Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa St.

Joshua Jefferson is a very skilled and smart player, and he would fit the Boston Celtics perfectly. He can put the ball on the floor and create, he can rebound, he can pass, and he doesn’t have an obvious weakness from a skill standpoint. The main concern with Jefferson is how well he will be able to hold up on defense as a slower player.

Just like the Miami pick could be moved before the draft, this pick could be as well, as Boston is involved in the Antetokounmpo trade market.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves(via Detroit)- Sergio De Larrea, PG, Spain

The Minnesota Timberwolves need a point guard, and Sergio De Larrea is their exact type. He is a very skilled and very smart guard, with ideal size at 6’6. He isn’t a twicthy explosive guard who gets downhill, but he is good in the pick and roll. He fits well next to Anthony Edwards, as teams will have their focus on the former, allowing De Larrea to play to his strengths as a secondary playmaker.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers(via San Antonio)- Karim Lopez, F, Australia

Karim Lopez has the size and skills that teams look for, but he doesn’t move too well. He is an aggressive rebounder and downhill attacker, but he doesn’t offer much shooting or defense right now. There is a lot to work with given his skill, but to make an impact in the NBA, he will need to develop as either a shooter or defender.

30. Dallas Mavericks(via OKC)- Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas

The Mavericks need to add some more juice on the perimeter, and Melek Thomas is by far and away the best option for that at this point in the draft. He is a very good shooter and a strong all-around scorer. Thomas is just a bit out of control with the ball, and he needs to clean that up at the next level. The Mavericks can allow him to play through his mistakes as they enter a new chapter with Flagg. Thomas also needs to grow as a defender, but his skill is undeniable; he just needs to learn how to play under control.

End Of My 2026 NBA Mock Draft Rant