NBA Mock Draft 2026 Projections: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson at No. 1?

1. Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU

Dybantsa brings the exact type of physical scoring punch and elite size the Wizards need to spearhead their rebuild. His dynamic shot-making and explosive athleticism give Washington a true franchise cornerstone with perennial All-Star potential.

Expect him to step in as a day-one primary option alongside Bilal Coulibaly. As a result, I’m not surprised that he is a heavy favorite in the 2026 NBA Draft odds.

2. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas

As the potential No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft, Darryn Peterson provides the Jazz with a big, strong, modern lead guard who can effortlessly blend elite three-level scoring with high-IQ playmaking.

Pairing his physical 6’6″ frame with Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen gives Utah a hyper-versatile perimeter. His ceiling is that of a dominant multi-time All-Star guard.

3. Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke

Cameron Boozer is a plug-and-play addition for a Memphis squad that would welcome a high-IQ, physical, and highly skilled basketball player. Playing next to Jaren Jackson Jr. allows Boozer to showcase his strong all-around game and presence in the paint immediately.

He has a chance to go at No. 2, but I expect him to fall into the Grizzlies’ laps and become a no-brainer pick at No. 3.

4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina

Caleb Wilson gives the Bulls a fluid and hyper-athletic forward capable of altering games on both ends with his defensive versatility and transition play. His immense length and budding shot creation fit perfectly into Chicago’s timeline.

Wilson has the raw tools to develop into a premier lockdown, two-way Swiss Army knife at the pro level.

5. Los Angeles Clippers – Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois

The top 5 of our mock draft NBA 2026 is between guards Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. The latter is picking up momentum in this spot, but I’ll stick with Wagler here.

His versatility in the backcourt makes him an ideal floor-spacer to inject life into the Clippers’ offense. His elite catch-and-shoot capability and high-IQ off-ball movement will instantly open up driving lanes for LA’s main creators. He projects as a reliable, high-end starting wing who can break games open from the perimeter.

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

Brooklyn desperately needs a long-term answer at point guard, and Brown’s exceptional pace and vision make him the perfect offensive engine. He has the upside to become a highly productive, double-double starting point guard. The Nets could also opt for Wagler, Kingston Flemings, or Darius Acuff Jr.

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

With the Sacramento Kings reportedly working out Acuff Jr. in private, the front office thinks highly of the talented Arkansas’ guard. Acuff Jr. is a standout shot-creator and downhill attacker with above-average body control. 37-year-old Russell Westbrook is currently the Kings’ starting point guard, so a young replacement is required.

His elite handle and change-of-pace scoring offer the Kings a dynamic weapon who can ease the offensive burden. Out of the gate in 2026, he projects as a high-octane option off the bench, with the potential to join the starting lineup as the season progresses.

8. Atlanta Hawks – Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

Flemings brings a gritty toughness and playmaking ability that will seamlessly bolster the Hawks’ backcourt depth. His relentless on-ball pressure fits the high-energy identity Sacramento loves, providing a perfect change-of-pace after trading De’Aaron Fox in 2025.

9. Dallas Mavericks – Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona

Brayden Burries is a physical, hard-nosed wing who brings strong secondary playmaking and robust perimeter defense to Dallas. His ability to hit open shots and make quick, smart extra passes makes him an exceptional off-ball complement to Cooper Flag.

His career outlook is that of a valuable two-way player that can adapt quickly on a young Mavericks squad. This is a perfect match for both Burries and the Mavericks off a successful career at Arizona.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Aday Mara, C, Michigan

With center Aday Mara likely dropping to No. 10, the Milwaukee Bucks can’t afford to pass on this gift. Mara gives the aging Bucks an elite 7’3″ developmental interior anchor with rare, high-level passing instincts out of the post.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely on the way out in Milwaukee, and they need to rebuild their frontcourt, which could begin with Mara. He projects as a highly skilled, unique starting center who can orchestrate offenses from the elbow.

11. Golden State Warriors – Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama

Philon’s lightning-quick decision-making, defensive tenacity, and combo-guard versatility make him a natural fit for the Warriors’ read-and-react system.

His ability to play both on and off the ball allows him to slide easily into lineups featuring Steph Curry or Brandin Podziemski. Learning under Curry’s guidance would be fantastic for his development.

He projects as a reliable, high-energy spark plug with long-term starter capability.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan

One of the catalysts for Michigan’s national championship run, physical forward Yaxel Lendeborg would slot in nicely on an already deep OKC Thunder roster.

Lendeborg brings elite motor, high-level defensive versatility, and exceptional rebounding to OKC’s frontcourt rotation. His willingness to do the dirty work, switch out onto the perimeter, and run the floor fits the Thunder’s positionless, high-effort philosophy perfectly.

13. Miami Heat – Karim López, PF, New Zealand Breakers

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the draft is 19-year-old Mexican forward Karim López. López possesses the ideal blend of length, defensive instincts, and raw offensive upside that the Miami Heat developmental staff covets. He can score from anywhere on the floor and is a solid spacer.

His multi-positional defensive potential and high basketball IQ align perfectly with “Heat Culture,” giving them a long-term piece on the wing. His ceiling is that of an elite, defensive-minded starting forward.

14. Charlotte Hornets – Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee

Nate Ament’s projections in NBA first round mock drafts for 2026 have varied widely. He’s been seen as a top 10 pick by some pundits, but 13th to 17th appears like his landing spot. Ament is a fluid, perimeter-oriented 6’9″ forward whose smooth shooting stroke will pair beautifully with LaMelo Ball’s elite playmaking.

Ament’s ability to stretch the floor and attack closeouts provides Charlotte with a modern frontcourt asset who can play multiple positions. He profiles as a highly efficient, spacer-heavy starting combo forward.

15. Chicago Bulls – Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington

Hannes Steinbach offers the Bulls a physical, fundamentally sound frontcourt presence who excels at screening, rolling, and vacuuming up rebounds. His interior grit and efficient inside scoring provide a great contrast to Chicago’s slashing perimeter players. Steinbach’s strength makes him a natural fit for the Bulls in the paint.

16. Memphis Grizzlies – Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech

Christian Anderson provides Memphis with a lethal, highly efficient shooter who can orchestrate the secondary unit with poise. His deep range and tight handle give the Grizzlies an excellent insurance policy behind Ja Morant. Anderson may be the most underrated guard in a draft that is loaded with talented backcourt prospects.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston

Chris Cenac Jr. is a raw product, but he could blossom and develop nicely in Oklahoma City. It would be a perfect situation for Cenac whose success will likely be dictated by the team that selects him. Cenac matches OKC’s love for long, athletic, versatile bigs who can stretch the floor.

18. Charlotte Hornets – Morez Johnson, PF, Michigan

On the heels of a national championship alongside Lendeborg, multi-talented Morez Johnson looks like another first-round selection from Michigan. He brings physical toughness, elite rebounding, and high-level interior defense to a young Hornets squad that needs paint protection.

His high-motor rim-running will create easy transition opportunities next to Ball and Brandon Miller. With Ament and Johnson targeted by the Hornets, they are committed to bolstering their frontcourt in the 2026 NBA Draft.

19. Toronto Raptors – Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

For one of the sneakiest picks on our NBA mock draft 2026 board, the Toronto Raptors upgrade their backcourt by selecting Stanford point guard Ebuka Okorie. Okorie gives Toronto a high-IQ, low-turnover floor general who possesses defensive instincts at the point guard spot with a large wingspan.

His steady decision-making and solid perimeter shooting will provide great structural balance next to Scottie Barnes. He projects as a rock-solid, dependable backup guard who rarely beats himself.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor

In a stunning turnaround, the Spurs reached the NBA Finals after years of futility. Now, they need a natural shooter in the backcourt to go with Victor Wembanyama. Baylor guard Cameron Carr fits the bill.

Carr brings explosive athleticism, a lethal catch-and-shoot trigger, and great defensive length to San Antonio. Playing alongside Victor Wembanyama will give Carr endless open looks from the perimeter, where his quick release can punish defenses. He has the upside to develop into an elite, highly sought-after 3-and-D wing.

21. Detroit Pistons – Bennett Stirtz, PG/SG, Iowa

Bennett Stirtz is a highly efficient combo guard whose elite passing and savvy off-ball movement will greatly help Detroit’s spacing and offensive flow. His ability to operate secondary pick-and-rolls makes him an excellent fit alongside Cade Cunningham.

22. Philadelphia 76ers – Koa Peat, PF, Arizona

Koa Peat provides the 76ers with a strong, broad-shouldered, physically mature forward who thrives at doing the dirty work in the paint and out of the mid-post. His high-level rebounding and interior passing make him an instant-impact role player next to Joel Embiid.

23. Atlanta Hawks – Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance may need some time to develop, but the potential is definitely there. While I don’t expect him to jump into the starting lineup and contribute right away, he has a high ceiling.

Quaintance offers the Hawks a young, physically imposing, and athletic rim-protector with immense defensive upside. His lateral quickness and explosive verticality give Atlanta a defensive anchor.

24. New York Knicks – Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara

Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects in the draft that isn’t garnering much attention, power forward Allen Graves appears like a solid project for the defending champions. Graves is a rugged, highly disciplined defender, and physically tough forward who fits perfectly Mike Brown’s style of play.

His non-stop motor, box-out discipline, and ability to hit occasional corner threes make him an ideal rotational piece for New York. Graves is raw right now but has the potential to develop into a major contributor, especially defensively.

25. Los Angeles Lakers – Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

Expect the Los Angeles Lakers to target a position of need and center Tarris Reed Jr. satisfies that requirement. Reed gives the Lakers a highly capable, physically strong interior defender and elite offensive rebounder to help anchor the post.

Deandre Ayton’s future in Los Angeles is questionable, and acquiring a young big man to potentially replace him makes sense. Ayton’s lack of effort has been a sticking point, and Reed would change that in the frontcourt.

26. Denver Nuggets – Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas

Dailyn Swain could become a strong secondary creator for the Denver Nuggets. He is fantastic in isolation and isn’t intimidated by physical defenders. Swain can play at the rim or attack from the perimeter.

Swan is a long, highly athletic, and defensive-minded wing whose cutting ability will flourish playing with Nikola Jokić. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, filling a crucial depth need on the perimeter for Denver.

27. Boston Celtics – Meleek Thomas, SG, Arkansas

Meleek Thomas is an incredibly smooth, creative three-level scorer who gives Boston a premier injection of shot-creation off the bench.

Learning under Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will allow Thomas to refine his playmaking while thriving in a talented offense. He projects as a dynamic, high-scoring 6th man with outside star potential.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s

Although a few of the top centers should be off the board by now, there are still viable options for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesar should still be available, giving the Timberwolves a chance to bolster their frontcourt.

Ejiofor is an athletic center that never quits working. He’s an elite defensive player that shouldn’t take long to adjust to the NBA game. The big man might need time to become a superior playmaker offensively, but he had the tools in college.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Henri Veesar, C, North Carolina

With Ejiofor possibly gone, the Cleveland Cavaliers will still be happy to see Tar Heels’ center Henri Veesar there. Veesar gives the Cavaliers a highly skilled, floor-spacing 7-footer who can seamlessly blend into their creative rotations.

30. Dallas Mavericks – Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke

Duke’s Isaiah Evans provides Dallas with a tough, shot-making wing who plays with an immense competitive fire. His natural scoring instincts and deep range make him a fantastic late-first-round value project to develop behind the Mavericks’ core. He projects as an impact-scoring wing who can inject instant offense off the bench.