As basketball fans approach the2026 NBA draft lotteryin Chicago, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the prospects in this class.
Only 71 players, thefewest in more than 20 years, submitted their official applications as early entry candidates to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft by the April 24 deadline.
Many of those players, as well as top seniors automatically eligible, willparticipate during the 2026 NBA Draft Combinebeginning May 10 in Chicago. Some of the players not included and who could go back to school after the combine include Amari Allen, Meleek Thomas, Milan Momcilovic, Rueben Chinyelu, Flory Bidunga, Billy Richmond III and Malachi Moreno.
The deadline for early entry candidates to withdraw from the pre-draft process while maintaining collegiate eligibility is May 27.
Others who are on the fringe who will also earn first-round consideration include Isaiah Evans, Tounde Yessoufou, Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Sergio De Larrea, Ryan Conwell and Braden Smith.
Note that picks 15-60 are currently set, but fans won't know the official order of the 2026 NBA Draft until the lottery on May 10. The first 14 picks arebased on lottery odds, includinga tiebreaker process.
The NBA Draft begins on June 23 at Barclays Center in New York.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and would benefit tremendously from a lottery win. They had thesecond-worst offense in the leagueand could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season,per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17appearances.He would be a fascinating fit next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Wilson
One general manager also told Jake Fischer that “every team” is going to have North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson over either one of Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. His injury, which caused him to miss the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb, did not hurt his draft stock at all. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season,did more than enough to earn this placement. According toBart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only playerunder 20 years oldto reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.
4. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson
Yahoo’sKevin O’Connor reportedthat some front office executives view Wilson with “similarly high upside” as Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson with “dramatically lower downsides” than the guard. While he is certainlyno longer perceivedas the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relativeinconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received “largely positive” feedback. The Jazz are building a much stronger core after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. and drafting Ace Bailey, and this would only add to it. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.
5. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings
The Kings need the best player available regardless of fit and if they are on the clock at No. 5 overall, that pick is probablyHouston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night. His true height measurements are one of the bigger questions lingering over the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.
6.Memphis Grizzlies: Keaton Wagler
During this rebuilding chapter, the Grizzlies would love to add a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
7. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darius Acuff Jr.
The Hawks need a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. aftertrading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans.En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist,per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem.
8.Dallas Mavericks: Yaxel Lendeborg
The Mavericks had theworst offensive ratingin the Western Conference and after hiring Masai Ujiri, they could benefit from a player as productive as Yaxel Lendeborg. He showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. While he is older than other players projected in the first round, his impact in college basketball was undeniable.
9.Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Burries would make a great pick for Bryson Graham as he takes over the front office for the Bulls.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
The Milwaukee Bucks,potentially heading toward an ugly Giannis Antetokounmpo divorce, must simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year,per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, some scouts feel Brown has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range.
11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López
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TEAM: International (Australia)
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Karim López had a low usage rate and played few minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder could add even more lottery-caliber talent, like Michigan center Aday Mara, in the 2026 NBA Draft. While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court,per CBB Analytics, which ranks near the lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim.
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13. Miami Heat: Koa Peat
The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not,per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well withMiami’s fastest-paced offensein the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Labaron Philon
The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard wasnot playing at 100 percentduring March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Hannes Steinbach
The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament. This is about the range of German big man Hannes Steinbach, who reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Joshua Jefferson
The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. A few years ago,research indicatedthat the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who metmany of the qualificationsthat led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16. The Grizzlies are not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Nate Ament
While the Thunder may not actually use this pick because they have such an abundance of talent on its roster already, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament. The forwardreportedly considered returning to collegeto aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His decision to declare for this class, instead, suggests he is likely comfortable with the feedback he has received so far. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking near the lottery.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Jayden Quaintance
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old,per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers.
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Dailyn Swain
After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders. He is quick, bouncy, a solid rebounder and his 81.5 percent free-throw percentage indicates he has good shooting form. While he has three years of college experience, at 20 years old, he is the same age as a few NCAA freshmen.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson
While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and will want more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players,per CBB Analytics. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Ebuka Okorie
Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz but could withdraw as an early entry candidate,per Jonathan Givony, though he would only return to Stanford.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr.
It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, get hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds. Cenac told reporters he is “fully committed” to the NBA Draft.
24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves
One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who held a higher box plus-minus,via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He declared early entry for the 2026 NBA Draft but also entered his name in the transfer portal and could return to school.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to win the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson is also a candidate to return to college and withdraw as an early entry candidate but is reportedly “very likely” to stay in.
26. Denver Nuggets: Cameron Carr
One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and,per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not,via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.
27. Boston Celtics: Henri Veesaar
We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Celtics, will have him high on their priority list. He presumably feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Tyler Tanner
It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise should he decide to turn pro after this season, it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. Tanner couldalso return to schoolbut will receive first-round buzz if he stays in the draft.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Luigi Suigo
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TEAM: International (Serbia)
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One of the most notable prospects currently playing overseas is Italian big man Luigi Suigo. While playing a smaller role for KK Mega Basket in Serbia, he averaged 16.9 points with 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. He would also occasionally shoot from beyond the arc, which is valuable for someone his size. As a starter on Feb. 21, he had 23 points (10-of-10 FG, 3-of-3 3PM) with 8 rebounds. If he does not get feedback that he is projected as a first-round pick, expect him to consider several big schools in the NCAA as well.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr.
UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NBA mock draft ahead of lottery: First round picks, projections
As basketball fans approach the2026 NBA draft lotteryin Chicago, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the prospects in this...
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