ESPN’s Latest 2026 NBA Draft Board Highlights Depth and Multiple No. 1 Contenders
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With the trade deadline in the rear-view mirror and March fast approaching, ESPN has issued a fresh look at its top 25 prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft, a group executives now view as deeper and more talent-rich than originally projected.
The updated board features several candidates with franchise-cornerstone potential, led by Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, whose shot-making and poise keep him narrowly ahead of BYU wing AJ Dybantsa. Health, late-season performance and the possibility of name-image-likeness (NIL) money luring certain players back to school remain key variables that could reshape the rankings before draft night.
ESPN’s Top 25 Prospects (February update)
- Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas – Dynamic creator with All-NBA upside; medical evaluations will be crucial.
- AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU – Powerful wing who attacks downhill; shooting consistency still developing.
- Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke – Highly productive scorer; questions center on defensive fit.
- Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina – High motor and athleticism fuel rising two-way potential.
- Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston – Speed and paint pressure push him firmly into top-five territory.
- Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois – January surge showcased size, feel and reliable perimeter game.
- Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee – Versatile shot-maker; lack of elite burst is the lone red flag.
- Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas – Expanded from scorer to full-time playmaker; size limits defense.
- Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville – Streaky shooter with clear upside when locked in.
- Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers – Productive in a pro setting; creation growth will dictate ceiling.
- Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida – Safe, rugged forward expected to contribute immediately.
- Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan – Older, versatile defender; shooting remains inconsistent.
- Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington – Skilled rebounder with soft touch; limited athletic pop.
- Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn – Elite off-ball shooter carving out a defined role.
- Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston – Mobility and shooting touch make him an intriguing project.
- Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona – Physical competitor; long-term role projection remains a question.
- Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona – Steady climber valued for defense and connective play.
- Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky – Limited sample but notable defensive upside.
- Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech – Efficient shooter who wins possessions with poise.
- Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke – Length and feel headline a well-rounded interior game.
- Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama – Shifty scorer projected as a bench spark.
- Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa – Red-hot shooter; athletic limitations acknowledged.
- Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor – Explosive athlete who profiles as a 3-and-D wing.
- Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor – Powerful frame; next steps are shot selection and role clarity.
- Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke – Natural scorer with size; strength and defense must catch up.
Beyond the top 25, ESPN’s board lists 75 additional prospects, beginning with Alabama forward Amari Allen and running through Tennessee guard JaKobi Gillespie. Those rankings will continue to shift as conference tournaments and postseason play unfold.
The 2026 draft order will not be finalized until after the NBA’s lottery in May, leaving ample time for medical evaluations, workouts and potential NIL decisions to influence where each prospect ultimately lands.
Source: Hoops Wire
