The upcoming NCAA Tournament will give scouts another look at what is already considered one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory. Hoops Wire’s latest projection lays out how the first round might unfold if the 2026 NBA Draft were conducted today, with backcourt talent expected to dominate the lottery.
2026 NBA Mock Draft (Picks 1-30)
1. Sacramento Kings – Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas: Dynamic creator regarded as the class’s top offensive weapon.
2. Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU: Versatile wing scorer whose size keeps him in the No. 1 conversation.
3. Indiana Pacers – Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke: Productive front-court force noted for all-around efficiency.
4. Brooklyn Nets – Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina: High-motor two-way forward with elite athletic tools.
5. Utah Jazz – Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston: Explosive downhill guard showing rapid growth as a facilitator.
6. Atlanta Hawks – Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois: Big guard who combines floor vision with reliable shooting.
7. Dallas Mavericks – Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas: Creative playmaker equally comfortable scoring or setting up teammates.
8. Memphis Grizzlies – Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville: Crafty shot-maker whose ceiling keeps him in the top ten.
9. Chicago Bulls – Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee: Long, skilled forward viewed as a long-term upside pick.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona: Multi-level scorer who has steadily climbed boards throughout the year.
11. Portland Trail Blazers – Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers: Physical international wing with improving perimeter skills.
12. San Antonio Spurs – Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida: High-energy forward who slots smoothly into any lineup.
13. Golden State Warriors – Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn: Tall perimeter shooter who could rise with a strong March showing.
14. Charlotte Hornets – Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky: Defense-first center prized for long-term rim-protecting potential.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington: Steady interior option projected as an early rotation big.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder – Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech: Smart combo guard capable of running the offense or spotting up.
17. Memphis Grizzlies – Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan: Versatile defender expected to contribute immediately.
18. Toronto Raptors – Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama: Crafty scorer adept at generating his own offense.
19. Charlotte Hornets – Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona: Powerful, multi-position big facing questions about range.
20. Miami Heat – Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa: High-IQ floor general projected as a reliable bench catalyst.
21. Los Angeles Lakers – Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona: 7-foot-2 rim protector who anchors the glass.
22. Detroit Pistons – Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston: Explosive athlete offering long-term upside in the paint.
23. Denver Nuggets – Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor: Springy wing shooter with proven scoring chops.
24. Philadelphia 76ers – Aday Mara, C, Michigan: 7-foot-3 center known for interior passing feel.
25. Atlanta Hawks – Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke: Smooth perimeter shooter who spaces the floor effectively.
26. Boston Celtics – Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke: Intelligent rim protector well suited to today’s center role.
27. New York Knicks – Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan: Physical rebounder capable of guarding several positions.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers – Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama: Sizeable wing with passing instincts and improving range.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves – Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas: Toolsy perimeter defender making strides as a shooter.
30. Dallas Mavericks – Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor: Powerful scorer whose long-term growth will dictate his ceiling.
The projection underscores the strength of the 2026 guard class, with six backcourt players appearing in the top ten and several more dotting the remainder of the first round. Front-court prospects such as Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson still headline the conversation, highlighting the balance of talent expected to shape next summer’s draft.
Source: Hoops Wire
