Scouts Split on Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer as 2026 NBA Draft Race Tightens
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The NBA’s regular season still has more than a week to run, yet front-office attention is already turning to May 10, when the league will draw lottery combinations that will decide the order of a much-anticipated 2026 draft class.
Three-way race for No. 1
Most of the more than a dozen scouts and executives contacted by ESPN view BYU freshman wing AJ Dybantsa as the current favorite to be selected first overall. One Western Conference general manager said teams are inclined to “go down swinging” on Dybantsa’s upside, noting his 6-foot-9 frame that could grow to 6-10 and 230 pounds within a few years.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer remain firmly in the conversation. An Eastern Conference executive called Peterson “the most talented guy” in the class, though season-long leg problems and cramping limited him to 24 games and have raised medical red flags. Boozer’s supporters point to an historic freshman season in which he averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, ranking in the nation’s top 12 in both categories.
Health questions surround Peterson
Multiple executives said Peterson’s draft slot will hinge on extensive medical evaluations to determine whether his lower-body issues could linger. When healthy—such as during a nationally televised clash in Lawrence where he dominated the opening half against Dybantsa—the 6-4 scorer has displayed top-pick potential.
Boozer offers a high floor
Boozer, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, faces scrutiny over his explosiveness and positional fit. Some evaluators see him as a traditional power forward with limited versatility, while others compare the skepticism to questions Luka Dončić once faced. Several insiders agreed Boozer’s basketball IQ and offensive versatility give him the safest floor in the class.
Caleb Wilson surges despite injuries
North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, ESPN’s No. 4 prospect, broke his left hand on Feb. 10 and his right thumb in early March, but scouts have been impressed by his energy, length and playmaking. Comparisons to Pascal Siakam and Aaron Gordon have led some executives to believe Wilson could crack the top three depending on team needs once the lottery order is set.
Battle of the guards for the fifth spot
After the presumptive top four, attention shifts to a cluster of ballhandlers. Arkansas scorer Darius Acuff Jr., Houston two-way guard Kingston Flemings and Illinois playmaker Keaton Wagler are widely viewed as the leading candidates for No. 5, with Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. and Arizona’s Brayden Burries also drawing interest.
Executives said combine measurements will be crucial, particularly for Acuff (listed 6-3) and Flemings (6-4). Acuff’s three-level scoring and SEC tournament heroics have impressed some scouts, though his size and defense raise concerns. Flemings’ willingness to play under demanding Houston coach Kelvin Sampson has earned praise, but questions persist about his shooting. Wagler, a 6-6 freshman who emerged during Illinois’ Final Four run, is valued for his pace, feel and ability to function on or off the ball.
The predraft process now pivots to individual workouts, medical checks and the lottery itself, all of which could shuffle a top-heavy board before selections are made in late June.
Source: ESPN
