Early 2026 NBA Mock Draft Sets the Pace for First-Round Conversation
early-2026-nba-mock-draft-first-round
The initial outline of the 2026 NBA Draft is beginning to form, offering an early look at how the first round might unfold if the event were held today. Below is a team-by-team projection of the opening 30 selections, reflecting current evaluations of collegiate and international talent.
Projected First Round
- Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU: Washington is forecast to open the draft by selecting a wing scorer with size and two-way upside to anchor its rebuilding core.
- Utah Jazz — Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas: Utah addresses backcourt creativity with a dynamic shot-maker who could grow into a primary option alongside the club’s young guards.
- Memphis Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke: Memphis targets a polished interior presence as the franchise resets its frontcourt foundation.
- Chicago Bulls — Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina: Chicago opts for an explosive big who can impact both ends while the roster trends toward a full overhaul.
- Los Angeles Clippers — Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois: The Clippers look to the future with a versatile guard fresh off a productive college run.
- Brooklyn Nets — Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas: Brooklyn secures a skilled lead guard expected to create offense immediately.
- Sacramento Kings — Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston: Sacramento fills a need for quick downhill playmaking and perimeter defense.
- Atlanta Hawks — Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville: Atlanta adds scoring punch and distribution to stabilize its guard rotation.
- Dallas Mavericks — Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona: Dallas pairs its young nucleus with a steady two-way backcourt piece.
- Milwaukee Bucks — Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee: Milwaukee swings for upside and size amid questions about its long-term direction.
- Golden State Warriors — Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers: Golden State invests in an international forward with pro experience and developmental promise.
- Oklahoma City Thunder — Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/SF, Michigan: The Thunder add a versatile forward viewed as NBA-ready.
- Miami Heat — Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama: Miami secures a guard capable of generating instant offense.
- Charlotte Hornets — Aday Mara, C, Michigan: Charlotte picks up a skilled seven-footer who brings passing and interior size.
- Chicago Bulls (via trade) — Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky: The Bulls double down on the frontcourt with a defense-first center boasting long-term upside.
- Memphis Grizzlies (via trade) — Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech: Memphis continues its backcourt makeover with a reliable shooter and facilitator.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via trade) — Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington: OKC adds rebounding and interior presence with a steady big man.
- Charlotte Hornets (via trade) — Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor: The Hornets select an athletic wing showing flashes of scoring growth.
- Toronto Raptors — Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston: Toronto commits to a developmental big endowed with intriguing physical tools.
- San Antonio Spurs — Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan: San Antonio injects physicality and defensive versatility into its young lineup.
- Detroit Pistons — Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa: Detroit secures a steady floor-spacer capable of running the offense.
- Philadelphia 76ers — Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara: Philadelphia adds a productive forward gaining late momentum on draft boards.
- Atlanta Hawks (via trade) — Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke: The Hawks bring in additional shooting and size on the wing.
- New York Knicks — Koa Peat, PF/SF, Arizona: New York selects a physical forward projected to earn rotation minutes with development.
- Los Angeles Lakers — Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina: The Lakers address the middle with a floor-stretching center.
- Denver Nuggets — Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas: Denver opts for a defensive-minded wing featuring strong athletic traits.
- Boston Celtics — Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama: Boston chooses a versatile forward well-suited to its system and timeline.
- Minnesota Timberwolves — Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford: Minnesota adds a scoring guard expected to bolster bench production.
- Cleveland Cavaliers — Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State: Cleveland lands a team-first forward considered ready to contribute.
- Dallas Mavericks (via trade) — Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas: Dallas concludes the round with a shooter intended to deepen the backcourt mix.
The draft order used in this projection reflects current standings and traded picks as of the publication date. Player positioning will continue to evolve through workouts, the college season and pre-draft evaluations.
Source: Hoops Wire
