Early 2026 NBA mock draft slots Peterson first, Dybantsa second, Boozer third
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ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo on Nov. 18, 2025 released his first full projection for the 2026 NBA Draft, listing Kansas guard Darryn Peterson as the current favorite to be taken No. 1 overall.
Woo’s mock covers all 30 opening-round selections and uses ESPN’s Basketball Power Index standings from Nov. 14 to set a hypothetical draft order. Projections are based on team needs, in-season scouting and ongoing conversations with NBA executives.
Top three projections
1. Brooklyn Nets — Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas. The freshman is averaging 21.5 points through two games but is sidelined with a hamstring strain. Woo cites Peterson’s three-level scoring, defensive edge and competitive makeup as reasons he would be the pick if the draft were held today.
2. Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU. Posting 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over four outings, Dybantsa impressed scouts during BYU’s weekend meeting with UConn, though Woo notes questions about his game-to-game consistency.
3. Utah Jazz — Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke. Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.3 boards. After a quiet opener against Texas, he faces a high-profile test versus Kansas on Tuesday, a game expected to attract the majority of NBA front-office decision-makers.
Other lottery highlights
• Indiana Pacers at No. 4 are projected to take Tennessee forward Nate Ament.
• Atlanta Hawks, selecting with the Pelicans’ pick at No. 5, are pegged for North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson.
• Louisville point guard Mikel Brown Jr. lands at No. 6 with the Sacramento Kings.
• Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 7, Charlotte Hornets) and Arizona’s Koa Peat (No. 8, Dallas Mavericks) round out the top eight.
Woo describes the 2026 class as one of the deepest in recent years, buoyed by “star freshmen” who are “taking quickly to the next level.” The analyst adds that upcoming showcase events — including the Champions Classic on Nov. 18 and next week’s Players Era Championship in Las Vegas — will give scouts further chances to fine-tune evaluations.
The full mock extends through 60 picks, detailing projected first- and second-round selections along with team-by-team draft-slot logic, traded-pick conditions and early statistical snapshots for each prospect.
Source: ESPN
