The 2026 draft lottery has come and gone, and the order is officially set. So, it is time for everyone to come out with a new mock. Including me!
1. Washington Wizards (17-65)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 25.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
This was a year that the worst team actually won the draft lottery. Washington suffered through a miserable 17 win season, but will now get their choice of player, to go along with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and a host of youngsters for next year. This pick looks like it will come down to AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. I will continue to give the edge to Dybantsa. He is a slasher and mid-range specialist, and showed better three point shooting than scouts thought coming into the season. He has to improve as a defender, but has the look of someone who can contend for scoring titles during his prime.
2. Utah Jazz (22-60)
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Jazz are another team who made a move to be better next year, but spent the last couple of months tanking furiously, for precisely this result. Darryn Peterson should be a stud in this lineup. I do not think his cramping and missing games issue will be much to talk about going forward. He is an elite scorer, who should thrive next to Devean George in the Jazz back court. With a large front court, and Ace Bailey still around, Utah could contend for the playoffs next season.
3. Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)
PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’10, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
The Grizzlies recently moved on from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant could be next. Landing the third overall pick will go a long way towards turning the page in Memphis. Cameron Boozer is a great prospect, but I like Caleb Wilson as a fit next to Zach Edey better. Wilson is a springy athlete, a solid defender and has the ability to be a double double machine. While he may not produce like Boozer right away, I believe his upside is higher, especially as a defender.
4. Chicago Bulls (31-51)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
The Bulls are in a great position. They were the biggest lottery risers, and get to sit back and draft whichever of the big four remains. Carlos Boozer started his career with the Chicago Bulls, and now his son Cameron follows suit. Boozer is an offensive whiz. He can score from down low, hit jump shots, and the offense can run through him on occasion. He is not the best athlete or defender, so he could be like another Domantas Sabonis. You will have to hide him on defense, but you can win with him as your main offensive hub.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (from IND (19-63))
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg
The 19 win Indiana Pacers losing their first round pick to the Clippers was the biggest story line of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. They gambled and lost, as they better hope Ivica Zubac was worth it. Los Angeles wins out, and gets to select a top notch shooting guard to play alongside their new point guard, Darius Garland. Wagler was a sub-100 recruit, but has shattered those rankings with one of the best freshman seasons out there. Illinois made the Final Four, and Wagler was a huge reason why. He may be more of a lead guard than a point guard, but he is a good shooter, scorer and distributor. He needs to get stronger and may not be the best athlete, but I love his potential.
6. Brooklyn Nets (20-62)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 6.4 apg, 3.1 rpg
Like the Pacers, Brooklyn was another 60 loss team that struck mud during the lottery. Unlike Indiana, they at least keep their pick, though falling to six has to sting. Brooklyn drafted three point guards in the first round of the 2025 draft, but still lack a real long term answer at the position. Darius Acuff Jr. was one of the best offensive players in the nation, and put on a show during the NCAA tournament, especially during Arkansas second round victory, when he scored 36 points. He is undersized, and not a good defender, but his offensive potential should keep him squarely in mid-top 10 spot.
7. Sacramento Kings (22-60)
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.1 rpg
Sacramento was the third 60 loss team to fall out of the top four of the draft. That is the risk, when a third of the league tanks during the same year. Fortunately, this is a deep top of the draft, especially at guard talent. Sacramento needs fire power in the back court. It is hard to win in the NBA without strong guard play. Kingston Flemings may be the best pure point guard in this class. While Flemings struggled as a scorer late in the season, and during the NCAA tournament, he showed what he is capable of with a 42 point performance against Texas Tech in January. Flemings has good size, had a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio, and is a solid defender. He should become a more consistent scorer, and the all around package at point guard is impressive.
8. Atlanta Hawks (from MIL (32-50))
PG/SG Mikel Brown Jr., Fr, Louisville
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.2 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.3 rpg
Atlanta was probably hoping that this pick would end up higher, but they still get to add a top ten talent to a playoff core. I am not a huge Mikel Brown Jr. fan, but his theoretical upside would be a great fit for this Atlanta roster. He gets to work on his consistency and point guard skills coming off the bench behind Nickiel Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels. He is a good scoring combo guard with size, but he needs to improve his jump shot and ability to lead an offense. If it clicks for him, he is a top five player in this class, but it might take time.
9. Dallas Mavericks (26-56)
PG/SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.4 apg
Dallas needs a talented scoring guard as a running mate for Cooper Flagg, but that might be harder to find here. Arizona laid an egg against eventual champion Michigan in the Final Four, but they had a very good season, led by freshman Brayden Burries. He was a consistent source of offense all season, shooting at a 50/40/80 clip. He is also a pesky defender and decent ball handler.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (32-50)
SF/PF Nate Ament, Fr, Tennessee
6’10, 207 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg
The drama never seems to end for Milwaukee. They have not been a good drafting team, and need to hit with this pick, as it might be the last chance to salvage the Giannis Antetokounmpo relationship. That is a lot of pressure on anyone. Nate Ament showed flashes of being a strong scorer and shooter, but was extremely inconsistent all season. He is also thin and weak, and needs to bulk up, or he will be pushed around at the next level. There is Michael Porter Jr. potential here, but he is so raw. It will take time.
11. Golden State Warriors (37-45)
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.2 apg
The Warriors are bringing back Steve Kerr, showing that they are going to ride the Stephen Curry train until the wheels fall off, rebuild be damned. If they want to draft a player that could help out right away, Yaxel Lendeborg could be the answer. The downside is he will be 24 years old during the season, which caps his upside, but he does a little bit of everything on the court. He can shoot, rebound, score and chip in defensively. Without an elite skill, there is a chance he is over-matched at the NBA level, but the Warriors might want to select someone who can provide minutes right away.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (42-40))
PF/C Hannes Steinbach, Fr, Washington
6’11, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
TheThunder are well on their way to another championship, but may have some decisions to make next year, especially in the front court. Hannes Steinbach would be solid insurance. Steinbach played on a terrible Washington team that did not make the tournament, but he showed enough to be a mid-to-late lottery pick. While most freshmen big men floundered, Steinbach excelled as both a scorer and rebounder. He has decent stretch big ability on offense, is a double double threat, and can even block some shots. While he may not be as big as his listed 6’11, he should be able to be a small-ball center at the next level.
13. Miami Heat (43-39)
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’4, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.5 rpg
This Miami roster needs more offensive firepower, especially in the back court. Labaron Philon Jr.’s decision to return to Alabama for his sophomore year paid off in a big way. He showed the ability to score at a consistent level, despite high usage. He saved his best for last, going out against an elite opponent, dropping 35 points against Michigan in the Sweet 16. Philon Jr. may not be a pure point guard, but could be a Kevin Porter Jr. like combo scoring option.
14. Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
C Aday Mara, Jr, Michigan
7’3, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 apg
The Hornets were perhaps the biggest regular season success story. They had one of the better offensive minded starting fives in the league, and could use their two first round draft picks to improve the defense shore up the bench. Coming off a National Championship run, Aday Mara is getting a lot of late lottery love. In a class short on size, Mara’s tournament run has likely stamped his ticket into the first round. He is still offensively, and may struggle with the speed of the game, but you cannot teach his size and defensive instincts. He could become a starting center in time.
15. Chicago Bulls (from POR (42-40))
SF/PF Karim Lopez, Mexico
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.9 apg
Chciago goes best player available here, and doubles up on talented front court scorers. Karim Lopez can get buckets in a variety of ways, but not much of a shooter or defender. It will take work and development, but there is potential for a Tobias Harris-like player here. With Cameron Boozer and Matas Buzelis on the roster, the Bulls can afford to be patient with him.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from PHX (45-37))
PG Christian Anderson, So, Texas Tech
6’3, 178 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg
This is the first of many draft picks coming to Memphis from the Orlando Magic, courtesy of the Desmond Bane trade. After going big with their first pick, perhaps they could add a potential Ja Morant replacement here. Christian Anderson may lack the ability to hold up defensively and play a full 32 minutes per game, you cannot ignore his impact as a dynamic lead guard. He can score and distribute. There are rumors that Anderson could return to college and transfer to a big time program, but I think a top 20 promise would keep him in the draft.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHI (45-37))
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, So, Kentucky
6’10, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 bpg
The Thunder have close to a full roster, and I do not think they will want three rookies (with Thomas Sorber) taking up spots next year. Theoretically, they could be one team that would not be afraid to draft an injured player. Jayden Quaintance was thought of as a possible lottery pick after his freshman season at Arizona State, but was too young to declare for the draft. He briefly made his return for Kentucky before suffering another injury. A lot of mock drafts still have him in their top ten, but I think this is a better spot for him. While he is an NBA caliber defender and rebounder, his offense has a long way to go, and his injury issues cost him valuable reps to improve that side of his game.
18. Charlotte Hornets (from ORL (45-37))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.6 rpg
Charlotte had success drafting seniors in 2025, and they go that route again here. Bennett Stirtz is the anti-LaMelo Ball. He is a heady scorer and playmaker, and should be the perfect captain of the second unit in Charlotte. He should keep the offense, and not make many mistakes.
19. Toronto Raptors (46-36)
SF/PF Dailyn Swain, Jr, Texas
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.6 apg
Toronto has one of the better starting lineups in the East, but needs to continue to fill out the bench, as many draft picks have failed to make an impact. Dailyn Swain is an upperclassmen who could be an instant contributor for a playoff team. He is a good scorer, rebounder and passer, an an on the ball menace defensively.
20. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (46-36))
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’8, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 apg
The Spurs are loaded up and down the roster, but both Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet will be free agents after the season. There could be front court minutes available, even after Carter Bryant moves up the totem pole. Koa Peat is a talented, strong scorer, but I struggle to figure out what he does at the NBA level. He is a bit undersized, not much of a shooter or defender. He may fit best as an energy type off the bench at the NBA level.
21. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (49-33))
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 175 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
After facing the brink of elimination to an 8th seed, the Pistons are back on track. Their lack of shooting and bench scoring continues to be a major issue, however. It was a very tough season for the usually fantastic Baylor Bears, but Cameron Carr was a revelation. After two seasons as a little used player, he exploded as a 20 point per game scorer. He is a good shooter and slasher, and while he may lack the overall game to be a lottery pick, should provide instant offense off the bench.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (from HOU (52-30))
PF Morez Johnson Jr., So, Michigan
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 apg
Dominick Barlow has been a revaluation for the 76ers, for the simple fact that he has managed to play in almost every game, something the other front court players have struggled to do. Joel Embiid continues to be a mass health wise, and Andre Drummond is a free agent. Front court help is needed. Morez Johnson Jr. has a very NBA friendly all around game. He is a good shooter and rebounder, and can block the occasional shot. He will be tempted to return to Michigan and try for another championship, but I think he is a first rounder if he stays.
23. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (52-30))
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
7’0, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
Atlanta went back court with its first round pick, and they go with someone who can provide front court depth here. North Carolina may have went out of the NCAA Tournament with a whimper, but Henri Veesaar did his part, with a 26 point, 10 rebound performance. He has the look of a very solid backup center, thanks to his ability to knock down jump shots, rebound and provide decent help defense.
24. New York Knicks (53-29)
SF/PF Joshua Jefferson, Sr, Iowa State
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg
Perhaps one day the Knicks will attempt to develop some young players, so they do not have to play their starters 34 minutes per game. Joshua Jefferson is an experienced, versatile player that could carve out a roll off of the bench for a playoff team. He is a good shooter with size, can rebound, chip in defensively and even initiate the offense at times.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29)
PF/C Chris Cenac Jr., Fr, Houston
6’11, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 9.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 0.7 apg
The Lakers have been looking for their starting center of the future for a while. While the NIL thinned out the big men available here, there are still a couple of options. Chris Cenac Jr. has talent, but he struggled to decaffeinate himself as a freshman at Houston. Theoretically, he is a good shooter, rebounder and shot blocker, but he did not show much of that during the season. The worry is that he will become another Zeke Nnaji, who is just kind of a guy you expect to do something, but never does. Still, at the tail end of the first round, the risk is low, especially with the talent level in this class tailing off.
26. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
PG/SG Ebuka Okorie, Fr, Stanford
6’2, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.2 ppg, 3.6 apg, 3.6 rpg
The Nuggets could lose several bench pieces next season. They are good at developing raw talent, and Ebuka Okorie could be their next project. He will never be confused for a true point guard, but should be a microwave scorer off the bench. He held his own on a bad Stanford team, showing grit and toughness as an offensive threat. He could be what Bones Hyland was for Denver a few years ago.
27. Boston Celtics (56-26)
C Malachi Moreno, Fr, Kentucky
7’0, 250 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 7.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.8 apg
I believe Malachi Moreno will return to college next year, but all combine participants are in this mock. Teams are always willing to gamble on size late in the first round. Malachi Moreno is expected to eventually return to Kentucky for his sophomore season, but it would not be a surprise to see a team promise him a spot in the first round. He is not a shooter, but is tough, can block shots and rebound. I team like Boston could easily select him in hopes of developing a cheap starter.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (60-22))
SG/SF Isaiah Evans, So, Duke
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.3 apg
The Timberwolves have a very solid starting five, but the bench leaves a bit to be desired. Not to mention, Donte DiVincenzo will miss the 2026-2027 season.Isaiah Evans played a complimentary role for Duke during his two seasons, but showed the ability to be a solid shooter and willing defender. He is the type of bench player that would work on any team.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (62-20))
PG Tyler Tanner, So, Vanderbilt
6’0, 173 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.6 rpg
If Tyler Tanner was 3 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he would probably be a lottery pick. But players his size have a very small track record of NBA success. That is the brutal reality of professional basketball. He could carve out a role as a bench scorer and distributor, similar to Tre Jones. The Cavaliers are set as far as back court starters are concerned, but there could be some minutes for a change of pace guy like Tanner.
30. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (64-18))
PG/SG Meleek Thomas, Fr, Arkansas
6’5, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg
This is one of two first round picks the Mavericks received from Washington in the Anthony Davis trade. Coming from the Thunder, it is likely to be at the very end of the first round, and Dallas could go after a freshman that fell through the cracks. Meleek Thomas had a solid shooting season for Arkansas, but the NBA is littered with combo guards that can score. Thomas needed more of an opportunity to show that he could play point guard, but with so many ball handlers on an always crowded John Calipari roster, that was hard to do. Still, he could find his way into the first round, as bench scoring is always valuable.
Leave a Reply