The most recent deadline has passed, and that is the deadline to withdraw from the draft. Thanks to the NIL and transfer portal, we only had 26 early entrants and 8 foreign prospects stay in this draft. That is a crazy number, and will make the second round hardly worth following. There is a serious chance that the second round could be entirely composed of seniors and fringe European players.
Here is my latest attempt at all 60 picks. Enjoy!
1. Washington Wizards (17-65)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’8, 217 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 25.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
AJ Dybantsa remains at the top of my board. I have not read or heard any reason to change this. No matter what direction the Wizards go in, and what veterans they decide to keep, Dybantsa should fit as an alpha scorer capable of playing a few different positions. He should be lineup-proof, and one of the teams top go-to scorers right away.
2. Utah Jazz (22-60)
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’5, 199 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg
It was a less than ideal season for Darryn Peterson at Kansas, but he has put that behind him, and remains one of the three best prospects in this class. He should fit in with any NBA team as a ready to roll lead guard. The Jazz likely like Cameron Boozer, but with a trio of big men set to play for Utah next year, a dynamic lead guard should be the top priority. Peterson wants to play point guard at the next level, and Keyonte George should not get in his way. If it all clicks, Peterson has SGA-level ability as a scorer.
3. Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’8, 252 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
Cameron Boozer is definitely still in play for the top overall pick. Both the Jazz and Wizards have a full front court, which is the main reason he is still available here. While he is only 18 years old, Boozer is thought of as the most NBA ready of the freshmen, thanks to his grown man frame and classic, old school offensive game. He is a good enough athlete that he should not be a liability, though I do worry a bit about a Boozer/Zach Edey front court defensively. Still, he should be the easy pick here.
4. Chicago Bulls (31-51)
PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
Four players still sit at the top of this draft, so Chicago has it easy. Do not overthink this, just sit back and select whichever player remains. Caleb Wilson may have measured too small to be a full time center, but has some Chris Bosh ability as a springy, athletic big man with a developing jump shot. The Bulls have two first round picks, and only a few young players on the roster to build around, so they can mold their team around whoever they draft here.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (from IND (19-63))
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’5, 188 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg
While I slightly prefer Keaton Wagler, I think Darius Acuff Jr. is right there with him as a prospect. However, a back court of Acuff Jr. and Darius Garland would be a tough sell defensively. Wagler fits better with Garland on the Clippers, thanks to his superior size, his strength and his strong off the ball offensive game.
6. Brooklyn Nets (20-62)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’2, 186 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 6.4 apg, 3.1 rpg
No change here either. The Nets drafted Egor Demin, Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf in 2025, and all three can play point guard. But none offer the offensive upside of Darius Acuff Jr. Acuff Jr. is small, and may be a poor defender, but he has 20 point per game potential. It is hard to win in today’s NBA without a lead guard who can create his own offense. The Nets are still a blank slate, and should draft the best player available.
7. Sacramento Kings (22-60)
PG/SG Mikel Brown Jr., Fr, Louisville
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.2 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.3 rpg
This is my first change of this mock draft, with Mikel Brown Jr. replacing Kingston Flemings with this Sacramento pick. Brown Jr. is reminding scouts why he was so highly regarded coming into the season. He has good size, can play point guard if need be and is a strong scorer. He played injured and struggled with consistency at Louisville, but offers the the type of scoring and playmaking skills that the Kings desperately need out of their back court.
8. Atlanta Hawks (from MIL (32-50))
C Aday Mara, Jr, Michigan
7’3, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 apg
Let me preface this pick by saying my mock drafts are always what I expect teams to do, not necessarily what I agree with. I would not select Aday Mara in the top ten. But he is trending that way. Scouts just cannot ignore size, and Mara took his game to another level when it counted, showing strong rebounding, scoring and playmaking ability, while helping Michigan win the NCAA title. The Hawks would not be a terrible spot for him. He can give the team some real size, and you can run your offense through him at times. I worry about his speed and defensive impact, but Atlanta is a deep playoff team that does not need him to be a franchise savior.
9. Dallas Mavericks (26-56)
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’3, 183 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.1 rpg
Dallas is expected to explore trades for Kyrie Irving, and fully turn the page and make this the Cooper Flagg era. He needs a running mate, especially at point guard. Kingston Flemings measured small and is still growing into a consistent scorer, but he may be the best “pure” point guard in this class, for whatever that is worth. He will find the open man, and scouts believe he can become a 20 point per game scorer in time.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (32-50)
SF/PF Nate Ament, Fr, Tennessee
6’10, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg
It looks like the Giannis Antetokounmpo era is finally coming to an end in Milwaukee. it is probably best for both parties. The Bucks do not control many of their picks going forward, so they may reach for upside here. Nate Ament had great measurements, and even with an inconsistent season at Tennessee, should get plenty of looks in the lottery. This is a draft short on players like him. He can be a Michael Porter Jr.-like offensive player if it all clicks.
11. Golden State Warriors (37-45)
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 241 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.2 apg
Steve Kerr is returning to Golden State, so even without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, they will probably hope to get one or two final playoff runs out of this core. So, drafting a 24 year old in the lottery would not be as outlandish for this team as it could be for others. Yaxel Lendeborg is the jack of all trades, master of none of this draft. He can do everything relatively well. The worry is he does not have that one skill to make him valuable, but he should be, at worst, a good sixth man right away for a team hoping to make a playoff run.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (42-40))
PF/C Hannes Steinbach, Fr, Washington
6’10, 248 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Thunder lost in seven tough games to the ascending Spurs. With questions to answer about whether Chet Holmgren is broken (he will be fine, but you know how narratives go) and they can afford to keep Isaiah Hartenstein, there are suddenly questions to answer in the front court. I like Hannes Steinbach. He is not much of a shot blocker or defender, but he may be the best rebounder in this draft, can shoot the ball and has legitimate center measurements. He played for a bad Washington team, and is being slept on, in my opinion.
13. Miami Heat (43-39)
SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.4 apg
The Heat seem comfortable winning between 42-48 games every year, but this is a team that needs an infusion of talent, especially in the back court. Brayden Burries could be a steal here. He is a bit older for a freshman, and not a point guard, which could push him down a bit. But he is strong, a solid scorer and has the ability to be a plus defender. He looks like a player who could fit right in with Miami.
14. Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
PF Morez Johnson Jr., So, Michigan
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 apg
The third Michigan big man to go in the lottery. There is a reason they are the champs. The Hornets have plenty of scorers, they need more size and players who can do the dirty work. Morez Johnson Jr. is not much of a scoring threat, but is a good rebounder and defender, and measured very well during the combine. He has starting potential, and can help establish some toughness in Charlotte.
15. Chicago Bulls (from POR (42-40))
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’3, 176 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.5 rpg
The Bulls went big with their first pick, and they add a dynamic scoring guard here. I am a big Labaron Philon Jr. fan and have had him in my lottery almost the entire year. However, with so many guards available who can run point guard, he might fall a bit. Philon Jr. can be a combo guard, but he fits best as a microwave scorer, perhaps as a sixth man. The Bulls are rebuilding, and will have guard minutes to spare. He could thrive next to Josh Giddey.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from PHX (45-37))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’3, 186 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.6 rpg
Whether is was at Drake, Iowa, or the combine, all Bennett Stirtz has ever done is continue to impress. He shot the ball fantastically during the combine drills, showing off his ability to score by the boatload. He also showed good size, and we cannot forget his stamina, as he played every minute during Iowa’s tournament run. While he may never be a starting point guard, he would be the anti-Ja Morant in Memphis, as a steady, solid backup guard.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHI (45-37))
SF/PF Karim Lopez, Mexico
6’8, 221 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.9 apg
The Thunder will probably not want three rookies (including Thomas Sorber) taking up roster spots next year, so they will likely try to consolidate their two picks, or perhaps trade this one for a future first. This is a best player available situation. Karim Lopez is easily the best foreign prospect in this class who is not at an American college. He is a unique offensive player, who is still developing as a shooter. A project, but his size, in a draft class full of smaller guards, will make him attractive.
18. Charlotte Hornets (from ORL (45-37))
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 184 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
Cameron Carr was another big combine winner. He should fit in with any team, as a real instant offensive weapon off the bench. He can run the floor, slash and shoot. He was one of the lone bright spots for a Baylor team that uncharacteristically struggled. He should have no problem carving out a role as a sixth man behind a plethora of scorers in Charlotte.
19. Toronto Raptors (46-36)
PG Christian Anderson, So, Texas Tech
6’1, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg
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. Despite his small size, Christian Anderson is generating some late lottery love, thanks to his all around game. He can run an offense and score, though he may struggle a bit defensively.
20. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (46-36))
SF/PF Allen Graves, Fr, Santa Clara
6’8, 225 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 11.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 apg
The Spurs often think outside the box, and that usually works out for them. Allen Graves redshirted at a smaller school, did not start many games, but still finds himself squarely in the top 20 mix. He is an analytical darling, with less than impressive size or athleticism, but a productive all around game. If any team can unlock what he can offer, it will be San Antonio.
21. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (49-33))
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 184 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
The Pistons, perhaps more than any other playoff team, need more shooters and scorers. Cameron Carr continues to build off an impressive season, where he came out of nowhere to become a big time scorer. He may not offer much in the way of playmaking ability or defense, but every team can use someone who can come off the bench and get bucks in a hurry, especially Detroit.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (from HOU (52-30))
PF/C Chris Cenac Jr., Fr, Houston
6’110, 239 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 9.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 0.7 apg
Philadelphia’s front court is full of question marks. Chris Cenac Jr. is a lottery talent, but he struggled to figure out what kind of player he was at Houston. He is a decent rebounder and shooter, but may not do either well enough to make a difference. There is talent here, but if he cannot find a role, he may be another Zeke Nnaji.
23. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (52-30))
PG/SG Ebuka Okorie, Fr, Stanford
6’1, 186 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.2 ppg, 3.6 apg, 3.6 rpg
Atlanta went big with its first pick, and adds back court help here. Ebuka Okorie was a one man show as a freshman for an overmatched Stanford squad. He may not be much of a point guard, despite his size, and may fit best as a Bones Hyland-like scoring option off the bench. This draft is shallow with talent, however, and he should be a first round lock.
24. New York Knicks (53-29)
SF/PF Dailyn Swain, Jr, Texas
6’7, 211 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.6 apg
New York is Finals bound after an extremely impressive playoff run. This is a veteran led team without much in the way of bench production. Other than shooting, Dailyn Swain does everything well. He chose to stay in the draft, and should be a first round pick. He is the type of player you bring in for 20 minutes per game to provide defense, rebounding and the occasional offensive play.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29)
PG/SG Meleek Thomas, Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 189 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg
Luka Doncic is the only sure thing on the Lakers roster right now, making this a best player available scenario. Meleek Thomas chose to stay in the draft, and I think it was a good decision. He did as good as he could on a team dominated by ball handlers. He showed off good shooting ability, and can play some point guard when needed. There is starting potential here.
26. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
C Luigi Suigo, Italy
7’3, 289 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 8.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg
With several upcoming free agents and little draft picks to work with, this could be an important selection for Denver. They have been looking for a Nikola Jokic backup for years. Luigi Suigo is a project, but man, is he a “big” project, literally. His measurements would make him one of a few players in the NBA bigger than Jokic. He is a good shooter, can set screens and get dirty when rebounding and blocking shots. It may take him a while to get going, but he is a worthy gamble this late in the first round.
27. Boston Celtics (56-26)
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
6’11, 227 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
If the Celtics do not resign Nikola Vucevic, Henri Veesaar would be a cheap, comparabile replacement. He is not a banger down low, and may not be much of a defender, but he is a good rebounder and makes his money as a stretch big. He is the ideal 2026 backup offensive minded big man.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (60-22))
SG/SF Isaiah Evans, So, Duke
6’6, 186 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.3 apg
The Timberwolves will be without Donte DiVincenzo next year, and could use additional bench scoring either way. Duke had a few ball dominant players the past two seasons, and Isaiah Evans played his role as a secondary scorer and shooter quite well. That skill will make him valuable to a playoff team looking for shooting off its bench.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (62-20))
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, So, Kentucky
6’9, 253 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 bpg
Jayden Quaintance could be the one underclassman that falls out of the first round. He is still recovering from a serious injury, and two years into his college career, has not shown much offensively. Still, a dee playoff team like Cleveland may want to get him on a rookie scale deal, and work with him for a year or two. He is a NBA caliber defender with great size, he just needs to get on the court to work on his offense.
30. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (64-18))
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’7, 245 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 apg
Dallas snatches up the last underclassman standing here. Koa Peat is a divisive prospect. He is tough, and looks like an NFL tight end. But his offensive game is a work in progress. He debuted a new shooting form during workouts, with mixed results. A talented player, but he may be a man without a real role at the NBA level.
Round 2
31. New York Knicks (from WAS) – SF/PF Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
32. Memphis Grizzlies (from IND) – PF/C Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
33. Brooklyn Nets – C Tarris Reed Jr., Connecticut
34. Sacramento Kings – PG/SG Sergio De Larrea, Spain
35. San Antonio Spurs (from UTA) – SG Jack Kayil, Germany
36. Los Angeles Clippers (from MEM) – SF/PF Baba Miller, Cincinnati
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (from DAL) – SF/PF Alex Karaban, Connecticut
38. Chicago Bulls (from NO) – PG Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee
39. Houston Rockets (from CHI) – PF/C Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida
40. Boston Celtics (from MIL) – SG Ryan Conwell, Louisville
41. Miami Heat (from GS) – SG/SF Richie Saunders, BYU
42. San Antonio Spurs (from POR) – PG Braden Smith, Purdue
43. Brooklyn Nets (from LAC) – SG/SF Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
44. San Antonio Spurs (from MIA) – PG/SG Vsevolod Ishchenko, Russia
45. Sacramento Kings (from CHA) – SG Emanuel Sharp, Houston
46. Orlando Magic – PG/SG Jaden Bradley, Arizona
47. Phoenix Suns (from PHI) – PF/C Maliq Brown, Duke
48. Dallas Mavericks (from PHX) – PF Pavle Backo, Serbia
49. Denver Nuggets (from ATL) – PG/SG Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
50. Toronto Raptors – C Oscar Cluff, Purdue
51. Washington Wizards (from MIN) – PF/C Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
52. Los Angeles Clippers (from CLE) – SF Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
53. Houston Rockets – SG/SF Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt
54. Golden State Warriors (from LAL) – PF/C Graham Ike, Gonzaga
55. New York Knicks – SG/SF Otega Oweh, Kentucky
56. Chicago Bulls (from DEN) – PG Noam Yaacov, Denmark
57. Atlanta Hawks (from BOS) – PG/SG Milos Uzan, Houston
58. New Orleans Pelicans (from DET) – C Ugonna Onyeso, Virginia
59. Minnesota Timberwolves (from SA) – SF/PF Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA
60. Washington Wizards (from OKC) – C Nate Bittle, Oregon
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