The Final Four is upon us. Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries are the only two of my top ten prospects still playing, but the show must go on!
Draft order and lottery courtesy of http://www.tankathon.com.
1. Utah Jazz (21-55)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 25.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
The Jazz have the potential to throw out a very good starting five next year, with the current players on its roster. If they land the top overall pick, they will ignore positions and just draft the player they like the most. AJ Dybantsa remains my top prospect, slightly edging out the other two big dogs. Once Richie Saunders went down, BYU became a one man show. Dybantsa did the best he could, dropping 35 points in the Cougars first round loss to Texas. Dybantsa is one of the better all around scorers in this class. 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. Atlanta Hawks (from NO (25-51))
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Hawks are one of the hottest teams in basketball, flirting with a 50 win season. A playoff team with the opportunity to add a top three pick, life is good if you are an Atlanta fan. Darryn Peterson would be a fantastic Trae Young replacement, as a back court guard who can generate his own offense. His tumultuous Kansas season ended in a second round loss to St. John’s. He was in and out of the lineup all season, but still showed the ability to shoot and score. A guy who handled the ball as much as he did only averaging 1.6 assists per game is worrisome, but I think he will be a better distributor at the NBA level. While I am not making excuses, I do not think the Kansas offense is suited for showcasing NBA talent. I do not think his issues will be talked about in a year or two. I really like his potential as a lead guard at the next level.
3. Brooklyn Nets (18-57)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
Despite five 2025 first round picks on the roster, Brooklyn lacks a true franchise player. With the third pick, they can just sit back and take whichever of the big three remains. Cameron Boozer would be a nice fit roster wise, since most of the young players on the roster are guards. Duke’s season ended with one of the most heart-breaking endings in NCAA tournament history, but Cameron Boozer’s freshman season was a huge success. He was one of the most consistent scorers and rebounders in college basketball. While his lack of top notch athleticism will make scoring harder to come by in the pros, his savvy game, solid shooting and post moves should make him a 20 point per game scorer. He may have to be hidden a bit defensively, but could have a prime Kevin Love-like impact as a 20/10 threat.
4. Sacramento Kings (19-57)
PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’10, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
Keegan Murray is probably the only young player Sacramento can build around, and even he has regressed from his first couple of seasons. The Kings badly need some lottery luck. This is absolutely a best player available situation. Even though the Kings have little in the way of talented guards, Caleb Wilson is in tier two by himself, and would be the logical choice here. He is a good athlete with a developing offensive game. He is also a quality rebounder and defender. He may not be the type of player who can generate his own offense, but should work well within the framework of a teams game plan.
5. Washington Wizards (16-52)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 6.4 apg, 3.1 rpg
For the second straight season, the tanking Wizards fall out of the top four. Fortunately, this is a deep class. Even though Trae Young is on the roster, that should not stop Washington from drafting a point guard, especially since it is likely that will be the best player available with the fifth pick. Darius Acuff Jr. put on a show during the NCAA tournament, especially during Arkansas second round victory, when he scored 36 points. Acuff Jr. was a consistent threat all season, both as a scorer and floor general. He is undersized, and not a good defender, but his offensive potential should keep him squarely in that tier three with several other guards.
6. Los Angeles Clippers (from IND (17-58))
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg
This Indiana pick goes to the Clippers if it falls out of the top four. Los Angeles could desperately use some depth on the roster, no matter what position. Keaton Wagler is both my top ranked player available, and best fit next to Darius Garland on the Los Angeles roster. Wagler was a sub-100 recruit, but has shattered those rankings with one of the best freshman seasons out there. Illinois is Final Four bound, and Wagler is a huge reason. 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.
7. Dallas Mavericks (24-51)
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.1 rpg
Cooper Flagg needs an athletic running mate, especially at guard. Fortunately, even with this pick, there is quite a bit of talent available. 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. Memphis Grizzlies (25-50)
PG/SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.5 apg
Memphis looked like it could have been the next great Western Conference team, but things fell apart quickly. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are gone, and Ja Morant could be next. It is, once again a rebuild in Tennessee. This roster is mostly a blank slate. Arizona is Final Four bound for the first time in a quarter century, and Brayden Burries is a huge reason why. He has been a consistent source of offense all season, shooting at a 50/40/80 clip. He is also a pesky defender and decent ball handler. He would make a solid Bane replacement for the Grizzlies.
9. Chicago Bulls (29-46)
PF/C Hannes Steinbach, Fr, Washington
6’11, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
Other than Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, there is not a long term player on this roster worth building around. Unfortunately, Hannes 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.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (29-45)
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’4, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.5 rpg
Both the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo seem to be committed to each other for the long term. This franchise needs to take a step back, draft a young player or two, and reset its thought process. This pick could be important to the future of the franchise, even at number 10. 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. He may not be a true point guard, but could be a better version of Kevin Porter Jr. for Milwaukee, a roster that needs a secondary scorer in the worst way.
11. Golden State Warriors (36-39)
SF/PF Thomas Haugh, Jr, Florida
6’9, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Warriors are already being linked to LeBron James, and every other veteran on its last legs, 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, Thomas Haugh could be the answer. Haugh is a do-a-bit of everything type, who should vie for sixth man of the year awards during his prime. He can shoot, rebound and chip in on defense. Hardly an exciting pick, but the type of player playoff hopefuls need.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (38-38)
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’8, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
For the second straight year, Portland is knocking on the door of the tough Western Conference playoff race, and will welcome Damian Lillard back next year. Koa Peat is an extremely tough player for me to figure out. Arizona is an elite team, and Peat is one of the best players on the roster. He has scored over 20 points the past two games. He does not take three point shots, struggles to make his free throws, and is undersized for a power forward. However, he is tough, strong and can get buckets, rebound and make the occasional highlight pass. He is one of those players that a team in the later lottery drafts, and figures out what to do with him later.
13. Charlotte Hornets (39-36)
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.3 apg
The Hornets have been one of the best teams in the NBA the past couple of months. They are healthy, and firing on all cylinders offensively. Yaxel Lendeborg would not be for every team, but I think he would be a great addition to Charlotte. 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. He is coming off of three straight 23 plus scoring performances, as Michigan is Final Four bound. Without an elite skill, there is a chance he is over-matched at the NBA level, but the Hornets have two picks in the first round, and can afford the gamble.
14. Miami Heat (40-36)
PG/SG Mikel Brown Jr., Fr, Louisville
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.2 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.3 rpg
This Miami roster needs more offensive firepower, especially in the back court. Mikel Brown Jr. is a talented scorer, but I have my reservations. He is not a point guard, and he is not a great shooter. Still, at this point in the draft his potential outweighs the risks. I would have liked to have seen him build upon a solid February, but injuries derailed his season. He has the chance to ultimately rise back into the top ten, but it will take a lot of work going forward, especially with how deep this draft is guard wise.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (39-36))
SG/SF Braylon Mullins, Fr, Connecticut
6’6, 196 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 apg
With the Clippers playing very good basketball, this pick did not look as appealing to the Thunder as it did a few months ago.Braylon Mullins made one of the most legendary shots in NCAA Tournament history, etching his name in the history books forever. He was a bit player for a championship hopeful this year, but has shown the ability to be a great shooter with solid defensive ability. Another year in college could catapult Mullins into the top ten, but his archetype should make him a first round pick whenever he does declare. The Thunder may have the deepest collection of wing players in the NBA, but financial decisions will have to be made soon, and that depth could be thinned out a bit.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from ORL (39-35))
SF/PF Nate Ament, Fr, Tennessee
6’10, 207 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg
This is the first of many draft picks coming to Memphis from the reeling Orlando Magic, courtesy of the Desmond Bane trade. The Grizzlies are in a good position to draft a falling talent like Nate Ament. 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. Ament should stay another year in school, but his five star pedigree and theoretical offensive potential should keep him in the first round, if he declares in 2026.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHI (41-34))
SF/PF Karim Lopez, Mexico
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.9 apg
With Thomas Sorber returning next year, I doubt the Thunder will have room on the roster for three first round rookies. The draft-and-stash strategy really is not a thing anymore, but perhaps they could convince Karim Lopez to go that route. Lopez is a talented scorer, 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.
18. Charlotte Hornets (from PHX (39-30))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.6 rpg
The Hornets were successful during the 2025 draft, adding two seniors who became instant contributors. They hope for the same here, with Yaxel Landeborg and now Bennett Stirtz. Stirtz is the anti-LaMelo Ball. He is a steady ball handler, underrated athlete and great shooter.While he may not have the chops to hold up for 30 minutes per game, he could be the ideal backup guard tp Charlotte’s explosive starters.
19. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (45-33))
SF/PF Dailyn Swain, Jr, Texas
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.6 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. 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. Toronto Raptors (42-32)
PG Christian Anderson, So, Texas Tech
6’3, 178 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 lacks offensive firepower off the bench. Christian Anderson’s 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. He put up a stinker in Texas Tech’s second round blowout at the hands of Alabama, but that does not take away from his impressive sophomore season.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (from HOU (45-29))
PF Morez Johnson Jr., So, Michigan
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.2 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. Morez Johnson Jr. could be a valuable rotation piece. There is a reason Michigan is Final Four bound. They have three front court players that could be 2026 first round picks. Johnson Jr. has a very NBA friendly all around game. He is a good shooter and rebounder, and can block the occasional shot.
22. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (46-29))
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 175 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
The Pistons are a fantastic team, but could use additional shooting and bench production. 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.
23. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (47-28))
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, So, Kentucky
6’10, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 bpg
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 are costing him valuable reps to improve that side of his game. Still, the deep Hawks would simply ask him to come in and provide defense,, and hope the other side of his game comes around.
24. Denver Nuggets (48-28)
C Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
7’2, 260 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg
Jonas Valanciunas has been phased out of the Denver rotation, and may return to Europe next year. Denver will once again be on the lookout for its Nikola Jokic backup. Motiejus Krivas could be the perfect fit. While he is not a big time scorer, he has great size and is an excellent shot blocker and defender in general. Denver needs defenders wherever they can find them, it has been a tough go of things on that side of the court.
25. New York Knicks (45-25)
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
7’0, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
New York is, once again, a top heavy roster. Its recent first round picks have not made much of a dent at the NBA level. 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.
26. Los Angeles Lakers (49-26)
PG Tyler Tanner, So, Vanderbilt
6’0, 173 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.6 rpg
The Lakers are rolling right now, but, as usual, the greatness of Luka Doncic has masked some issues his roster faces. This roster severely lacks shooting and bench production. Tyler Tanner is woefully undersized, but is a tough scorer and great playmaker. If he was bigger, he would be a lottery pick, but players his size have a dismal track record for NBA success, which is why he is available here. Tanner definitely did his part for Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 26 and 27 points in his two games.
27. Boston Celtics (50-25)
C Aday Mara, Jr, Michigan
7’3, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 apg
Despite a few journeymen contributing, Boston should be on the lookout for additional front court depth in the draft. It has taken a while, but Aday Mara has developed into a legitimate NBA rotational big. He will never be a big time scorer, but is athletic, can grab rebounds and provide help defense. He may be a career-long project, but for a team like the Celtics, the risk is low.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (54-21))
SF/PF Joshua Jefferson, Sr, Iowa State
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg
The Timberwolves have a very solid starting five, but the bench leaves a bit to be desired. With the new NIL landscape well underway, we will see less underclassmen in the draft, which will open up more spots for seniors in the first round. Joshua Jefferson has had a great senior season for Iowa State, though it unfortunately ended in the Big 12 tournament due to injury. He is another do-it-all upperclassmen, showing good shooting range to go with strong rebounding and big time assist numbers.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (57-18))
PG/SG Meleek Thomas
6’5, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg
While Meleek Thomas was overshadowed by Darius Acuff Jr. at Arkansas, he put together a nice season. He shot the ball well, and showed that he could play point guard, at least part time. He probably should follow the Labaron Philon Jr. route, and work his way into the lottery with another year at college, but that may have to be as a transfer, since John Calipari always restocks the shelf with ball handlers and scorers. The Cavaliers could lose a few guards off its roster next year, and might have a spot for someone like Thomas.
30. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (60-16))
SF Amari Allen, Fr, Alabama
6’8, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.1 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. Amari Allen has quietly put together one of the better season from any freshman in the country. He has shown the ability to be a good playmaker for his position, and has three point potential. He is still quite raw, and could benefit from another year in college as an alpha scorer, but has caught the attention of the draft community.
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