March Madness is currently underway. What better time for a new mock draft?
Draft order and lottery courtesy of http://www.tankathon.com.
1. Memphis Grizzlies (24-44)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 25.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.8 apg
Memphis jumped seven spots, and landed the ultimate prize in this particular scenario. This would be a great get for a team that is, once again, starting over. Memphis traded two of its three best players, and has quite a few draft picks coming up, and adding a top prospect would be a great start.AJ Dybantsa remains at the top for me. He is almost a complete offensive player. He has that old school, Tracy McGrady-type game, with the potential to be a good shooter and defender as well. Scoring is king in the NBA right now, and Dybantsa is the type of player who can carry the team on his back when things break down. I see clear All Star potential here, something Memphis needs as it looks to move on from the Ja Morant era.
2. Utah Jazz (20-49)
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.7 apg
Utah will likely try to compete next year, so this could be their last chance to land a premium pick, and, for once, the lottery balls work in their favor. A back court of Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson could be lethal. Peterson has dealt with cramping issues all season, and the conspiracies are flying, but I do not think we will be talking about it in a year or two. Those are questions he will have to answer to potential employers, but he is not falling out of the top three. His ability to score as a lead guard reminds me of a poor man’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is the ideal 2026 guard, and should have no problem playing some point guard, despite limited opportunities at Kansas.
3. Washington Wizards (16-52)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 4.0 apg
Washington has tried to tank for years, with limited success. It pays off this time, however, with a top three pick. The Wizards are one of a few teams that could consider Cameron Boozer even first overall. The fit next to Alex Sarr would be fantastic, as the two would compliment each other perfectly. Like the other two players picked above, Boozer is an offensive juggernaut. He does his work down low, but has range out to the three point line. He may struggle somewhat against bigger and stronger opponents, but I believe his offense will translate. He might have to be hidden defensively, but you are drafting him for his 20-10 ability as a scorer and rebounder, and his winning attitude.
4. Indiana Pacers (15-55)
PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’10, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
The injury ravaged Pacers are currently on a 15 game losing streak, but still fall out of the top three here. The lottery Gods can be cruel. Fortunately, this is a deep draft, and they can still land a very talented player here. With Ivica Zubac and Pascal Siakam, Indiana seems set in the front court. However, I am a proponent of drafting the best player available up top, especially if that guy is in a tier of his own. Caleb Wilson is in that tier two by himself. He is a springy, athletic four with stretch ability on offense, and is an active rebounder and defender. Injuries unfortunately cut his time at North Carolina short, but I think he showed enough to remain an easy top five pick.
5. Brooklyn Nets (17-52)
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 3.9 rpg
Despite FIVE 2025 first round draft picks on the roster, Brooklyn should still go the best player available route. Kingston Flemings has cooled off a bit offensively in recent weeks, but remains the best pure point guard in this class, whatever that counts for these days. He can lead an offense and score with efficiency. He will have to bulk up a bit to hold his own defensively, but has All Star potential.
6. Sacramento Kings (18-52)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.9 ppg, 6.5 apg, 3.2 rpg
The Kings are winning meaningless late season games, which is good for Adam Silver and the degenerate gambling community, but suddenly they find themselves on the outside looking in at a top three pick. This franchise, perhaps more than any, needs to hit a home run. That will be tougher to accomplish with the sixth pick, but Darius Acuff Jr. would still be a great pick up. He has been a consistent source of offense, play making and defense from the point guard position for Arkansas the entire season. He is small, but not Rob Dillingham-level tiny, so he should be alright. The Kings have little in the way of exciting guards on the roster, and Acuff Jr. would be a great fit.
7. Dallas Mavericks (23-47)
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.4 apg
Cooper Flagg needs an athletic running mate, especially at guard. Fortunately, even with this pick, there is quite a bit of talent available. Keaton Wagler, a sub-100 ranked recruit, has punched above his weight all season. He has had a tough scoring run against some good teams late, but has shown the ability to shoot, score and run an offense all season. He will have to continue to produce at a high level, to hold off the more athletic, higher ranked recruits, but he looks like a Tyrese Haliburton-lite, who can provide play making and offense for any team.
8. Atlanta Hawks (from NO (24-46))
PG/SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.5 apg
The Hawks would probably hope for a little more lottery luck, but for a team on an 11 game winning streak, this is still a nice bonus. Brayden Burries has steadily improved as the year went on, and is a huge reason why Arizona is a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. He is a talented scorer, shooter and a willing defender. While he is not a point guard, he could play that role on occasion. He reminds me of Jamal Murray. Nickiel Alexander-Walker has been tremendous, but he might be better off as a sixth man long term.
9. Chicago Bulls (24-36)
PF/C Hannes Steinbach, Fr, Washington
6’11, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
Despite a recent giant losing streak, Chicago finds itself in the familiar position of drafting in the mid-to-late lottery. This roster will look a lot different next year, with only Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey expected to have considerable roles. In a sea of guards in this draft tier, Hannes Steinbach is the only big man worth considering. He has been a consistent double double machine who chips in a couple blocks per game. He is not a great athlete and individual defender, but has a defined role, and does what he does very well. He could be a long term option at center for a Chicago team short on size.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (28-40)
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’4, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 21.7 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.2 rpg
The Bucks get the worst of their pick and the New Orleans pick. With the 10th overall selection, Milwaukee could add some much needed youth and talent to the roster. Labaron Philon Jr. is one of many combo guards expected to go in this range. He has shown more point guard ability as a sophomore, but still fits best as a score first guard. He has shot the ball from all levels with high efficiency all year.
11. Golden State Warriors (33-36)
SF/PF Nate Ament, Fr, Tennessee
6’10, 207 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.5 apg
The Warriors blew a chance to retool several years ago, and are now paying the price. This is a team that might try to squeeze everything they can out of Stephen Curry, but it is clear their window has closed. Nate Ament has top five talent, but has proven to be more raw than anticipated. He is a good shooter who struggles with consistency, but has current Michael Porter Jr.-like talent. Still, at this point in the draft his potential outweighs the risks. The Warriors could have a future starter here, but they will need to do a better job at developing young talent than they have in recent seasons.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (34-36)
SF/PF Thomas Haugh, Jr, Florida
6’9, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.0 apg
Portland is in good shape going forward. They continue to hold on as a play-in team, and will welcome Damian Lillard back next year. TThomas 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. He would be a great fit for Portland.
13. Charlotte Hornets (35-34)
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’8, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.7 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. This would be a good spot for a player like Koa Peat. I struggle to figure out what his NBA role would be, but he could chip in as a scorer off of putbacks and a pesky, aggressive rebounder. Charlotte is full of players who need the ball in their hands, and Peat could be a solid glue guy.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHI (37-32))
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.2 apg
The Thunder might have a difficult decision to make when it comes to Isaiah Hartenstein. While Yaxel Lendeborg is not the same type of player, he could fill some front court minutes. Lendeborg could be a cheap replacement, but, at 24 years old during the season, ready to contribute. He will never be a star, but does everything well, from scoring and shooting, to rebounding and playing defense. He looks the part of a rotation player for a playoff team right off the bat.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (34-33))
SG/SF Braylon Mullins, Fr, Connecticut
6’6, 196 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 12.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 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 has struggled to shoot it with constituency, and could be a prime candidate to stay another year at school, but his archetype is always in high demand. He is a theoretical strong shooter with good size and defensive potential. 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. Miami Heat (38-31)
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, and he has run out of actual games to showcase his ability.
17. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (38-31))
SF/PF Karim Lopez, Mexico
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.9 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. Karim Lopez remains the lone non-US college foreign prospect with a first round grade. He is not the best shooter or athlete, but is a crafty scorer with some defensive ability as well. He is a bit of an unknown, but someone in the mid to late first round will take a chance on his offensive potential.
18. Memphis Grizzlies (from ORL (38-30))
PG Christian Anderson, So, Texas Tech
6’3, 178 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.6 apg, 3.6 rpg
Following the AJ Dybantsa pick, Memphis adds more offensive firepower to its roster. 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. If he can bulk up to withstand the rigors of an NBA season, he could be a future starter.
19. Charlotte Hornets (from PHX (39-30))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.3 rpg
Charlotte adds the anti-LaMelo Ball here. Bennett Stirtz is a methodical, deliberate point guard. He is not a great athlete or defender, but is a smart scorer and distributor. He may fit in best as a leader of the second unit, but should be a quality pro, despite his warts.
20. Toronto Raptors (39-29)
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 175 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
Toronto may not have a superstar on its roster (Scottie Barnes is almost there), but have a deep starting five, and, unlike most of the East, have stayed healthy all year. The bench is led by rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and not a lot else. 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.
21. Denver Nuggets (42-28)
C Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
7’2, 260 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg
Injuries have derailed what could have been a special season in Denver. The defense, in particular, has been especially troublesome.Denver needs a defensive minded backup for Nikola Jokic. While Motiejus Krivas’ stats may not jump off the page, he has been an impactful, tough defender, helping lead Arizona to one of the best records in the NBA. He is huge yet agile, and could provide 15-20 excellent hustle minutes per night.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (from HOU (41-27))
PF Morez Johnson Jr., So, Michigan
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.1 apg
There is a reason Michigan is a 1 seed in the tournament. They have three front court players that could be 2026 first round picks. Morez Johnson Jr. is a big, strong and touch old school power forward with some enough touch on his jump shot to keep defenses honest The 76ers front court players simply cannot stay healthy anymore, and this team desperately needs some young size.
23. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (42-27))
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. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (43-27))
SF/PF Dailyn Swain, Jr, Texas
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.4 apg
The Pistons are a fantastic team, but could use additional shooting and bench production. 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. Swain is not the marksman Detroit needs, be has worked to improve his three point shot, and could be a poor man’s DeAndre Hunter at the next level.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (44-25)
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
7’0, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.0 apg
The Lakers are rolling right now, but, as usual, the greatness of Luka Doncic has masked some issues his roster faces. This team lacks size and shooting, and Henri Veesaar could help out both areas. Obviously, you are not expecting much from a player drafted in the 20’s, but Veesaar is a good scorer with stretch ability on offense. He can also rebound and block the occasional shot. Not a high upside pick, but he has starting potential.
26. New York Knicks (45-25)
PG Tyler Tanner, So, Vanderbilt
6’0, 173 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.1 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.6 rpg
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. 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.
27. Boston Celtics (46-23)
PF/C Patrick Ngongba II, So, Duke
6’11, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.9 apg
Despite a few journeymen contributing, Boston should be on the lookout for additional front court depth in the draft. Starting centers for Duke will always be fighting for scraps offensively, but Patrick Ngongba II could be a future starting center. He is a favorite of the analytics crew, thanks to his ability to play defense, rebound and his underrated ability as an occasional playmaker. Nothing exciting, but he could a future starter.
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (49-19))
SF/PF Joshua Jefferson, Sr, Iowa State
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.9 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. He is another do-it-all upperclassmen, showing good shooting range to go with strong rebounding. He is also averaging over 5 assists per game, tremendous numbers for a power forward.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (38-16))
SF Amari Allen, Fr, Alabama
6’8, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.1 apg
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 playermker 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.
30. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (55-15))
SG/SF Tounde Yessoufou, Fr, Baylor
6’5, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 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. While Tounde Yessoufou’s stats look good enough, a look under the hood shows a an inefficient scorer who had trouble both shooting and getting to the rim. There is talent here as a hustle scorer and defensive menace, but it will take time.His talent should keep him in the first round, though likely in the latter half.
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