The endless grind that is the NBA regular season is over. Now comes the second grind, the impossibly long NBA playoff season. Almost every team that did not tank is in play, so if one of those teams are yours, good luck!
Draft order and lottery courtesy of http://www.tankathon.com.
1. Memphis Grizzlies (25-57)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 25.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
It was a furious tank job by the Grizzlies, who played a bunch of nobodies big minutes to close out the season on a nine game losing streak. Memphis recently traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, and Ja Morant is likely next, so this roster is close to a blank slate draft pick wise. AJ Dybantsa remains my top prospect. 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. Sacramento Kings (22-60)
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 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 especially need fire power in the back court. It is hard to win in the NBA without strong guard play. Darryn Peterson had an up and down season, but remains an elite prospect. 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. Indiana Pacers (19-63)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.1 apg
This pick will go to the Clippers if it falls out of the top three, so this is an important lottery for the future of the Pacers franchise. Landing one of the big three to go with the return of Tyrese Haliburton and the addition of Ivica Zubac shoudl catapault Indiana back in to contention. Cameron Boozer may not be the best fit with Zubac and Pascal Siakam already on the roster, but no other player makes sense here. 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.
4. Brooklyn Nets (20-62)PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’10, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg
Despite five 2025 first round picks on the roster, Brooklyn lacks a true franchise player. Fortunately, even at pick four, Caleb Wilson is there for the taking. Wilson is raw, but he does have All Star potential. 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. He would be a nice front court contrast to all of the guards on the Brooklyn roster.
5. Washington Wizards (17-65)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 6.4 apg, 3.1 rpg
The Wizards finished the season with the worst record in the NBA, but fall as far as possible in this mock. 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. Utah Jazz (22-60)
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg
The Jazz have the potential to throw out a very good starting five next year, with the current players on its roster. They hope this is the last time they pick at the top of the draft, and should go with one more swing at the best player available. Keaton 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.
4. Atlanta Hawks (from NO (26-56))
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.1 rpg
The Hawks wound up winning 46 games, but should still get a top ten pick from the Pelicans. This is a good spot in the draft to find a long term replacement for Trae Young at point guard. 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. Dallas Mavericks (26-56)
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’4, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 22.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.5 rpg
Cooper Flagg needs an athletic running mate, especially at guard. Fortunately, even with this pick, there is quite a bit of talent available. 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 should be a good fit next to a ball dominant star like Flagg.
9. Chicago Bulls (31-51)
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 (32-50)
PG/SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.4 apg
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. 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.
11. Golden State Warriors (37-45)
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. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (42-40))
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 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.
13. Miami Heat (43-39)
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.
14. Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.2 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 shore up the bench. 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. 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.
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
If Portland makes the playoffs, this pick winds up going to Chicago. The Bulls could double up on versatile forwards, this time with the offensively skilled Karim Lopez. 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.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from ORL (45-37))
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 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. Charlotte Hornets (from PHX (45-37))
C Aday Mara, Jr, Michigan
7’3, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 apg
The Hornets were successful during the 2025 draft, adding two upper-classmen who became instant contributors. They hope for the same here, with Yaxel Landeborg and now his champion teammate Aday Mara. 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.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from PHI (45-37))
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’8, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 apg
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. Still, the Thunder are a deep team with a lot of draft picks, and could be patient with his development here. There is, at the least, a strong rotation player here.
19. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (46-36))
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 (46-36)
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. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (49-33))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.6 rpg
The Pistons are a fantastic team, but could use additional shooting and bench production. Bennett Stirtz 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 an ideal 2026 backup guard.
22. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (52-30))
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.
23. 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. Morez Johnson Jr. could be a valuable rotation piece. There is a reason Michigan won the championship. 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.
24. New York Knicks (53-29)
PG Tyler Tanner, So, Vanderbilt
6’0, 173 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.5 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. Tanner definitely did his part for Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 26 and 27 points in his two games.
25. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29)
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
7’0, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Lakers have been looking for their starting center of the future for a while. Even with a late first round pick, there could be some possible options. 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. Denver Nuggets (54-28)
C Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
7’2, 260 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg
Jonas Valanciunas 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.
27. Boston Celtics (56-26)
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 175 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
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.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (60-22))
SG/SF Tounde Yessoufou, Fr, Baylor
6’5, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Timberwolves have a very solid starting five, but the bench leaves a bit to be desired. Tounde Yessoufou had a nice year statistically, but a deeper dive into his game shows a player who both struggled to shoot and get to the rim offensively. There is defensive potential here, but he might have to rely on fast breaks and cuts to generate points offensively. Still, this is late enough in the first round that the reward outweighs the risk.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (62-20))
PF/C Chris Cenac Jr., Fr, Houston
6’11, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 9.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 0.7 apg
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 for a team like Cleveland, who already has established big man starters.
30. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (64-18))
SF/PF Allen Graves, Fr, Santa Clara
6’9, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 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. You do not often see non-power five conference freshman declare for the draft, but Santa Clara forward Allen Graves showed enough that he could be a first round pick. He had good size, is a good shooter and played well during the Broncos brief NCAA Tournament run.
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