I have been reworking my website, so I have not had a mock draft in a while. With the trade deadline come and gone and the All Star weekend here, now is a good time to jump back in.
Lottery and order courtesy of http://www.tankathon.com.
1. Indiana Pacers (15-40)
SG/SF AJ Dybantsa, Fr, BYU
6’9, 210 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 24.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.8 apg
Several teams made moves to get better in 2027, including the Indiana Pacers. They traded for Ivica Zubac, and would lose their pick if it lands in the 5-9 range. This would be the ideal outcome for a team that has never had the first overall pick. This looks like a three man race for the top overall pick, but I continue to give the edge to AJ Dybantsa. Scoring is not the only attribute that makes an NBA player great, but it helps. Dybantsa is the type of scorer that can take over a game. He is a fantastic finisher and slasher, and is ahead of the curve as far as a three point shooter. His defensive effort can wane at times, but when he is locked in, he can be solid on that end of the court as well. Make no mistake though, Dybantsa will be drafted because of his scoring potential. With Dybantsa, Tyrese Haliburton,, Pascal Siakam and Zubac leading the way next year, Indiana will once again be a threat to come out of the East.
2. Atlanta Hawks (from NOP (15-41))
PG/SG Darryn Peterson, Fr, Kansas
6’6, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg
The Pelicans better be glad that Derik Queen looks like a good player, because what they gave up to get him could wind up being massive. The Hawks get a top three pick out of the deal in this scenario. For a team looking for a dynamic scoring guard to take over for Trae Young, Darryn Peterson would be a perfect fit. He will have to answer questions about nagging injuries that have derailed his freshman season, but I do not think that will be an issue going forward. On the court, he is the best three level scorer in this class. He is a great shooter and scorer, and has the ball handling skills to be a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-like lead guard. Just stay on the court, Darryn.
3. Washington Wizards (14-39)
PF/C Cameron Boozer, Fr, Duke
6’9, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 4.1 apg
The Wizards will envision an Alex Sarr/Anthony Davis front court in 2026-2027, but that should not stop them from drafting the best player available, and that is Cameron Boozer. Boozer is not an elite athlete, and may struggle to defend, but his offensive potential is unquestioned. He is a fantastic back to the basket post scorer, with range out to 20 feet or so, with three point potential. He is also a strong rebounder, good passer, and a real team leader offensively. He has more question marks than the other two players in the top tier, but remains a fantastic prospect in his own right.
4. Dallas Mavericks (19-35)
PG Kingston Flemings, Fr, Houston
6’4, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 3.6 rpg
The return was painful, but the decision to trade Anthony Davis and move on from the Luka Doncic trade that hung over the franchise like a black cloud for a year was the right decision. Now the fans, and team itself, can move on, heal, and build around Cooper Flagg. This is a roster that needs a dynamic guard to pair with Flagg. Kingston Flemings Jr. is the best pure point guard in this class. He can lead an offense, and score when needed, as evidenced by his career defining 42 point performance against Texas Tech.
5. Sacramento Kings (12-44)
PG/SG Keaton Wagler, Fr, Illinois
6’6, 180 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.3 apg
The Kings are old, expensive, do not have any young players to build around, and have lost 14 games in a row, on their way to the worst record in the NBA. There is no other franchise in the league with as bleak of a short or long term outlook so falling to fourth in a draft with three elite prospects would be devastating. Additionally, for a team with as bad of a guard rotation as Sacramento, missing out on Kingston Flemings would be yet another gut punch. I usually am not a fan of bad teams not going with the best player available, but this is a team that needs a go to scoring guard in the worst way. Somehow, Keaton Wagler was not even a top 100 ranked recruit, but he has been as impressive as any freshman in the country. He haw drawn Tyrese Haliburton comparisons for his wiry frame, ability to score and break down an offense. He is not the best athlete, but is advanced beyond his years, as both a shooter and distributor.
6. Brooklyn Nets (15-38)
PF/C Caleb Wilson, Fr, North Carolina
6’10, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.8 apg
Brooklyn is still bad, but there is hope. Michael Porter Jr. is still on the roster, and several young guards are starting to develop nicely. Pairing them with an explosive front court player like Caleb Wilson would be good fit. Wilson recently suffered a broken hand, and may have played his last game in North Carolina as a result. He showed enough to remain a top six draft pick. While he may not be a go-to scorer, he was a consistent double double threat for the Tar Heels, and has the ability to develop a jump shot as well. He looks like an ideal NBA 2026 power forward.
7. Utah Jazz (18-38)
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Fr, Arkansas
6’3, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.2 ppg, 6.2 apg, 2.9 rpg
The Jaz are the talk of the NBA world right now, because they are playing their best players 24 minutes per night, instead of outright sitting them. After a hefty fine, and “injury” to Jaren Jackson Jr., they are back to tanking the old fashioned way. This pick will go to Oklahoma City if it falls out of the top eight. Utah seems to be set long term starter wise, but should still go the best player available route to fill out the roster. Darius Acuff Jr. could push Isaiah Collier at point guard. Acuff Jr. has been a consistent source of offense all season for Arkansas, shooting very well from deep and holding strong percentages across the board. He can also lead an offense, distribute the ball and chip in on defense. He may be a tad undersized, but has the frame to get stronger as his NBA career unfolds.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (20-33)
PG/SG Mikel Brown Jr., Fr, Louisville
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.9 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.3 rpg
A few years ago, the Grizzlies looked like the next up and coming Western Conference team. Now, Desmond bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are gone, and Ja Morant is having his worst season. Things can change fast in the NBA. Memphis is probably facing a rebuild, which makes the best player approach the way to go. It has been a struggle for Mikel Brown Jr. consistency wise, but his last two games have shown why scouts thought so highly of him coming into the season. He has scored 74 points his past two games, showing tremendous ability to get buckets from all over the court. He also racked up 8 steals in those two games. The sample size is very small, of course, but NBA teams need guys just like this. At his best, Brown Jr. could be a Jamal Murray-like scorer.
9. Milwaukee Bucks (23-30)
SF/PF Nate Ament, Fr, Tennessee
6’10, 207 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.6 apg
To the disappointment of ESPN reporters everywhere, the Bucks did not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Because of pick swap reasons, Milwaukee cannot end up with the first overall pick, but they could still find a much needed contributor here. Like Mikel Brown Jr., Nate Ament has struggled to consistently shoot at times, but is trending up. He has scored 22 or more points in four of his past five games, and has shot it well from deep in the process. He is also a strong rebounder and improving defender. He reminds me of Michael Porter Jr., at least when his shot is falling. He has 20 point per game potential, but it might take him a while to get there.
10. Chicago Bulls (24-31)
PF/C Hannes Steinbach, Fr, Washington
6’11, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 1.8 apg
Well, for once, you cannot say the Bulls stood pat and did not make any changes. They traded most of their team, and have a ton of second round picks and vagabond guards as a result. This is a team that can go in any direction, but adding some size in the draft seems to be a no brainer. Hannes Steinbach has held true as a nightly double double threat. He is a good shooter with range out to the three point line, and a quality rebounder. He is not a great athlete, and may be abused a bit defensively, but he could be a tougher Kelly Olynyk in the NBA.
11. San Antonio Spurs (from ATL (26-30))
PF/C Yaxel Lendeborg, Sr, Michigan
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.1 apg
The Spurs are as good as they are, thanks to quite a bit of lottery luck. They once again have another lottery pick coming up, even though they have one of the best records in the NBA. San Antonio has drafted young forwards like Jeremy Sochan and Carter Bryant in recent years, with mixed results. They go the opposite direction this time, with 23 year old Yaxel Lendeborg. Lendeborg has been as good as advertised, leading the way for the best front court trio in college basketball. He does everything pretty well, form shooting and rebounding, to playing quality defense. He may never be a starter, but should be an immediate contributor behind Victor Wembanyama.
12. Charlotte Hornets (26-29)
PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr., So, Alabama
6’4, 185 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 21.3 ppg, 4.9 apg, 3.5 rpg
The Hornets are suddenly an unstoppable juggernaut. They are healthy, scoring at an amazing clip, and blowing out teams routinely. Labaron Philon Jr. would be more of a good thing, offensive wise. He has had a great season offensively. He may not be a full time point guard, but could chip in at both guard positions. He is a good shooter and slasher, and can play point in a pitch.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LAC (26-28))
SG/SF Braylon Mullins, Fr, Connecticut
6’6, 196 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 11.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 apg
The Thunder are the only team that can have two picks in the last two years not play a single minute in the NBA, and not be effected at all. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber remain out for the foreseeable future. The Thunder will probably go best player available here once again. Braylon Mullins is the type of shooter with length that fits on any team. He is a great spot up three point threat and could be, at the least, a passable defender. Oklahoma City will have decisions to make when it comes to their bench players, and Mullins could fill an easy role there.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (27-29)
PG/SG Brayden Burries, Fr, Arizona
6’4, 205 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 15.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.8 apg
Portland will have a full back court in 2026-2027, especially when Damian Lillard returns, but I do not see a front court player worth selecting over Brayden Burries here. Burries started the season slow, but has worked his way towards the lottery, thanks to a strong offensive game. He scored 29 points against AJ Dybantsa and BYU a few weeks ago, and continues to shoot with consistency. He is not quite the point guard that other combo guards in this class are, but he may be a better potential defender.
15. Miami Heat (29-27)
G/SF Tounde Yessoufou, Fr, Baylor
6’5, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.7 apg
Miami has struggled to adjust to life without Jimmy Butler. “Heat Culture” can only take you so far. Eventually, a lack of talent will rear its ugly head. No one drafted here will make a huge difference, but Miami can still find a bench contributor. Tounde Yessoufou’s counting stats look fine, but a peek under the hood shows a player who has struggled to both shoot and get to the rim with consistency. He may need to make his living as a pesky defender who scores on the fast break and put backs, like a Christian Braun, but at some point, the potential rewards outweigh the risks.
16. Golden State Warriors (29-26)
SF/PF Koa Peat, Fr, Arizona
6’8, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.6 apg
Warriors fans had visions of the team trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the reality is this roster is tapped out young player wise, especially after finally moving on from Jonathan Kuminga. The rebuild is coming eventually. Koa Peat is a talented player, but I struggle to find an NBA role for him. He is not big enough to play center, and is not a great shooter. He will need to work on his face up game to become a threat offensively. The best case scenario could be Aaron Gordon, who was a similar college archetype, and has worked his way towards becoming a very good shooter.
17. Memphis Grizzlies (from ORL (28-25))
PG/SG Bennett Stirtz, Sr, Iowa
6’5, 190 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 20.4 ppg, 4.7 apg, 2.5 rpg
This is the first of many first round picks that are coming the Grizzlies way, via the Desmond Bane to Orlando trade. Bennett Stirtz is the anti-Ja Morant. Boring and predictable, all Stirtz does is knock down 50/40/83 clip, and lead his team with steady point guard play. He may be too weak of an athlete to play 32 minutes per game, but should be a very solid change of pace, back up guard.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from HOU (30-24))
PF/C Patrick Ngongba II, So, Duke
6’11, 250 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.0 apg
The Thunder are extremely deep, and should welcome Thomas Sorber back next year, but with Isaiah Hartenstein possibly becoming too expensive to retain, there could be a few front court minutes available. While Patrick Ngongba II’s numbers do not jump off the page, he is a favorite amongst the analytics crowd. He is a good “garbage type” scorer, takes good care of the ball and can play passable defense. He will not wow anybody, but should become a very solid backup center with starting potential.
19. Charlotte Hornets (from PHX (27-19))
PF/C Chris Cenac Jr., Fr, Houston
6’11, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 9.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 0.9 apg
The Suns are playing some great basketball, once again showing that the deep team over star collecting approach is usually the way to go. Charlotte has another first round pick here to continue to fill out its roster with, and they add front court depth with top recruit Chris Cenac Jr. Sometimes big men take longer to develop, and that is the case with Cenac Jr. He has been productive in consistent minutes for one of the best teams in the country, and he has potential to grow as a shooter and shot blocker. He reminds me of Nic Claxton with a jump shot, and should grow into a starter, though it will take time.
20. Toronto Raptors (29-19)
SG Cameron Carr, rSo, Baylor
6’5, 175 lbs
2025;2026 Stats: 219.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 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. Cameron Carr has come out of nowhere as one of the best scorers in the country this year. While Baylor has struggled during Big 12 play, Carr has mostly kept pace as a shooter and scorer. He is also a good defender, making him an ideal 3 and D wing player.
21. Detroit Pistons (from MIN (34-22))
SF/PF Thomas Haugh, Jr, Florida
6’9, 215 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 apg
The Pistons are a fantastic team, but could use additional shooting and bench production. Thomas Haugh is a 22 year old junior, but has a nice all around game that would help any playoff bench. He can score, shoot and rebound, and chip in defensively. Nothing special, but should provide 20 quality minutes off the bench per game.
22. Los Angeles Lakers (33-21)
PF/C Henri Veesaar, Jr, North Carolina
7’0, 225 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.0 apg
The fact that the Lakers are eleven games over .500 with such a flawed roster is actually somewhat impressive. 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.
23. Atlanta Hawks (from CLE (34-21))
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, So, Kentucky
6’10, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 bpg
Cleveland is finally starting to play like a contender, so this pick is less attractive to the Hawks than it was a month ago. They can still add some much needed front court depth here, though. 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. He should still be a first round pick, but I just do not see a lottery pick right now.
24. Atlanta Hawks (from HOU (33-20))
PF/C Jayden Quaintance, So, Kentucky
6’10, 255 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 bpg
Cleveland is finally starting to play like a contender, so this pick is less attractive to the Hawks than it was a month ago. They can still add some much needed front court depth here, though. 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. He should still be a first round pick, but I just do not see a lottery pick right now.
25. Denver Nuggets (35-20)
PG Christian Anderson, So, Texas Tech
6’3, 178 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 19.1 ppg, 7.7 apg, 3.4 rpg
Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. have been valuable contributors for the Nuggets, but both are free agents after the season. Christian Anderson has been a revelation for Texas Tech as a sophomore. He is small and may struggle to hold up for 30 minutes a game, but has Bones Hyland ability as a scorer and distributor, and could be a solid change of pace backup.
26. New York Knicks (35-20)
SF/PF Dailyn Swain, Jr, Texas
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.4 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. 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. He has worked to improve his three point shot, and could be a poor man’s DeAndre Hunter at the next level.
27. Boston Celtics (35-19)
PF/C Flory Bidunga, So, Kansas
6’10, 235 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 14.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.7 apg
The Celtics added Nikola Vucevic to the roster, and even if he resigns with the team, he is more of a finesse big. Flory Bidunga could fill an important role. He is not a three point shooter whatsoever, but is a solid rebounder and shot blocker, and has some offense, which he showed by dropping 23 points in a win over top ranked Arizona.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (from SA (38-16))
SF/PF Karim Lopez, Mexico
6’8, 220 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 10.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.3 apg
With the addition of James Harden, Cleveland may have the best starting lineup in the NBA, but the bench could use reinforcements. With most of the top foreign players playing college this year, Karim Lopez is the best true international prospect in this class. He is a talented scorer, but his game could struggle to translate to the NBA. He is not a great shooter or athlete, and may never be much of a defender, but his offensive potential is worth it, at this point in the draft.
29. Dallas Mavericks (from OKC (42-14))
PG Tyler Tanner, So, Vanderbilt
6’0, 173 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 18.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.5 rpg
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. Tyler Tanner is a tough prospect to evaluate. Players his size struggle to stay relevant in today’s NBA, but his ability to score and play point guard should get him plenty of first round looks. As long as the team drafting him does not expect too much, he could be a solid source of offense off the bench.
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (from DET (40-13))
SF/PF Joshua Jefferson, Sr, Iowa State
6’9, 240 lbs
2025-2026 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.2 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.
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