The 2026 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be even stronger than its 2025 predecessor, headlined by two tank-worthy franchise talents in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, each of whom would be a legitimate No. 1 candidate in most other drafts. With impressive depth, positional versatility, and a wide range of high-upside prospects who already possess NBA-ready tools, this class stands out. Now two and a half weeks removed from the 2025 NBA Draft, we present our second extended 2026 mock draft. As always, the landscape will continue to shift with NIL decisions and movement throughout the projected first round.
1. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa6’9”, 210, SF/PF, BYU, Fr.
Arguably the most electrifying prospect in the draft, Dybantsa boasts elite physical tools and a devastating pull-up and isolation scoring game, while still only beginning to tap into his vast potential. He attacks downhill with power and balance, rises up for emphatic finishes, and defends with intensity. His jumper continues to improve, and his ability to generate offense in isolation is rare for a player his age. One swing skill is his ability to extend his three-point shot with consistency. A Boston-area native, Dybantsa has long held the No. 1 spot in his class but is now being seriously challenged by Darryn Peterson. Let’s not forget people began to turn on Cooper Flagg after his first month at Duke, questioning his shooting and scoring. He thrives in transition, rebounds well, and brings a competitive edge that fuels his two-way impact. A very unique talent with the ability to play all five positions on both ends, Dybantsa offers unmatched lineup flexibility. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and frame, he has the upside to become a perennial All-Star and potential franchise talent.
NBA Comparison: Tracy McGrady
2. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson6’5”, 195, PG/SG, Kansas, Fr.
Peterson showcases explosive athleticism combined with a versatile overall skillset that blends vision, physicality, and adept shot creation. He relentlessly attacks off the dribble, defends multiple positions, and competes with confidence. While at times brash, he brings a scorer’s mindset with the vision and handle to orchestrate as a lead guard. He has positional size, a strong frame, and an 8’7″ standing reach that’s exceptional for a guard. He enters the season as a legit challenger to go first overall. A player we had rated as No. 2 in the class a full year before the consensus caught up, Peterson made his case in a nationally watched February showdown against AJ Dybantsa, scoring 58 points including the game-winning three. He borders on overconfident at times, but the burst and ability to generate offense off the bounce give him major intrigue. More scorer than facilitator, but he’s a skilled passer who shows flashes of advanced reads. An accomplished two-way leader and potential franchise talent, he dazzled NBA scouts at the 2024 Treviso Eurocamp, competing favorably against professional European prospects as well as in the 2023 NBA 100 camp alongside Flagg and Dybantsa.
NBA Comparison: Devin Booker / DeMar DeRozan
3. Charlotte Hornets – Mikel Brown6’3”, 170, PG, Louisville, Fr.
Brown is a shifty, quick-twitch guard with excellent vision and a confident shooting stroke. He excels in ball screens, changes pace effortlessly, and hits shots off the bounce with range. Though slightly built, he compensates with feel, tempo control, and fearless playmaking. Known primarily for his perimeter scoring, Brown turned heads at the USA Basketball U19 trials with a highlight-reel dunk, then backed it up with strong showings at the Nike Hoop Summit and the FIBA U19 World Cup in Lausanne. There, he led the gold medal-winning Team USA in points (14.9), assists (6.1), and efficiency, showing a complete package of lead guard skills including poise, shot-making, and creation. While undersized for today’s NBA, Brown’s polish and offensive IQ give him clear long-term appeal. And while it may be premature, there are flashes of Steph Curry in his pull-up game and deep shooting instincts. Staying focused on core strength will unlock his ability to be an impact player at the next level.
NBA Comparison: Darius Garland / Trae Young
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Cameron Boozer6’9”, 235, PF, Duke, Fr.
A polished big with great feel, Boozer scores with skill, touch, and strength. He’s an elite rebounder and outlet passer who thrives in face-up actions and can stretch the floor with a confident, improving three-point shot. Solid as a rock, Boozer doesn’t blow you away with explosiveness but imposes his will through nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He may lack the ceiling of the three players listed before him, but his attention to detail, competitive motor, and mature approach give him an extremely high likelihood of becoming a long-term NBA starter and foundational piece. He’s evolved into a modern-day big who can space the floor, defend his position, and bring leadership traits that elevate team culture.
NBA Comparison: Al Horford
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Alijah Arenas6’6”, 195, SG, USC, Fr.
The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah is a dynamic scoring guard with an explosive first step and deep shooting range. He can score from all three levels and has developed into a more versatile offensive weapon with improved strength and off-ball movement. While still evolving as a playmaker, his instincts, confidence, and athleticism immediately stand out. Arenas reportedly made a full recovery after a Tesla truck accident and was back on the court just weeks later. He brings plenty of talent and skill, but the key will be maintaining consistency and focus. Word is that USC is ready to let him rock out from day one.
NBA Comparison: Latrell Sprewell
6. Brooklyn Nets – Kam Williams6’8”, 190, SF, Kentucky, So.
A 41% three-point shooter with prototypical size for a wing and a 7-foot wingspan, Williams gets set quickly on catch-and-shoot looks, rebounds well from the wing, and adds value as a put-back finisher and transition athlete. A Tulane transfer who shined as a freshman, he intrigued scouts with his length, motor, and scoring instincts. His offensive game is still developing, but he’s shown flashes as a slasher and transition threat. The outside shot could use a slight tweak, but he has solid form and a real chance to become an elite-level shooter. Combined with his high-level size and athleticism, he boasts one of the most intriguing packages among returning players in college basketball. Now set to play his sophomore season at Kentucky under Mark Pope, he’ll have a major platform to showcase his game and build serious momentum as a potential lottery pick.
NBA Comparison: Trey Murphy / Cam Johnson
7. Toronto Raptors – Chris Cenac6’11”, 230, PF/C, Houston, Fr.
Cenac blends size, mobility, and skill with intriguing upside for a modern big. He runs the floor well, finishes with soft touch, and blocks shots with timing and vertical pop. Physically, he is very similar to Miami’s Kel’el Ware, but he has flashed some Chris Bosh-like face-up ability after spending much of the past year insisting on playing point forward. Old school coaches might cringe at that decision, but it helped develop his handle, feel, and perimeter footwork. Still raw, but the tools are undeniable and the upside is real if the polish continues to come. At Houston, under Coach Kelvin Sampson, it is clear his defense will take a leap forward. How much his offensive game evolves will ultimately determine his long-term trajectory.
NBA Comparison: Kel’el Ware / Chris Bosh
8. San Antonio Spurs – Nate Ament6’9”, 185, SF/PF, Tennessee, Fr.
Ament is a smooth, high-upside stretch four with a soft shooting touch, excellent mobility, and the tools to thrive in a modern system. He runs the floor well, finishes in transition, and alters plays defensively with his length. His jumper is a clear strength, especially spotting up, and he has shown flashes of ball-handling and perimeter footwork that hint at long-term versatility. Still, he lacks physicality and struggles when defenders crowd him, limiting his ability to create off the dribble or finish through contact. If he adds strength and becomes more assertive, Ament has the skill set and frame to develop into a dynamic two-way forward.
NBA Comparison: Jonathan Isaac / Austin Daye
9. Phoenix Suns – Caleb Wilson6’9”, 205, PF, North Carolina, Fr.
A smooth lefty forward who creates mismatches with his size, energy, and athleticism. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes well for his position, and has the length and mobility to switch defensively. His game fits the modern four archetype, but he still needs to get stronger, tougher, and more consistent on both ends. Jermaine O’Neal is the prototype in terms of frame and fluidity, but Wilson must develop greater physicality and focus to reach that level. A true talent with major upside, but he has a long ways to go to cement a position this high. Will he be a breakout star at UNC? Freshmen haven’t fared as well in the current era, so the pressure is on.
NBA Comparison: Jermaine O’Neal / Kyle Kuzma
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Isaiah Evans6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke, So.
Evans is a long, wiry scorer with a natural shooting stroke and microwave scoring ability. He moves well without the ball, hits tough jumpers, and brings upside as a rangy defender. A pure shooter with a long frame, Evans was considered a potential early entry candidate and likely would have found a spot in the mid to late first round. Instead, he bet on himself, returning to Duke to finish what he started, a wise decision given his opportunity to earn NIL money and continue building his body. Strength will unlock more athleticism and help him hold up defensively. The Brandon Ingram comparisons are natural given Evans’ frame, scoring style, and overall resemblance. If he continues to add strength and rounds out his game, he projects as a prototypical NBA scoring wing with long-term upside.
NBA Comparison: Brandon Ingram /
11. Miami Heat – Kingston Flemings6’3”, 180, PG, Houston, Fr.
Flemings is a dynamic and fearless point guard who thrives creating off the bounce and playing with tempo. He attacks the paint with purpose, has a strong handle, and makes sharp reads out of ball screens. Though he needs to add strength, Flemings plays with a chip on his shoulder and has the quickness to create separation, blowing by defenders and scoring on floaters or dunks when given an opening. He changes pace well and has real shot-making ability, especially pulling up off the dribble. At times, he can be turnover-prone or overly confident with his shot selection, but he brings vocal leadership and energy. With his eyes on a national championship and the opportunity to run the show alongside fellow freshman Chris Cenac, Flemings enters Houston ready to make an immediate impact. If the jumper becomes more consistent, he could emerge as one of the top freshman guards in the country.
NBA Comparison: De’Aaron Fox
12. Dallas Mavericks – Boogie Fland6’3”, 175, PG/SG, Florida, So.
A lead guard with flair and swagger, Fland is a confident shot-maker and fiery competitor. He gets downhill with craft, pulls up from deep, and defends with quick feet. He can operate on or off the ball and brings classic Boogie Down Bronx edge with an elite handle that allows him to break down defenders and create space. Though he has solid size, he’s a little small for today’s NBA point guard standards and can be streaky, but his scoring mentality and toughness will translate. Fland went through the draft process and got a feel for what teams want to see him improve. An untimely injury last year followed by a gradual comeback hurt his draft stock, but he’ll get a fresh start at Florida. He should be one of the nation’s top returning players and prospects.
NBA Comparison: Collin Sexton / Nick Van Exel
13. Atlanta Hawks – Ian Jackson6’5”, 180, SG, St. John’s, So.
Jackson is a powerful athlete with a strong frame and explosive vertical pop. He thrives in transition, gets downhill with force, and defends with intensity. After an up-and-down freshman year, Jackson returned to school to refine his handle and decision-making. At his best, he looks like a high-end two-way wing with pro tools and highlight-reel potential. He’s a streaky shooter who sometimes plays too fast, but he has the talent to make a sophomore leap. If the feel and jumper catch up to the tools, he’ll have a chance to rise back into top-10 consideration.
NBA Comparison: Coby White
14. Chicago Bulls – Miles Byrd6’6”, 180, SG, San Diego State, Jr.
A late bloomer with a plus feel and defensive mindset, Byrd turned heads with a breakout sophomore season. He has positional length, moves well laterally, and makes the right reads on both ends. Byrd doesn’t force the action and can hit open shots or make smart passes as a secondary ball handler. Though not a high-usage scorer, he impacts winning and guards multiple positions. Scouts love his unselfishness, IQ, and willingness to do the little things. If he adds more strength and becomes a more confident shooter, Byrd could carve out a role as a glue-guy wing in the NBA.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Martin
15. Detroit Pistons – Labaron Philon6’4”, 175, PG, Alabama, So.
Philon is a slithery ball handler and gifted pick and roll initiator who reads defenses well and finishes with craft around the rim. He has long arms, a fluid game, and good pace, often gliding through traffic or stopping on a dime for pull-ups. Though not overly explosive, Philon controls the game and puts pressure on opponents with his speed and downhill play. He made real strides as a freshman but needs to improve his outside shot and get stronger to hold up physically. Well liked by scouts for his defensive instincts and competitiveness, Philon brings starting point guard potential if he takes the next step as a leader and reliable scorer.
NBA Comparison: Dennis Schroeder / Kira Lewis
16. Orlando Magic – Jayden Quaintance6’9”, 235, PF/C, Kentucky, So.
Quaintance is a rugged, athletic big with long arms, broad shoulders, and a strong motor. He plays with toughness, rebounds in traffic, and runs the floor hard. While still developing offensively, he flashes face-up touch and has shown improved footwork on the block. He needs to revamp his shooting form but shows some upside with touch. At times foul-prone or turnover-heavy, but his physicality and willingness to mix it up give him a strong baseline as a rotation 4/5. After spending his freshman year at Arizona State, Quaintance impressed for his age as he was too young to be eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. He is expected to return to full contact in September and should start the season in November with no limitations. The main question is how the injury affects his explosiveness and mobility, both of which are central to his game and long-term upside.
NBA Comparison: Kevon Looney / Ben Wallace
17. Sacramento Kings – Tounde Yessoufou6’6”, 210, SG/SF, Baylor, Fr.
Yessoufou is a powerhouse wing with physicality and a relentless motor. He explodes off the floor, bullies weaker defenders, and plays with aggression on both ends. While still raw in terms of polish and decision-making, his tools and mentality scream NBA rotation player. He’s a freight train in transition and shows upside as a straight-line driver. The swing skill will be his shooting. If he becomes even an average floor spacer, he could become a high-impact two-way role player. For someone of his listed age, his physical maturity and frame are particularly advanced.
NBA Comparison: Luguentz Dort
18. Indiana Pacers – Karim Lopez6’7”, 200, SF, Spain, Intl.
A smooth, fluid wing playing professionally in Australia, Lopez has a polished offensive game with touch, footwork, and shooting ability from multiple spots on the floor. He plays within the offense, moves well without the ball, and shows solid instincts as a cutter and defender. While not an explosive athlete, he’s smart and effective, though he remains inconsistent and will need to become more assertive. There’s some resemblance to Klay Thompson facially and stylistically, particularly in his off-ball movement and shooting mechanics. To fully realize his upside, Lopez will need to get stronger and improve his consistency on both ends. Despite a modest showing in Treviso, he remains a strong long-term prospect with rotation-to-starter potential.
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris
19. Milwaukee Bucks – Dash Daniels6’5”, 190, PG/SG, Australia, Intl.
Daniels is an athletic wing with elite quickness, fluid movement, and a confident handle that allows him to attack closeouts and create off the dribble. He excels on the defensive end, where his energy, lateral mobility, and wingspan allow him to take on tough assignments and generate stops. Offensively, he shows flashes as a secondary playmaker and slasher, but his perimeter shooting remains a work in progress. He struggled from deep at the U19 World Championships in Switzerland and must improve his shot consistency to justify a spot this high. Still, the overall package of athleticism, motor, defensive tools, and bloodlines gives Daniels long-term intrigue as a two-way wing.
NBA Comparison: Thabo Sefolosha
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solo Ball6’4”, 190, SG, UConn, Jr.
Ball is a high-energy guard who defends, attacks the rim, and plays with toughness. He has good size for his position, a compact build, and a quick first step. While not a polished shooter, he compensates with relentless effort, downhill drives, and physical on-ball defense. He fits the mold of a change-of-pace guard who can disrupt rhythm and bring a spark off the bench. Improving the jumper and tightening his handle will be key to unlocking more offensive value.
NBA Comparison: Malik Monk
21. Los Angeles Clippers – Tahaad Pettiford6’1”, 170, PG, Auburn, So.
Pettiford is an ultra-quick lead guard with a tight handle and a fearless mentality. He puts constant pressure on defenses, weaving into the paint and creating for teammates or himself. Though undersized, he plays with confidence and toughness, showing flashes of pull-up shooting and acrobatic finishes. His decision-making remains a work in progress, and his size makes him a target on defense, but his burst and scoring upside keep him in the mix as a developmental point guard with starter potential. A DUI arrest in mid July did not completely torpedo his stock but raised some concern. While it may prove to be an isolated incident, if other off court issues follow, teams could begin to question a potential pattern.
NBA Comparison: Brandon Jennings / Jeff Teague
22. Indiana Pacers – JT Toppin6’8”, 225, PF/C, Texas Tech, Jr.
Toppin is a pogo-stick athlete who plays with vertical explosion, hustle, and strong rebounding instincts. He protects the rim, finishes alley-oops, and makes hustle plays on both ends. Though not a perimeter threat yet, he has improved his footwork and flashed a developing face-up jumper. His shooting remains a work in progress, but he fits the mold of a modern energy big who can switch defensively, thrive in transition, and bring toughness. A high-motor player with a blue-collar mindset, Toppin does the little things that help teams win. The key to his rise will be expanding his offensive game without sacrificing the effort and activity that define his value.
NBA Comparison: Kenneth Faried
23. Phoenix Suns – Hannes Steinbach6’10”, 240, PF/C, Germany, Intl.
A powerful German big man with a grown-man frame and good instincts, Steinbach thrives around the basket with physicality, toughness, and a willingness to try to dunk everything in sight. He sets hard screens, boxes out, and plays with a mature understanding of positioning. Though still more of a five skill-wise in the size of a four, his long arms, effort, and feel help his cause. He’s not a shooter yet, but has shown flashes of midrange touch and can pass out of the post when double-teamed. A tough, smart interior player who does the dirty work and has held his own against pro-level competition in Europe. If he develops as expected at Washington, a one-and-done mid-first-round projection is within reach.
NBA Comparison: Tom Gugliotta
24. Denver Nuggets – Yaxel Lendeborg6’10”, 235, PF/C, Michigan, Sr.
Lendeborg is a late-blooming big man with an unusual path and intriguing skill set. A standout at UAB, he opted to return for his final season at Michigan, where he’ll compete in a power conference and benefit from a lucrative NIL deal. He can flash remarkable feel and ball skills for his size, showing the ability to pass and handle like a point forward. With long arms, he’s disruptive as a shot blocker and in passing lanes. While not an elite leaper, his massive wingspan helps him compensate and play bigger than he looks. Offensively, he’s still developing beyond the paint, but his short-roll reads are improving and his touch continues to progress. If he buys into the daily grind and finds greater consistency, Lendeborg’s combination of size, instincts, and feel gives him a real shot to hear his name called in the first round.
NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw
25. New York Knicks – Meleek Thomas6’4”, 180, PG/SG, Arkansas, Fr.
Thomas is a highly-touted combo guard with a knack for scoring and a competitive edge. He can get hot from deep, beat defenders off the bounce, and shows glimpses of three-level scoring. A confident shot-maker with long arms, he competes on defense and has strong positional size. The swing factor is his decision-making, Thomas can be turnover-prone and sometimes hunts tough shots early in the clock. If he learns to pick his spots and tighten his handle, he could evolve into a dynamic scoring guard.
NBA Comparison: Jordan Hawkins / Jordan Clarkson
26. Houston Rockets – Karter Knox6’6”, 215, SF, Arkansas, So.
Knox is a shot-hunting wing with NBA tools. He’s streaky but explosive when hot, with the confidence to take tough looks and the physicality to create space. He can get tunnel vision at times, but he has a scorer’s mindset and isn’t afraid of big moments. Not unlike former Arkansas early second-rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings some of the same length and freak athleticism but with a more advanced perimeter skill set, particularly as a shooter. If he sharpens his shot selection and improves defensively, he has clear rotation-level scoring upside and potential to climb into the first-round mix.
NBA Comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr.
27. Boston Celtics – Bennett Stirtz6’4”, 1800, PG/SG, Iowa, Sr.
Stirtz is a smart, composed lead guard with a compact release, sharp feel, and versatile offensive game. A breakout performer at Drake last season, he became an analytics darling after averaging 5.7 assists to just 2.0 turnovers, 2.1 steals per game, and shooting 40% from three. He flirted with entering the draft but chose to transfer to Iowa, where proving himself in the Big Ten could solidify his first-round stock. While not the most explosive athlete, Stirtz plays with purpose, makes those around him better, and brings legit vision and passing instincts. His maturity, toughness, and consistency give him a real chance to carve out a long NBA career as a high-IQ guard who can shoot, defend, and run a team.
NBA Comparison: Steve Blake
28. Milwaukee Bucks – Thomas Haugh6’9”, 210, SF/PF, Florida, Jr.
Haugh is a rangy, high-energy forward who thrives on hustle plays, defensive versatility, and timely contributions. He defends multiple positions, rebounds well, and brings constant activity as a cutter and help defender. Though not a polished scorer, he’s made progress as a spot-up shooter with clean mechanics and a willingness to take open looks. Coaches value his effort, maturity, and ability to impact winning in subtle ways. He played a pivotal role in Florida’s national title run, providing energy and stability in key moments with the Gators’ backs against the wall. However, with a July 7, 2003 birthdate, he’ll turn 23 shortly after the 2026 draft, making it an uphill battle to hear his name in the first round despite his winning pedigree and glue-guy profile.
NBA Comparison: Sam Dekkar
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Tyler Harris6’8”, 190, SF, Vanderbilt, Jr.
Harris is a long, athletic wing with intriguing flashes of shot-making and defensive upside. A transfer entering his junior season at Vanderbilt, his third school in three years after stints at Portland State and Washington, Harris brings real intrigue with his length, fluidity, and perimeter potential. He’s shown glimpses of scoring at all three levels, from catch-and-shoot threes to mid-post turnarounds and one-dribble pull-ups. Defensively, his agility and wingspan give him the tools to switch across multiple positions, though consistency and motor remain areas of focus. His strength or lack thereof has limited him to this point, but it’s the key swing attribute that will determine if he can evolve into a true 3-and-D contributor at the next level.
NBA Comparison: Tristan De Silva
30. Oklahoma City Thunder – Neoklis Avdalas6’6”, 190, PG/SG, Virginia Tech, Intl.
Avdalas is a skilled Greek guard who blends feel, size, and point forward instincts. Set to debut in college basketball at Virginia Tech, he may face an early adjustment period adapting to NCAA athletes and arenas after competing professionally in Greece. Avdalas impressed with his composure and vision at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine before ultimately withdrawing. Though he struggled with consistency and confidence earlier in his junior years, his recent development has reaffirmed his standing as one of Europe’s most polished young guards. He’s not an elite athlete, but he manipulates tempo, reads defenses well, and rarely gets sped up. Shooting and defensive physicality are question marks, but his European background should assist his transition and give him long-term intrigue as a rotation-caliber guard.
NBA Comparison: Tomas Satoransky
