2026 NBA Draft Prospects
As anticipation builds for the 2026 NBA Draft, a number of organizations are optimistic about redefining their futures with a selection from this year’s promising pool of players. High school and college basketball enthusiasts have likely heard of standout talents such as Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and AJ Dybantsa, but other emerging prospects like Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Alabama’s Amari Allen are also solidifying their places as first-round selections.
While Peterson, Boozer, and Dybantsa are generating considerable buzz due to their unique skills and potential, the broader draft landscape also holds intriguing options that could go unnoticed. Below is a summary of the projected draft order, which considers ESPN’s assessments of team records alongside anticipated trades.
Projected Draft Order
- Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson (Kansas, Guard)
Where the Wizards currently stand, bringing in Darryn Peterson could elevate their chances significantly, especially after the acquisition of Trae Young. At just 19 years old, Peterson has showcased immense talent and could reshape the team’s future. - Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer (Duke, Big)
Following an active first round in the previous draft, the Nets are positioned to add another key player to their roster. Cameron Boozer stands out as a well-rounded choice, even if he lacks the highlight-reel play of some contemporaries; his overall capabilities are impressive enough to catch the Nets’ eye. - Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Wing)
After a challenging season, the Kings might find a transformative player in AJ Dybantsa, who recently set records with notable consecutive performances, including a 30-point triple-double. - Indiana Pacers: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, Big)
Once NBA Finals contenders, the Pacers have a chance to reinvigorate their squad with Caleb Wilson. His record of leading the NCAA in dunks illustrates his valuable frontcourt presence, especially with the departure of Myles Turner. - Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Kingston Flemings (Houston, Guard)
Given their acquired pick from the Pelicans, the Hawks can bolster their lineup by drafting Kingston Flemings—a dynamic player coming off a remarkable scoring performance against Texas Tech. - Utah Jazz: Keaton Wagler (Illinois, Wing)
As a notable riser in this draft cycle, Keaton Wagler has proven to be a remarkable shooter and could form a strong pair with Keyonte George in the Jazz backcourt. - Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, Guard)
Should the Bucks move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafting Mikel Brown Jr. could be a pivotal step towards rebuilding. With a solid FIBA U-19 resume, he possesses the potential for significant impact. - Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, Big)
Following a lengthy recovery, Jayden Quaintance has shown he can significantly contribute to team defense, a pressing need for the struggling Hornets. - Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, Guard)
Darius Acuff Jr. has become one of the standout creators within his class and offers promising skills that could greatly benefit the Mavericks’ offensive strategy. - Chicago Bulls: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, Big)
Embracing what may be the most NBA-ready prospect, Yaxel Lendeborg could enhance the Bulls’ roster and provide both scoring and defensive capabilities. - Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon (Alabama, Guard)
With a consistent scoring average and improved shooting percentages, Labaron Philon stands as a solid option for the Grizzlies, particularly as they evaluate their backcourt options. - Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat (Arizona, Big)
Koa Peat’s physical skills and versatility make him an attractive candidate for the Trail Blazers, who prioritize athleticism in their selections. - Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach (Washington, Big)
After claiming the championship last season, the Thunder look to deepen their roster with Hannes Steinbach, a skilled rebounder and wise playmaker. - San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Nate Ament (Tennessee, Wing)
With differing opinions on his shooting, Nate Ament’s size and recent performance could intrigue the Spurs as they look for emerging talent. - Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr (Baylor, Wing)
The skilled and versatile Cameron Carr has made strides, showing both offensive and defensive capabilities that fit well within the Warriors’ system. - Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State, Big)
Joshua Jefferson fits the Grizzlies’ desired mold of basketball IQ and versatility, making him a favorable choice for a well-rounded team. - Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López (International/Australia, Forward)
Picking Karim López could bolster the Thunder’s international influence, adding a developing talent who fits well into their rotations. - Miami Heat: Thomas Haugh (Florida, Wing)
Having proved valuable during his championship run at Florida, Thomas Haugh’s tenacity and skillset could contribute significantly to the Heat’s lineup. - Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries (Arizona, Guard)
Brayden Burries has showcased his scoring ability, indicating he could provide multiple offensive tools the Hornets desperately need. - Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II (Duke, Big)
Patrick Ngongba II impresses with his passing skills, making him an ideal fit for the Lakers’ need for a versatile big who facilitates team dynamics well. - Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, Guard)
Having shown proficiency despite challenges, Bennett Stirtz could adapt well to the Raptors’ slower pace, bridging his success from a Division II background. - Minnesota Timberwolves: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech, Guard)
Christian Anderson’s evolution into a skillful floor general has made him a coveted prospect for the Timberwolves as they seek reliable guard play. - Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor, Wing)
Yessoufou’s potential is evident, particularly in fast-paced situations, making him an exciting option to enhance the Hawks’ wing depth. - New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, Big)
Henri Veesaar’s progress as a solid scorer and rebounder at 7-feet tall makes him a key target for the Knicks as they strengthen their frontcourt. - Boston Celtics: Aday Mara (Michigan, Big)
Looking for size and rim protection, the Celtics could benefit from selecting Aday Mara, who has excelled in offensive flow and defensive play. - Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins (Connecticut, Wing)
After returning from injury, Braylon Mullins has showcased his shooting potential, exciting prospects for his utility at the next level. - Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin (Texas Tech, Big)
Despite being overlooked, JT Toppin’s consistent performance in scoring and rebounding makes him a valuable consideration for the Nuggets.
