2026 NBA Mock Draft: Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer at No. 1?

USA Today

3 days ago

We are less than one month past the 2025 NBA Draft, but evaluators are already focused on all of the talent at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Now that Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper and V.J. Edgecombe have found their professional homes, it is time to figure out where the next crop of stars will land in the league. The early headliners for this class include Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., and Nate Ament.
While last year it was fairly obvious that Flagg would hear his name called at No. 1 overall, there is no clear leader for that position at this point. Different evaluators have come to different conclusions, and each will make their case as the NCAA season progresses in the fall.
It is far too early to predict the 2026 NBA Draft with much accuracy, but as of right now, these are our best guesses.
Other notable players on our radar who did not get included but could easily crack this list in our next edition: Koa Peat, Dame Sarr, Isiah Harwell, Tahaad Pettiford, Patrick Ngongba Jr., Alex Condon, J.T. Toppin, Ian Jackson, Joseph Tugler, Paul McNeil, Milos Uzan, and Flory Bidunga.
The draft order is based on projected over-under wins for each team provided from oddsmakers. Trades were accounted for by cross-referencing with Tankathon.
All heights are based on their listed measurements, typically with shoes, via player profiles on RealGM.
1. Utah Jazz: AJ Dybantsa
TEAM: BYU POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.42
The Jazz have an obvious plan as they enter this phase of their rebuild process after losing key rotation players like John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson. They're trying to get a high draft pick, and the connections to AJ Dybantsa are obvious. The 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup MVP transferred to prep school in Utah before committing to BYU, where Jazz governor Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge are both alumni and donors. Dybantsa would pair well on the wing with talented Utah rookie Ace Bailey.
2. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson
TEAM: Kansas POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19.45
After the Nets selected five players in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they are likely going to continue swinging for the fences. With that in mind, even though they selected a lot of playmakers this year, incoming Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson is simply too talented to pass up if he is available. The Naismith Prep Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American co-MVP is everything you could want in a prospect with tremendous length and skill as a projectable star.
3. Washington Wizards: Cameron Boozer
TEAM: Duke POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.55
Now that the Wizards may have already solidified their backcourt of their future with Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson, we can expect Washington to have Cameron Boozer high on their big board. The two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year and Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year is a proven winner at every level of competition as a hyper-skilled, double-double machine. He will look to continue that caliber of basketball at Duke with his twin brother next season.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Mikel Brown Jr.
TEAM: Louisville POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-2 DRAFT AGE: 20.24
It's undeniable: Mikel Brown Jr. was the breakout star player during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. He recently led Team USA in points and assists while shooting a sensational 47.6 percent on 3-pointers during the tournament en route to winning a gold medal. Expect him to play a massive role at Louisville under head coach Pat Kelsey during his freshman campaign next season. This pick would give the Hornets insurance if (and when) they decide it's time to move on from LaMelo Ball.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX): Karim Lopez
TEAM: New Zealand (NBL) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.22
After trading away Desmond Bane to the Magic, the Grizzlies are in a position where they must simply collect as much talent as possible. One name that they will certainly have their eye on is Karim Lopez, an impressive forward from Mexico who averaged 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per 36 minutes while playing against competitive pros in Australia's NBL last season. If he can continue developing at a similar pace, this is a realistic range on draft night.
6. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Caleb Wilson
TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.95
McDonald's All-American forward Caleb Wilson is a consensus five-star recruit and genuine do-it-all player who can pass, play out of the high post, make open 3-pointers, and rebound well for his position. He is also from Atlanta and was named Mr. Georgia Basketball earlier this year. North Carolina fans will have a lot to look forward to when he displays his absurd athleticism on the court and he could eventually become a hometown hero for the Hawks.
7. Chicago Bulls: Nate Ament
TEAM: Tennessee POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.55
Nate Ament has two of the most important ingredients needed for success to translate to the pros: Size and shooting. Listed at 6-foot-9, the forward is shooting 38.4 percent on 3-pointers across 80 games tracked by Cerebro Sports. He can play off the bounce and create well for his position. He is already drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant (who was also coached by Rick Barnes while in college) and while those are lofty expectations before his time at Tennessee even begins, he is a player worth following for likely lottery teams like the Bulls.
8. Portland Trail Blazers: Tounde Yessoufou
TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 20.13
Tounde Yessoufou has already earned a reputation in the scouting community as a disciplined, hard-working player who stays long hours in the gym to improve his craft. After breaking a California scoring record in high school, he led all scorers at NIKE Hoop Summit in Portland with 24 points for the World Team representing Benin earlier this year. He should have a large usage rate for Scott Drew at Baylor during his freshman campaign to give the program a top-20 pick for the sixth year in a row.
9. Toronto Raptors: Chris Cenac
TEAM: Houston POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19.41
While the 2026 NBA Draft has plenty of talent, there are not actually many big men projected in the lottery. The clubhouse leader to hear his name called first is former McDonald's All-American honoree Chris Cenac, who helped to lead Team USA to win a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. As a standout at Link Academy earlier this year, Cenac also won MVP at the Nike EYBL Scholastic Tournament. Scouts have heard he is looking good in the preseason for Houston and could potentially even play the stretch-four at Houston alongside Joseph Tugler.
10. Sacramento Kings: Yaxel Lendeborg
TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 23.75
When he considered turning pro this summer, during which he had a pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings, it seemed like Yaxel Lendeborg was a big winner from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Instead, however, he was arguably the most notable player to withdraw from the draft and return to the NCAA. Perhaps the most significant collegiate player to use the transfer portal, we can expect a very big season for Lendeborg at Michigan. He is a versatile, pro-ready player who can contribute early and those are traits that several recent Kings draftees all share.
11. Miami Heat: Darius Acuff
TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-2 DRAFT AGE: 19.62
According to one scout who spoke to For The Win on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of their team, nobody plays with a 'bigger chip on their shoulder' than incoming Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff. That screams like the type of player who would thrive for an organization like the Miami Heat. While he is a bit undersized, the former IMG Academy standout and McDonald's All-American should do well as a guard playing for John Calipari.
12. Dallas Mavericks: Labaron Philon
TEAM: Alabama POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 20.6
One of the other most interesting players to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft was Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon. While his decision shocked many fans, he could have a breakout sophomore campaign. His floater was one of the most efficient and prolific among all collegiate players last season. The guard was also one of the leaders in 3-pointers assisted among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. He would make for a fun floor general playing alongside Cooper Flagg.
13. Indiana Pacers: Jayden Quaintance
TEAM: Kentucky POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 18.97
This is a particularly complicated evaluation because Jayden Quaintance is not only coming off a season-ending ACL injury last season, but he is also entering a new system after entering the transfer portal from Arizona State to Kentucky. However, his defensive upside makes him one of the most intriguing big men for teams looking to improve their frontcourt, which the Pacers need after losing Myles Turner.
14. Memphis Grizzlies: Thomas Haugh
TEAM: Florida POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 22.98
Depending on how the season shakes out, the Grizzlies could potentially have two lottery picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. One of the prospects that could work there is reigning national champion Thomas Haugh, who improved his draft stock tremendously during March Madness. He fits the profile of some key elements the Grizzlies have valued in previous draft cycles. Especially with a more consistent jumper, Haugh could easily find himself in lottery conversations with a step forward at Florida.
15. San Antonio Spurs: Isaiah Evans
TEAM: Duke POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 20.56
Every team in the NBA could use someone who can space the floor, and if you surround Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama with shooting, it's a recipe for success. Duke sophomore Isaiah Evans was great on his catch-and-shoot attempts last season and could continue to progress during his second year in the NCAA as a potential breakout candidate on the perimeter after testing the waters in the 2025 NBA Draft.
16. Boston Celtics: Miles Byrd
TEAM: San Diego State POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 21.81
The Celtics are in an unusual situation because while they might have a decent pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon, they still project as contenders in 2027 once he's able to return healthy. They'll certainly have an eye on Miles Byrd, a big winner from the 2025 NBA Draft Combine who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with Boston.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Bennett Stirtz
TEAM: Iowa POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 22.74
A smart NBA team is going to take a chance on Bennett Stirtz, who projects as one of the most impactful players to use the NCAA transfer portal after deciding to follow his former Drake coach Ben McCollum from Drake to Iowa. Perhaps the Big 10 is an adjustment for Stirtz, but he widely graded out as one of the best players in college basketball last season.
18. Milwaukee Bucks: Boogie Fland
TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-2 DRAFT AGE: 19.97
After losing star point guard Damian Lillard first to a torn Achilles tendon and then to free agency, the Bucks need help in their backcourt. One of the most interesting players they could target is Boogie Fland, who decided to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and then transfer to Florida. While undersized, he should play a key role as a floor general for the defending national champions.
19. Detroit Pistons: Alijah Arenas
TEAM: USC POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.29
Among all players we have projected in the first-round of the 2026 NBA Draft, perhaps no one has more variance than Alijah Arenas. The former McDonald's All-American, who is the son of three-time NBA All-Star guard Gilbert Arenas, was in a coma after a car crash earlier this year. The incoming USC freshman has one of the most fun highlight mixtapes you will see and could hear his name called far sooner than this with a strong NCAA campaign.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Hannes Steinbach
TEAM: Washington POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 20.16
Another standout performer at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup was German big man Hannes Steinbach. He averaged an absurd 17.4 points and 13.0 rebounds with 1.3 blocks per game during the tournament, showcasing occasional playmaking from his position as well. He will play college basketball for Washington next season and he could exceed expectations.
21. Atlanta Hawks: Dash Daniels
TEAM: Melbourne (NBL) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 18.53
Dash Daniels is the younger brother of Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. He also developed overseas at Australia's NBA Academy. Also known as a defender like his brother, Daniels played very well at the U17 World Cup in 2024, averaging 3.6 steals per game. But he recently struggled during the U19 World Cup, shooting just 28.8 percent from the field across his seven games.
22. Golden State Warriors: Kam Williams
TEAM: Kentucky POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 20.6
One of the most easily projectable players in the 2026 NBA Draft is Kam Williams, who used the portal to transfer to Kentucky from Tulane. He is a prototypical 3-and-D forward and shot 41.2 percent on 3-pointers during his freshman campaign in the NCAA. His unique ability to shoot well from beyond the arc and at the rim, coupled with his blend of defensive playmaking, will appeal to teams around the league.
23. Los Angeles Lakers: Kingston Flemings
TEAM: Houston POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.49
While his stock will depend on how much playing time he gets alongside Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp, there is already some buzz growing about Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. He is one of the most exciting point guards in this class and should have solid development playing under head coach Kelvin Sampson.
24. Minnesota Timberwolves: Brayden Burries
TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 20.78
Another former McDonald's All-America to watch is incoming Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, who was named 2025 California Mr. Basketball. He has shot 40.4 percent on his 3-pointers across 60 games tracked by Cerebro Sports. The wing is one of the headlining players of a strong recruiting class at Arizona, and any team drafting him is buying the pitch betting on his potential.
25. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): Nikolas Khamenia
TEAM: Duke POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.51
The Hornets have shown an affinity for drafting players from Duke and the next player on their radar is potentially former McDonald's All-American forward Nikolas Khamenia. He shot 44.0 percent on 3-pointers en route to a gold medal for Team USA during the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. He also won MVP at the 2024 FIBA 3x3 U-18 World Cup. He should slot in well playing for the Blue Devils next season and scale even better to the pros.
26. New York Knicks: Meleek Thomas
TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 19.9
Arkansas incoming freshman Meleek Thomas is an electrifying scorer from Overtime Elite Academy. He was one of the top recruits in college basketball and earned a McDonald's All-American nod. While he isn't an elite playmaker at this point, he should fare well playing a bit more off the ball in the NCAA.
27. Denver Nuggets: Karter Knox
TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.12
After an intriguing freshman campaign, Karter Knox tested the waters about turning pro deciding to return to school. He tested well at the NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 39.5-inch max vertical and a wingspan greater than 6-foot-10. Among all freshmen, Knox was one of the best 3-point shooters in the NCAA down the stretch.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU): Sergio De Larrea
TEAM: Valencia (Spain) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 20.57
One of the bigger surprises from the past cycle is that Sergio De Larrea did not declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Last season, while playing against pros in Spain, he shot 43.2 percent on his 3-pointers. He had limited playing time but averaged 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes while on the court.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Braylon Mullins
TEAM: UConn POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 20.2
Braylon Mullins is expected to compete for a spot in the starting lineup for UConn next season. The former McDonald's All American is shooting 45.6 percent on 3-pointers across 23 games tracked by Cerebro Sports and could continue to rise up draft boards if he plays well to start his tenure in the NCAA.
30. Washington Wizards (via OKC): Cayden Boozer
TEAM: Duke POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 18.95
As of right now, there are two teams that project to have one lottery pick and one non-lottery pick: The Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards. Expect the Boozer twins to rate very highly on big boards for both teams as yet another potential first-round pick playing for the Blue Devils next season. Cayden is a legitimately impressive playmaker and solid rebounder for his position, averaging 8.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds per 40 minutes in his 116 games tracked by Cerebro Sports.