It’s the chance for some of the most disadvantaged teams in the league to have their fortunes revived through the draft. And this year is particularly noteworthy for a few reasons.
For one, this is projected to be a generational draft class loaded with elite talent like AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Darryn Peterson of Kansas, though it’s also a very deep group.
For another, this year was also noteworthy because of the overt tanking that took place in the final months of the regular season, when the league’s worst teams not-so-subtly self-sabotaged their on-court performance with the hopes of securing one of these top picks. The lottery Sunday, May 10 determined whether all that tanking was worth it.
Here are the winners and losers from the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery:
No team saw a bigger jump in the lottery than the Bulls, who entered with the ninth-best odds to sneak into the top four. The Bulls did just that, leaping up to No. 4.
Chicago does have some nice pieces, but has lacked a star player who can create his own shot. The draft should fix that. Also, after Billy Donovan stepped down as coach, this leap up the board suddenly makes the vacant Chicago job a lot more appealing.
Wall, the last player Washington selected No. 1 overall, had represented the Wizards in the 2011 lottery, a year when Washington fell to No. 6 and drafted Jan Veselý. This time, Wall came through.
The Wizards, who had the worst record in the NBA at 17-65, secured the No. 1 selection and suddenly are in an enviable position. They brought on some veterans in Trae Young and Anthony Davis, have some young pieces in Alexandre Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson and will now get the chance to take their pick of Dybantsa or Peterson.
Let’s give Danny Ainge some credit (after he got a dose of good luck). The Jazz fully embraced the tank, pulling their starters in the fourth quarters of games, and now they’ll hold the No. 2 overall pick.
Utah already had some solid, young pieces, especially after it made the trade to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. Pairing him with Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, center Walker Kessler (who will be returning from a shoulder injury) and the No. 2 overall pick instantly gives the Jazz a fascinating and dynamic roster — and one that could be sneaky competitive as soon as next season.
Jumping up three spots – from No. 6 to No. 3 – could put the Grizzlies in an excellent spot to feel comfortable moving on from Ja Morant, whom the team reportedly made available in trade talks before the February deadline.
If Darryn Peterson falls to No. 3, he could be an excellent fit. Peterson has plenty of size at 6-foot-5, can handle the ball and has a natural scoring ability. Perhaps the thing Memphis would like most about Peterson is that he protected the ball, committing just 1.6 turnovers per game.
The entered the draft with a 14% chance to claim the No. 1 overall selection and a 52.1% chance to land a top-four pick, tied for highest among all teams. Yet, the Pacers landed in the worst possible place.
They sent their first-round selection to the Los Angeles Clippers in the trade that landed center Ivica Zubac. That pick, however, was protected for picks No. 1-4 and 10-30. That means that if the pick fell anywhere between that 5-9 range, it would go to Los Angeles.
Indiana nearly made it, but with its selection landing at No. 5, it was the last hurdle the Pacers had to clear to secure a top-four pick. So instead of pairing an elite talent with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Zubac, Indiana’s gap year ends up as a significant letdown.
I'm really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember - this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.
It also puts a ton of pressure on Zubac to deliver and make the deal worth it. In essence, the Pacers traded away Bennedict Mathurin and a couple of first-round draft picks – one of which became the No. 5 selection in a deep draft – for Zubac.
A fall of three spots might not initially appear to be so terrible, but in this draft it likely means the difference between a great player and a generational one.
The Nets had the third-worst record in the NBA (20-62) and are a very young team, one that made first first-round selections last season. Assuming most pre-draft projections hold true, the third pick could’ve netted Brooklyn someone like Caleb Wilson, the North Carolina star who is climbing up draft boards because of his blend of size, skill and athleticism. The Nets should still secure a very good player at No. 6, but the lottery wasn’t kind to a team that has won just 46 games over the last two seasons.
Put another way: the Nets have lost 118 games in the last two seasons and their highest draft picks were the No. 8 selection last year (Egor Dёmin) and the No. 6 pick this year.
The drawn-out melodrama about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is only going to intensify. All signs are pointing to an eventual divorce here, though there was perhaps the hope that a high draft pick would entice Antetokounmpo to re-commit to the team.
Instead, the Bucks will select No. 10. And while that isn’t a bad pick at all, it’s likely not enough to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. So expect the Bucks to field offers this offseason, especially now that we know what kind of draft assets prospective suitors will hold.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils battles for the ball in the second half against Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskiesduring the Elite Eight round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is over, and here’s who will be picking where.
#1 Pick: Washington Wizards
#2 Pick: Utah Jazz
#3 Pick: Memphis Grizzlies
#4 Pick: Chicago Bulls
#5 Pick: Los Angeles Clippers
#6 Pick: Brooklyn Nets
#7 Pick: Sacramento Kings
#8 Pick: Atlanta Hawks
#9 Pick: Dallas Mavericks
#10 Pick: Milwaukee Bucks
#11 Pick: Golden State Warriors
#12 Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
#13 Pick: Miami Heat
#14 Pick: Charlotte Hornets
There’s still some sifting and sorting to do, but there’s a chance that Duke’s star Cameron Boozer could end up with one of his father’s former teams, either Utah or Chicago. He might have been a ball-boy there or something, so that might be pretty cool for him.
Former Blue Devil Kon Knueppel repped Charlotte on stage, but the Bugs weren’t as lucky this year as they were last time out: the Hornets were the #1 envelope, meaning they’ll draw last.
However, Charlotte clearly has competent people running things now, so we’ll see who they find, and they could try to bundle the #14 and #18 picks and move up.
Picking at #9, Dallas won’t get an elite prospect to pair with Cooper Flagg unless something surprising happens, but they might get Nate Ament or Mikel Brown.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 31: Guard Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots over forward AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An instant reaction to the NBA draft lottery results.
The integrity! Won’t someone please think of the integrity? The Utah Jazz have moved up in the draft for the first time in franchise history. They will be picking 2nd overall. The tanking, resting starters in the fourth, and fines have all lead to this moment. We should also appreciate that all the teams picking in the top 4 are well deserving. The 42-40 Clippers did secure the 5th pick since the Pacers fell out of the top 4. Let us also be appreciative that OKC is picking 12th and the Mavericks are picking 9th. All is right with the world.
The question now facing the front office is: who will the be available at the 2nd spot. AJ Dybansta, or Darryn Peterson? The question now facing every Jazz fan is: just how far can this team make it in the playoffs next season? In the meantime we should all celebrate this monumental occasion, and be kind to our mothers.
SAN FRANCISCO — No lottery luck this time around for the Warriors.
The team will pick 11th in next month’s NBA draft after their most likely combination of ping-pong balls was pulled Sunday in Chicago during the NBA draft lottery. The Wizards earned the No. 1 pick.
Golden State had a 2% chance of moving up to No. 1 overall, 9.4% odds of moving into the top four and 77.6% probability of picking 11th, the likeliest outcome by way of finishing 37-45, the 11th-worst record in the NBA. David Banks-Imagn ImagesSteve Kerr signed on for his 13th and 14th seasons as the Warriors’ head coach, giving Golden State some clarity on its future heading into the lottery. NBAE via Getty Images
Golden State had a 2% chance of moving up to No. 1 overall, 9.4% odds of moving into the top four and 77.6% probability of picking 11th, the likeliest outcome by way of finishing 37-45, the 11th-worst record in the NBA.
Still, the pick gives general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. a valuable asset as the team seeks to retool for another run around 38-year-old superstar Steph Curry. They gained some clarity on their future about 24 hours before the lottery, when ESPN reported that coach Steve Kerr had agreed to a two-year contract to extend his tenure for a 13th and 14th season.
The coach-player duo has teamed up to win four championships, and with both back in tow, Golden State could dangle the 11th pick in trade talks for another star to complement Curry, such as the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard or the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, a class of draft prospects considered as strong as any in recent memory also gives them the option of injecting some much-needed youth into an aging roster.
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks called it the deepest class since the 1996 draft that produced 10 future All-Stars, including Kobe Bryant. A consensus seems to be forming around BYU wing AJ Dybantsa as the prospective No. 1 pick, but Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and UNC big man Caleb Wilson could all vie to go first overall.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. will make his highest selection since taking over for Bob Myers in 2023. NBAE via Getty Images
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, a consensus All-American who will be 24 on draft night, is more likely to be available for the Warriors’ selection and is the type of polished college player that Kerr has tended to prefer in the past.
“There certainly are different tiers of different players,” Warriors assistant GM and director of player personnel Larry Harris told reporters on a conference call before the lottery. “Certainly there seems to be four players that everybody talks about when I look at the mock drafts, but the way we look at it is we really believe it’s beyond 11 but up to 11 really, really good about whatever player lands in our lap.”
It worked out pretty well the last time the Warriors held the 11th pick, turning that selection in 2011 into Klay Thompson. They’ve drafted seven other players 11th overall: Andris Biedrins (2004), Mickael Pietrus (2003), Todd Fuller (1996), Tyrone Hill (1990), Jamaal Wilkes (1974), Kevin Joyce (1973) and Gary Hill (1963).
The Warriors will seek to add a player who can make a bigger impact than any of their previous three lottery selections since Kerr arrived as head coach in 2014-15. They struck out on James Wiseman (No. 2 overall in 2020) and Jonathan Kuminga (No. 7 in 2021). Moses Moody (No. 14 in 2021) has grown into a rotation regular, but he isn’t the foundational piece Golden State needs to help usher in the post-Curry era.
It will be Dunleavy’s highest selection as the Warriors’ top front office official. In his first draft, a few weeks after taking over for Bob Myers, Golden State added Brandin Podziemski at No. 19. He has also been adept at finding role players with second-round picks — Trayce Jackson-Davis (57th in 2023), Quinten Post (52nd in 2024) and Will Richard (56th in 2025).
“I’ll say this: We feel really good in the early stages of our draft prep from one through 15, 16, 17,” Harris said. “[With] the prep work we’ve done and leading into the combine, we feel very, very good about this draft and getting someone that we can add to our roster that will be young, exciting and our fans can get behind.”
CHICAGO — Two arduously long years of tanking. Two awful results.
Brooklyn suffered lousy lottery luck for the second straight season on Sunday, going in with the joint-best odds to win but tumbling all the way down to sixth in the draft.
The Nets had tanked their way to the third-worst record in the league at 20-62, tying them with Washington, which won the No. 1 pick, and Indiana for the best odds to win the lottery (14.0 percent) or land a top 3 pick (40.1%). But after falling from sixth to eighth a year ago, they slid from third to sixth on Sunday.
Sean Marks and the Nets ended up with the No. 6 pick in the NBA draft lottery. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTNBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum (r.) poses with Wizards great John Wall (l.) after Washington wins the NBA draft lottery in Chicago on May 10, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The sixth spot had actually been their likeliest landing spot at 26.02 percent.
But the lottery has rarely been kind to the Nets. They have had top 8 odds 10 times and only moved up twice and couldn’t make it a third, despite having Vince Carter on the dais, owner Joe Tsai in the drawing room and even superfan Mr. Whammy in the studio, having made the trip from New York.
Brooklyn will miss out on the franchise-changers at the top of the draft, and now could be picking from a host of guards in like Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: John Wall and Mark Tatum pose for a photo after the Washington Wizards win the 1st overall pick during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. This the fifth time in franchise history where Washington has won the top pick.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is also a candidate to be selected No. 1 by Washington. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 20.2 PPG, 1.6 APG and 4.2 RPG on 43.8% FG and 38.2% 3PT during his lone season as a Jayhawk.
In a press release by the team, Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger said the following:
Today is another encouraging day for Wizards fans and our entire organization. To choose first among this inspiring group of athletes is a welcomed opportunity, and challenge, for our group. We look forward to adding another high performing young player to our ascending team.
This is a great Mother’s Day present indeed for Wizards fans in the DMV and worldwide!
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 7: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after a play during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean E. Smith Center on November 7, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The order for the 2026 NBA Draft has finally been determined after the long-awaited lottery drawing. The Washington Wizards will have the first overall pick, while the Utah Jazz choose second, the Memphis Grizzlies pick third, and the Chicago Bulls will have the fourth selection. The first round of the draft will be held on Tuesday, June 23, while the second round will be the following day.
The Wizards entered the lottery with a 14 percent chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick. The stakes of this drawing were even higher with lottery reform coming to the NBA Draft next year to address the league’s purported tanking crisis. Every team that moved into the top-four should consider themselves a big winner thanks to the four elite prospects sitting at the top of this class.
Let’s do an instant mock draft with order settled. This is how we see the first-round playing out after the Wizards come on the clock at No. 1 overall.
1. Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
NBA scouts dream about finding big wing shot-creators like Dybantsa. The 6’9 forward is an incredibly fluid athlete who puts consistent pressure on the rim with his long, coordinated strides attacking the basket. Dybantsa can create a good look for himself in a pinch with the bend to turn the corner on drives, the power to finish through contact, and the length to hit shots over contests. His shot profile is a bit mid-range heavy, but his ability to get to his spots and make tough turnarounds or touch finishes should have plenty of utility in the playoffs when the game slows down. He’s a capable three-point shooter, though teams will want to see him improve his volume once he enters the league. His defensive impact also feels muted for a player with such great physical tools. Dybantsa is built to stockpile points and come up with clutch buckets in the NBA for more than a decade.
2. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Peterson failed to meet sky-high expectations entering Kansas this season due to lingering cramping and soft tissue strains in his lower body that often kept him out of close games late. As long as those aren’t long-term injuries, the 6’5 guard is still a fantastic prospect who brings scoring punch, volume three-point shooting, defensive playmaking, and some shot creation to any backcourt. Peterson can play on or off the ball and still put immense pressure on opposing defenses as a scorer. He offered real movement shooting as a freshman, zooming around screens and hitting three-pointers with volume and deep range. He showed he could still cook bigger and slower defenders off the bounce, but it often felt like he bailed out of drives to take mid-range shots. Peterson’s playmaking vision is a real question if he’s going to be used as a de facto point guard. Will the rim attacking he flashed in high school show up again when he gets fully healthy? Even with some questions, Peterson projects to be a plus on the defensive end with great three-point shooting, and that’s a valuable prospect in any context.
3. Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
Boozer is the best prospect in the draft for my money due to his combination of lighting-quick processing, brute strength, shooting touch, and all-around offensive versatility. The 6’9, 250-pound forward can drive like a guard, space the floor beyond the arc like a wing, and clean the glass like a big. Giving Boozer the ball is a one-way ticket to creating a good look, whether he’s doing it himself or finding an open teammate. He’s a bit slow footed and doesn’t project to be a plus defensively, but his ability to create efficient offense every time the ball touches his hands overrides those questions. How many times is the smartest player on the floor also the strongest while being a 40 percent three-point shooter? He should be an All-NBA caliber player with brains, brawn, and skill.
4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Wilson combines elite athleticism and a non-stop motor to make jaw-dropping plays all over the floor. The 6’10 forward dunked absolutely everything around the rim this year with 67 slams in 24 games, but there’s more to his offensive game than that. He will be a threat in the post with the ability to hit tough mid-range turnarounds, and his passing is a major plus for someone so big and so athletic, too. Wilson’s defense will be his calling card early in his career, and he could be special on that end. His ground coverage is excellent, he has the length and bounce to offer secondary rim protection and be a plus on the defensive glass, and he consistently makes extra efforts. The big hole in Wilson’s game is his three-point shot, which is non-existent right now. Even with the outside shooting concerns, Wilson plays like a runaway freight train on both ends in the best way possible. He feels like a stronger prospect than the typical No. 4 overall pick, and it wouldn’t be too surprising if he goes even higher than that after recent reports that some front offices prefer him over certain members of the big-three.
5. Los Angeles Clippers – Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Wagler entered Illinois as the No. 150 recruit in the rankings, and left as a lock to be a top-10 draft pick after just one season. The freshman started to ascend once he was moved into an on-ball role mid-way through the season, which allowed him to flash his fantastic pull-up shooting chops, his capable playmaking, and his turnover avoidance. Wagler loves to get into his step-back three, especially when a big switches onto him, but he’s equally adept at spacing the floor and shooting it with range off the catch. He’s not exactly Tyrese Haliburton as a passer, but the Illini guard was able to hit his talented teammates in stride all year while avoiding costly live-ball turnovers. There are still moments where you can see why Wagler was so under-the-radar as a recruit. He’s not a great athlete, and ended the year with zeros — a shocking stat for a 6’6 one-and-done lottery pick. He didn’t do much on defense, though that could be partially explained with Illinois’ conservative scheme that finished dead-last in defensive turnover rate. Do teams trust him to drive and finish at the rim against NBA athletes? Wagler’s skill set still feels pretty malleable as a tall guard who can shoot and won’t make a bunch of mistakes. This is the best story in this draft class, and it keeps getting better.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
Flemings stood out in a loaded freshman guard class for his quick-twitch athleticism and two-way aptitude. The 6’3 guard plays bigger than his size with a strong chest, impressive lateral quickness, and disruptive hands on the defensive end. The Cougars star is so hard to contain as a driver with the standstill burst to get by the first defender, and awesome change of direction ability when he’s attacking off the bounce. Flemings is at his best as a scorer elevating for mid-range shots, but his driving is most dangerous because of his live-dribble passing ability. NBA teams will want to see Flemings up his three-point volume, prove he can finish over NBA rim protectors, and get to the line more often. He still has enough bankable NBA skills that he should be a good lead guard for a long time.
7. Sacramento Kings – Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
John Calipari has had a lot of great freshman guards over the years, but I’m not sure any of them were more productive than Acuff. The Detroit native forced his way into national conversations with his takeover scoring ability and proficient playmaking against top competition all season. Acuff isn’t the biggest guard at 6’3, but he consistently found ways to beat the opposing defense, whether he was ripping three-pointers from deep, making tough shots off the bounce from the middle of the floor, or getting off the ball and spacing the floor for his teammates. Acuff carried such a huge offensive burden for his team this year that it makes sense that his defensive tape wasn’t too impressive. He also just doesn’t have good tools defensively, so he’ll remain a question on that end of the floor. His finishing over NBA length is also a concern after making only 59 percent of his rim attempts this season. If Acuff really is a 44 percent three-point shooter he showed this year, he should be able to overcome any other physical limitations. That just feels like a big bet this high in the lottery.
8. Atlanta Hawks – Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
Brown was slowed down by a pesky back injury throughout the year, but he had some of the best flashes in the class when he was healthy. The 6’5 point guard combines high-volume three-point shooting, creative passing, and the ability to produce paint touches that gives him the chance to be an offensive engine at the next level if everything goes right. Brown doesn’t settle for mid-range shots like Flemings or Acuff, and while it can lead to more game-t0-game variance in performance, it could help him come out ahead over a longer sample. He can generate three-point looks out of thin air that sometimes go in, or can at least lead to offensive rebound chances. He surpassed expectations as a driver, and his playmaking is astounding in its best moments, finding passing angles few other players would see. Brown’s defensive tape wasn’t all that good, but he does have a little more height to fall back on than some of the other guards in this class. The back injury is scary and the shot-selection probably needs to be reigned in a tad, but the upside for an All-Star level offensive guard is there.
9. Dallas Mavericks – Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
Burries is a well-rounded shooting guard without an elite skill to fall back on. He fits the definition of a ‘two-way player’ as a strong 6’5 guard who can play through contact on both ends while also offering floor spacing with a 39 percent three-point shot. He’s a good transition player with a deep bag of scoring moves in the open floor, including pull-up threes. He can lock up at the point of attack on the defensive end, and his rebounding is better than most two guards with his offensive gifts. Two things appear to limit his upside right now: he lacks elite burst as a ball handler, and he’s not yet a good enough playmaker to demand super high usage. Burries is a one-and-one, but he’ll also be a 21-year-old rookie with a September 2005 birthday, making him a couple months older than junior wing Dailyn Swain out of Texas. Burries should be rock solid, but it’s fair to question his upside.
Lendeborg’s winding road in college basketball started at the JUCO level, made a stop at UAB, and concluded with a national championship run at Michigan where he looked like the best player in the NCAA tournament. He could have been a first-round pick in last year’s draft, but there’s no doubt the super-senior forward helped himself with one more year of school. Yes, Lendeborg will be a 24-year-old rookie, but he also offers a rare two-way skill set and tremendous physical profile worthy of top-10 consideration regardless of age. At 6’9, 240 pounds, with a 7’4 wingspan, Lendeborg has the length of an NBA center with the skill to play out on the perimeter. He made 37.2 percent of his threes (on 180 attempts) and 82.4 percent of his free throws this season to prove his shooting touch. He’s always been a good passer who won’t be a ball stopper. He’s awesome on the defensive end, showing wing stopper abilities at the point of attack while also rushing in for chasedown blocks and pick-sixes when he sees an opening. Lendeborg also seems to have the right mentality as he readies for the pros. His age caps his upside a bit, but this is should still be a really good player right away.
11. Golden State Warriors – Aday Mara, C, Michigan
We had Mara as a preseason one-and-done lottery pick when he first came over from Spain to enroll at UCLA, but instead he sat on Mick Cronin’s bench for two years. The whole world saw what Mara could do when he helped lead Michigan to a national championship, and it’s possible no player helped their NBA stock more during March Madness. Mara will be one tallest and longest players in the NBA from day one standing at 7’3 with a reported 7’7 wingspan. He has an easy translation as a rim protector who specializes in drop coverage, but he doesn’t have much ball screen versatility because of his slow feet. On the offensive end, Mara can juice transition opportunities with his excellent outlet passing, and also serve as a hub in the halfcourt who can zing the ball to open cutters. He’ll have scoring utility as a lob threat, and he has flashes of post moves and scoring touch inside. Mara doesn’t shoot the ball well from the perimeter, and was also a very bad free throw shooter before making strides in the second half of the season. This might seem a little high, but the success of multi-year college bigs in the lottery like Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey should give teams confidence that Mara can translate.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky
It requires a leap of faith to draft Quaintance. The big man tore his ACL in Feb. 2025, and it resulted in a lost season this year at Kentucky where he only played four uninspiring games. The last time we saw him healthy, though, Quaintance looked like an elite defender as a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State. While he’s a tad short for a center, Quaintance has long arms, huge hands, a solid base, and a strong chest to play bigger than his size. His ground coverage is phenomenal and should give him maximum coverage versatility against the pick-and-roll. He can also wall up at the rim as a shot-blocker, and he’s a great rebounder on both ends. Aside from putbacks, there are real questions about how his game translates offensively. He’s not a shooter, and while there are some ball handling flashes on the tape, it shouldn’t be considered a strength. Quaintance might have been a top-5 pick if he was healthy this year. Instead, he feels like one of the riskier prospects available, but one that could turn into a major steal.
13. Miami Heat – Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez has been on NBA radars for years as a big forward who offers ball handling, scoring upside, and some defensive versatility. A native of Mexico who spent this season playing in the Australian NBL, Lopez showed flashes of downhill attacks, active rebounding on both ends, and defensive playmaking. He’s not a great outside shooter (32.2 percent on three attempts per game) or decision-maker yet (57 assists to 46 turnovers), which are clear areas for improvement as he enters the NBA.
14. Charlotte Hornets – Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Ament was top-5 in just about every preseason mock, but his freshman year at Tennessee left a little to be desired. The 6’10 forward struggled badly to finish at the rim (51.8 percent), never found consistency with his three-ball (33 percent), and didn’t always respond well to physicality. Ament feels like he’ll need a couple more years to develop, but there’s still an outline of a two-way forward who spaces the floor here if everything goes right. Ament was in a tough team context at Tennessee where he needed to take on significant usage on a cramped floor. He took too many off the dribble shots, which he was terrible at. It’s easy to see Ament one day having success as more of a fourth-option who can hit spot-ups, attack closeouts, and use his length to contest shots defensively. He should be one of the more polarizing prospects on draft night, but being this highly regarded out of high school usually makes you a lottery pick.
15. Chicago Bulls – Dailyn Swain, F, Texas
Swain intrigued in his first two college seasons at Xavier as a long and bouncy wing who brought it on the defensive end. Upon transferring to Texas this season, he exploded offensively as a slasher to become one of the more complete prospects in this class. Swain still took on the toughest defensive assignment most nights for the Longhorns, and showed he could still get into the passing lanes and disrupt the offense’s flow even when carrying a higher usage rate. With more offensive freedom, Swain unleashed an improved handle that helped him create space one-on-one and get to the parts of the floor where he could score efficiently. Swain finished well at the rim (64.3 percent) with 83 percent of those looks being self-created. His mid-range touch was also awesome at 47.6 percent on non-rim twos with 95 percent of them coming without an assist. His three-point shot remains a work in progress, but he’s made huge strides to go from 11 makes combined as a freshman and sophomore, to 32 made three-pointers this year at a 34.8 percent clip. If you want positional size and athleticism with two-way adaptability on the wing, Swain is your guy.
16. Memphis Grizzlies – Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Stirtz is a skilled shot-creator as an efficient ball handler and shooter who scores well from all over the floor. The 6’4 guard can play on- or off-the-ball with a fantastic feel for reading ball screens as a handler, and he also has a quick trigger from three when he’s spacing the floor for his teammates. Stirtz does a good job of mapping the floor as a passer, and he’s also shined at suppressing turnovers. He’s a really good scorer both inside and outside the arc, showing mid-range pull-up shooting, crafty finishing, and accurate three-point shooting. He’s not super long or explosive, but he knows how to dictate pace and should be effective in the open floor after playing a very slow style at Iowa. He also played a ton of minutes for the Hawkeyes and showed he could still hit big shots at the end of games despite rarely ever hitting the bench. There are some defensive questions with Stirtz, but his high-IQ shows up at times on that end, too. Don’t write him off just because he’s a senior. He’s going to be a good pro for a long-time.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington
Steinbach is a monster rebounder with soft hands and tons of potential as a play-finisher. The Washington freshman is bit stuck in between positions at 6’11, 230 pounds without plus length, but he should have no problem playing in the two-big lineups that are suddenly more en vogue around the league. Steinbach’s rebounding is an elite skill after he posted a 14.3 percent offensive rebound rate and a 25 percent defensive rebound rate. Finishing so many putbacks aided his 63.6 percent true shooting on the season, but he does more than attack the glass. Steinbach can fly in transition for acrobatic finishes, and his ability to catch everything thrown at him often leads to easier chances around the basket. His outside shot is a bit of a question, but he did hit 34 percent of his threes on 53 attempts in 30 games this year. He’s not a natural rim protector defensively, so he’ll probably spend time at both frontcourt spots going forward. So long as Steinbach can keep making progress with his three and hold his own defensively, he should be a highly efficient finisher who also generates a lot of extra possessions for his team.
18. Charlotte Hornets – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Philon could have been a first-round pick in last year’s draft before being lured back to school for a big NIL bag, but there’s no question he improved his stock as a sophomore. Philon made major strides as a three-point shooter, going from 31.5 percent to 40 percent from deep while nearly doubling his volume. He feels like the shiftiest ball handler in the class, and his drive-and-kick game should be a natural fit in the NBA. He also has one of the best floaters in this class. Philon is pretty small for a guard, but he has the same standing reach as Tyrese Maxey, and he turned out okay. Playing in Alabama’s NBA system should only aid him as he makes the jump to the league.
19. Toronto Raptors – Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
Cenac is a long and athletic big man with a nice shooting stroke who needs to continue to work on his feel for the game and toughness. The fact that he committed to Houston and steadily improved throughout the year is a green flag in his favor. Kelvin Sampson holds his players to a high standard of grit, and Cenac earned his trust more and more as the season went on. Cenac’s 7’4 wingspan helps him challenge shots defensively and shoot over contests. He made 30-of-90 shots from three-point range this season. He was also excellent on the defensive glass with a 26 percent d-board rate. Cenac is raw, but the tools are undeniable. Give him a few years and you might have a valuable player.
20. San Antonio Spurs – Morez Johnson Jr., F/C, Michigan
Johnson may be a tad short for a big man at 6’9, but he makes up for it with length, strength, toughness, and efficiency as a scorer. He blossomed upon transferring to Michigan this season, where he showed he could play with other bigs and still impact the game as a rebounder, screen-setter, and play-finisher. Johnson was dominant at the rim by hitting 73 percent of his looks, and he makes his free throws when he gets fouled with a 78 percent stroke from the line. After not taking a three during his freshman season at Illinois, he made 34 percent of his triples on 35 attempts at Michigan, showing that he could have some shooting potential long-term. The biggest part of Johnson’s appeal comes on the defensive end, where he’s strong enough to guard bigs, quick enough to defend most guards and wings, and plays with a physicality that bumps opponents off their spots. There’s nothing flashy about his game, but he knows his role and executes it well. The NBA’s recent trend back to double-big lineups should only help Johnson’s stock.
21. Detroit Pistons – Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
Carr’s intersection of length and shooting gives him obvious appeal. The 6’5 wing reportedly has a 7’2 wingspan, and he made 37.6 percent of his threes on 10.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions. Carr spent two years on the bench at Tennessee (partially because of a thumb injury) before blossoming at Baylor this season. He doesn’t offer much creation ability, and had almost as many turnovers (81) as assists (90) this season. Still, if you need an off-ball guard with a quick trigger and deep range from three, there are worse options than Carr.
22. Philadelphia 76ers – Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
Graves came out of nowhere this season to become one of college basketball’s most productive and disruptive players on a per-minute basis. The 6’9 forward is an ultra-aggressive defender who tries to rip the ball away from his opponents at every opportunity, resulting in an unfathomable five percent steal rate and five percent block rate, and also a lot of fouls. Graves isn’t just a hacker: he also hit 40 percent of his threes, made connective passes without turning the ball over, and used his great hands to suction in rebounds at both ends. If he can tone down the fouling while maintaining his defensive playmaking, he could be a steal.
23. Atlanta Hawks – Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
Anderson is a high-volume three-point shooter and excellent playmaker who will have to overcome concerns about his size and defensive ability. The 6’2 guard made 41.5 percent of his threes on 12.1 attempts per 100 possessions from deep, with 56.5 percent of his makes coming on pull-ups without an assist. Anderson’s off-the-dribble shooting is even more valuable when mixed with his playmaking, where he posted an awesome 35.2 percent assist rate while struggling a bit with turnovers at times. He’ll need to prove his offensive skill level is high enough to keep him on the floor late in games where he could be targeted defensively.
24. New York Knicks – Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Veesaar is one of the few stretch five options in this class. The North Carolina big man took 27.5 percent of his field goal attempts from three-point range this season, and knocked down those shots at a 42.6 percent clip. His poor free throw shooting (61.5 percent) is a signal that his long ball could be fake, but he does enough well on the court to still provide some value if the shot falls off. Veesaar is a good passer who avoids turnovers and an efficient overall scorer despite the struggles from the line. He’s not a defensive enforcer in the middle, and will have to be more of an offensively-slanted big.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Jefferson is a big, strong forward who brings two-way ability and rare passing vision for someone his size. He made a nice leap as a shooter this year to get up to 34.5 percent frmo three (a career-best), but he’ll need to continue to grow in that area. He will add some toughness and rebounding to any frontcourt, and his ball handling and playmaking would let JJ Redick’s coaching staff get creative with his usage.
26. Denver Nuggets – Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
Okorie wasn’t even a top-100 recruit entering his freshman year at Stanford, but the guard immediately put the rest of the country on notice with his terrifying speed fueling his shot-creation ability. Okorie has a wicked first step and even better acceleration to create driving lanes to the rim. He’s not the best finisher, but he can hit touch finishes from mid-range, and his live dribble passing (while avoiding turnovers) is impressive. He hit 35.4 percent from three this year on nearly 180 attempts, which should give teams confidence in his shot going forward. If you want a downhill guard, Okorie is worth a pick even higher than this.
27. Boston Celtics – Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s
Ejiofor is a great mover for someone with a 245-pound frame. The St. John’s senior big man isn’t super tall or long, but he adds a level of physicality to any frontcourt while also intriguing with his connective passing ability. Ejiofor is really good on the glass at both ends, and he can offer some rim protection while also having pick-and-roll coverage versatility. His rim finishing and playmaking are solid, but he might need to develop a three-point shot to stay in the NBA.
Tanner deserves to be a first-round pick if he stays in the draft, but his lack of size could push him down the order. The 6-foot guard became one of college basketball’s best players as a sophomore by unleashing his athleticism at both ends and improving as a shooter. He plays with a rare physicality for someone under 175 pounds, which gives him some defensive utility despite his lack of size. Tanner is super fast, a smart playmaker, and a daring finisher off his drives. He’d be a steal in this range.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaiah Evans, G, Duke
There isn’t a better shooter running off screens in this class than Evans. The Duke sophomore hit 36 percent of his 280 threes, with many of them coming on difficult attempts that leveraged his movement shooting ability. Evans’ 86 percent stroke from the free throw is a better indicator of how good his touch really is. He’s a bit thin for a shooting guard and isn’t a natural creator, so there will be questions about his defensive translation.
30. Dallas Mavericks – Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Thomas is a walking bucket who also makes good decisions with the ball. The 6’5 guard is at his best as a microwave scorer, but unlike many in that archetype, his shot selection and turnovers aren’t a cause for concern.
The Nets will have the No. 6 pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Brooklyn entered Sunday's NBA Draft Lottery with a 14 percent chance to land the top overall pick, tied with the Washington Wizards -- who landed the pick -- and Indiana Pacers.
The Nets finished the season with the third-worst record in the league at 20-62 and now have a chance to improve the team on June 23, when the first round is scheduled at Barclays Center.
The Top 5 picks in the NBA Draft will be as follows:
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: The sneakers worn by Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
UPDATE: Added a +950 SGP. + who will win prediction.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will put their undefeated home playoff record on the line against the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 tonight.
My Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions expect Jarrett Allen to go at Jalen Duren tonight, en route to cashing the Over on his point total.
Let's dive in with my complete NBA picks for Monday, May 11.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4 prediction today
Who will win Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4?
Cavaliers: A playoff series hasn’t really started until the home team loses, and I don’t believe this series will start until at least Game 5. With Saturday’s 116-109 win over the Pistons, the Cavaliers are 5-0 at home in the playoffs, with a point differential of +47.
Pistons vs Cavaliers best bet: Jarrett Allen Over 12.5 points (-105)
Jarrett Allen has averaged 20 points over his last two games. He’s recorded 13+ in four of his last five, with the only exception being a two-point dud in Game 1 of the semifinals.
Allen has averaged 13.8 points across five home playoff games this season, and he’s gone for 13+ in two straight at Rocket Center.
In 11 career matchups with Duren, Allen has averaged 14.6 points. He scored 13+ in seven of those head-to-heads, including four of five at home.
COVERS INTEL: Allen averaged 17.8 points in 13 games post All-Star break, scoring 13+ points 11 times in that span.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4 same-game parlay
Donovan Mitchell has scored 30+ points in back-to-back games. In five matchups with the Pistons, he’s averaged 30.8 points and scored 29+ four times. Mitchell has been a more potent scorer at home, and I expect him to come through in a big way as the Cavs look to even up the series.
The Cavaliers built momentum after a win in Game 3, and they can tie the series at two games apiece with a win in front of the home crowd. The home team has won five straight in this head-to-head, and Cleveland is 31-12 straight up as the home favorite this season.
Pistons vs Cavaliers SGP
Jarrett Allen Over 12.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 points
Cavaliers moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Big man blitz
Allen averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds during the regular season, bumping those numbers to 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds after the All-Star Break.
In 11 head-to-head matchups with Duren, he’s gone for 8+ rebounds eight times, to go along with his impressive scoring output in those clashes. He’s recorded 13 points and eight rebounds together in four of five at home opposite Duren.
Tobias Harris has enjoyed a renaissance this postseason, and I expect another big showing in Game 4. Over his last eight, Harris has averaged 22.5 points and 7.5 boards, scoring 19+ in eight straight and corralling 7+ rebounds six times.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won five straight games at Rocket Arena. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Monday, May 11, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Pistons vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts to a Josh Hart (not pictured) three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Knicks return to Xfinity Mobile Arena tonight for Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, carrying a 3-0 series lead and a chance to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. New York has controlled the matchup from the opening tip of Game One, overpowering Philadelphia with physicality, rebounding, and defensive pressure. OG Anunoby is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue for the Knicks, while Joel Embiid is probable despite ongoing hip soreness as the 76ers try to stave off elimination on their home floor.
Game time is at 3:30 p.m. EST on ABC. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Show those Philly fans what good sportsmanship looks like. And go Knicks!
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Knicks Game 4 computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 5.5 assists (-130)
Projection: 3.01 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns has been racking up the dimes of late, but our model shows a 31.69% EV edge, good enough for a five-star play.
The Philadelphia 76ers' season is on the line, and they'll throw everything they can on defense to stay alive. With Joel Embiid hobbling on defense, KAT could also just go at him all game.
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Josh Hart Under 13.5 points (-120)
Projection: 11.84 points
Josh Hart does a lot for the Knicks, but scoring hasn't really been one of them against the 76ers. He's gone Under this number in all three games, and our model expects him to do it again tonight.
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Mikal Bridges Under 15.5 points (-110)
Projection: 13.43 points
Mikal Bridges has found his shooting stroke, but our model predicts some regression. This projects to be a slow game, which means lower point totals across the board.
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76ers Game 4 computer picks
VJ Edgecombe Over 12.5 points (-105)
Projection: 15.35 points
Our model has found another five-star play for this game, with a 25.68% EV edge. VJ Edgecombe has been stellar for the Sixers for most of the season, and he's eclipsed this number in 50% of his playoff games.
VJ already showed in Game 2 what he can do for Philly, and it'll look for him to contribute with the season on the line.
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Quentin Grimes Over 6.5 points (-105)
Projection: 8.08 points
Quentin Grimes comes off the bench for the 76ers, providing a capable scoring punch. While he's cashed this line in just one of three games against the New York Knicks, our model sees him scoring today with his team's season on the line.
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Paul George Over 3.5 assists (+110)
Projection: 3.84 assists
Paul George's shot isn't falling at the rate he — or Philly — wants, so he has to find other ways to help his team win. PG dished out four dimes in Game 2 and finished at exactly three in the other two meetings.
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How to watch Knicks vs 76ers Game 4
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Tip-off
4:30 p.m. ET
TV
abc
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The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is one of the most anticipated prospect-related events in recent memory. Results will significantly change many franchises.
This draft class is heavily loaded with potential NBA superstars such as AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson. Basketball fans will learn more about these players during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, which is this week in Chicago.
A total of 73 players received invitations to participate, although Juke Harris already decided to withdraw as an early entry candidate from the pre-draft process. A select few additional players are expected to receive invitations based on performance at the G League NBA Draft Combine.
These prospects will look to separate themselves from the pack and earn a chance to hear their name in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, held in Brooklyn at Barclays Center on June 23.
2026 NBA Mock Draft
The order of picks between No. 1 and No. 14 became official after the completion of the 2026 NBA draft lottery while picks No. 15 through No. 60 were solidified at the conclusion of the regular season and a tiebreaking process.
The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and benefited tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances. He would be a fascinating fit next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss. It is important to note that his father, former NBA player Carlos Boozer, currently works as a scout for Utah. The Jazz are building a much stronger core after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. and drafting Ace Bailey, and this would only add to it.
The Memphis Grizzlies are unafraid to draft away from consensus and tend to like analytically-friendly prospects. One general manager also told Jake Fischer that “every team” is going to have North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson over either one of Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. Memphis is potentially one of those teams. His injury, which caused him to miss the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb, did not hurt his draft stock at all. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement. According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.
Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor reported that some front office executives view Wilson with “similarly high upside” as Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson with “dramatically lower downsides” than the guard. While he is certainly no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received “largely positive” feedback. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.
The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers and when they are on the clock at No. 5 overall, that pick is potentially Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night. His true height measurements are one of the bigger questions lingering over the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Keaton Wagler
TEAM: Illinois
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Kansas
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19
During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.
TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Michigan
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Kings need a potential star like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Brayden Burries
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Guard
BORN: California
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 20
With the pick the Hawks received from the New Orleans, one target is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries. He was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.
The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and after hiring Masai Ujiri, they could benefit from a player as productive as Yaxel Lendeborg. He showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. While he is older than other players projected in the first round, his impact in college basketball was undeniable.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
TEAM: Louisville
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Milwaukee Bucks, potentially heading toward an ugly Giannis Antetokounmpo divorce, must simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, some scouts feel Brown has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range.
11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López
TEAM: International (Australia)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Mexico
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19
Karim López had a low usage rate and played few minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 7-3
DRAFT AGE: 21
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder could add even more lottery-caliber talent, like Michigan center Aday Mara, in the 2026 NBA Draft. While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near the lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim.
The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Labaron Philon
TEAM: Alabama
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament. This is about the range of German big man Hannes Steinbach, who reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Joshua Jefferson
TEAM: Iowa State
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Nevada
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 22
The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16. The Grizzlies are not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Nate Ament
TEAM: Tennessee
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Virginia
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 19
While the Thunder may not actually use this pick because they have such an abundance of talent on its roster already, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament. The forward reportedly considered returning to college to aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His decision to declare for this class, instead, suggests he is likely comfortable with the feedback he has received so far. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking near the lottery.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Jayden Quaintance
TEAM: Kentucky
POSITION: Big
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 18
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers.
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
TEAM: Iowa
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 22
The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Dailyn Swain
TEAM: Texas
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 20
After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders. He is quick, bouncy, a solid rebounder and his 81.5 percent free-throw percentage indicates he has good shooting form. While he has three years of college experience, at 20 years old, he is the same age as a few NCAA freshmen.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson
TEAM: Texas Tech
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 20
While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and will want more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players, per CBB Analytics. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Ebuka Okorie
TEAM: Stanford
POSITION: Guard
BORN: New Hampshire
HEIGHT: 6-2
DRAFT AGE: 19
Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz but could withdraw as an early entry candidate, per Jonathan Givony, though he would only return to Stanford.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr.
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Big
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 19
It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, get hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds. Cenac told reporters he is “fully committed” to the NBA Draft.
24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves
TEAM: Santa Clara
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20
One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He declared early entry for the 2026 NBA Draft but also entered his name in the transfer portal and could return to school.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Illinois
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 20
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to win the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson is also a candidate to return to college and withdraw as an early entry candidate but is reportedly “very likely” to stay in.
26. Denver Nuggets: Cameron Carr
TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 21
One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.
27. Boston Celtics: Henri Veesaar
TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Estonia
HEIGHT: 7-0
DRAFT AGE: 22
We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Celtics, will have him high on their priority list. He presumably feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.
It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise should he decide to turn pro after this season, it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. Tanner could also return to school but will receive first-round buzz if he stays in the draft.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Luigi Suigo
TEAM: International (Serbia)
POSITION: Big
BORN: Italy
HEIGHT: 7-4
DRAFT AGE: 19
One of the most notable prospects currently playing overseas is Italian big man Luigi Suigo. While playing a smaller role for KK Mega Basket in Serbia, he averaged 16.9 points with 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. He would also occasionally shoot from beyond the arc, which is valuable for someone his size. As a starter on Feb. 21, he had 23 points (10-of-10 FG, 3-of-3 3PM) with 8 rebounds. If he does not get feedback that he is projected as a first-round pick, expect him to consider several big schools in the NCAA as well.
UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.
2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds
This list is ordered fully based on the lottery odds determined by the chance that each franchise receives the No. 1 overall pick.
The Atlanta Hawks will receive whichever pick is between the New Orleans Pelicans. The Los Angeles Clippers will receive the pick from the Indiana Pacers if it falls between No. 5 and No. 9 overall. The Oklahoma City Thunder will receive the pick from the Clippers with no protections.
Washington Wizards: 14.0%
Indiana Pacers: 14.0%
Brooklyn Nets: 14.0%
Utah Jazz: 11.5%
Sacramento Kings: 11.5%
Memphis Grizzlies: 9.0%
Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): 6.8%
Dallas Mavericks: 6.7%
Chicago Bulls: 4.5%
Milwaukee Bucks: 3.0%
Golden State Warriors: 2.0%
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): 1.5%
Miami Heat: 1.0%
Charlotte Hornets: 0.5%
When is 2026 NBA Draft Lottery?
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC in Chicago at McCormick Place.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — OG Anunoby was ruled out again for Game 4 on Sunday with a strained right hamstring, and the New York Knicks forward remained day to day in the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. He went to the locker room area and did not return to the bench before the end of the Knicks’ 108-102 victory.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, who is considered the Knicks’ top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana. He missed the next four games and played just a few minutes in Game 7 as the Pacers rallied to win the series.
COVERS INTEL: Allen averaged 17.8 points in 13 games post All-Star break, scoring 13+ points 11 times in that span.
Knicks
76ers
