The top of the order in the 2026 NBA Draft offers hope for several franchises around the league who are looking to turn their trajectory around and there are a handful of prospects who can deliver that promise.
Most fans know the names Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa if they have followed high school or college basketball to any degree. But other names are emerging as bona fide lottery locks, too, with a few breakout prospects such as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler and Alabama freshman Amari Allen who are moving up big boards.
There are no wrong answers between Peterson, Boozer and Dybantsa as all offer special traits for their future pro franchise. But the rest of the first round has plenty of intrigue hiding in plain sight, too.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
- TEAM: Kansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Despite trading for Trae Young, the Washington Wizards could have one of the strongest backcourts in the Eastern Conference if they land the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson. When healthy, the Kansas freshman looks like one of the most talented prospects in recent memory and so this would immediately change their trajectory as a franchise.
- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the lottery. Any of the players at the top of the draft will return tremendous value for Brooklyn, but Cameron Boozer should excite their front office. He isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page as a prospect who offers a complete package to evaluators.
- TEAM: BYU
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Massachusetts
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Sacramento Kings have had an utterly disappointing season and could use a new identity. Drafting a player like BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa would given them that. The young star recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, then he had 43 dominant points against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24.
- TEAM: North Carolina
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Just one year removed from an appearance in the NBA Finals, the Pacers are now in a position to add one of the top prospects to their rotation once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles tendon injury. Now that Myles Turner is no longer on the roster, North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is a name they should consider. The double-double machine leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik, and would bolster the frontcourt next to Pascal Siakam.
5. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Kingston Flemings
- TEAM: Houston
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Texas
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 19
With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player. Following a trade that sent former franchise guard Trae Young to the Wizards, the Hawks could build a strong defensive backcourt next to Dyson Daniels by selecting Kingston Flemings. This freshman recorded 42 points, six assists and two steals against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24.
6. Utah Jazz: Keaton Wagler
- TEAM: Illinois
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Kansas
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The highest riser in the 2026 NBA Draft cycle so far is Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler, who continues to exceed all expectations as a one-and-done breakout star. The 18-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24 and he is now shooting 43.5 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game. As a cerebral guard and secondary playmaker, he would make for a perfect counterpart to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Jazz.
7. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
- TEAM: Louisville
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 20
If the Bucks decide to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo, they are going to need to take some home run swings. Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who was a standout for Team USA during the FIBA U-19 World Cup, represents exactly that. He isn’t scoring or shooting efficiently but he is a high-impact playmaker as a passer who could blossom into a promising lead guard.
8. Charlotte Hornets: Jayden Quaintance
- TEAM: Kentucky
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that has struggled on defense like the Charlotte Hornets.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr.
- TEAM: Arkansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Michigan
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Mavericks should feel excited about Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who is sensational at creating a basket for himself and has become a fantastic playmaker for head coach John Calipari. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the 2026 NBA Draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating in pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, Acuff Jr. has now scored at least 15 points in 15 consecutive games for Arkansas.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: New Jersey
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 23
Chicago has two solid players with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis both playing fairly well this season. They could add to their core by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Lendeborg 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.
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Alabama
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Whether or not the Grizzlies decide to move on from Ja Morant, they could use some help in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 22.0 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 37.0 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.1 assists per game in the process.
- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Arizona
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal. Add in that Trail Blazers assistant general manager Mike Schmitz went to college at Arizona, where Peat is currently thriving, and this seems like an ideal match given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
- TEAM: Washington
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Germany
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Nate Ament
- TEAM: Tennessee
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the San Antonio Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.
15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr
- TEAM: Baylor
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Minnesota
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 21
One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is the only player to reach 30 field goals that were dunks and 30 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. He also provides high-end value as a defender, too. His 7-foot-2 wingspan can help him find a role on any team.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson
- TEAM: Iowa State
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Nevada
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
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. Iowa State do-it-all senior Joshua Jefferson is a dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players still on their roster including Brandon Clarke and John Konchar. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López
- TEAM: International (Australia)
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Mexico
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
18. Miami Heat: Thomas Haugh
- TEAM: Florida
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Pennsylvania
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Heat.
19. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries
- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: California
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. Burries has shown genuine productivity and he is able to defend, cut, relocate, move the ball and make open 3-pointers.
20. Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II
- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space and he is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
21. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
- TEAM: Iowa
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Missouri
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 22
The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite 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. Stirtz, however, struggled against highly-ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.
22. Minnesota Timberwolves: Christian Anderson
- TEAM: Texas Tech
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Another notable breakout player on mock drafts and big boards right now is Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. He has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA and his game should scale well to the next level.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou
- TEAM: Baylor
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Benin
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Hawks.
24. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar
- TEAM: North Carolina
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Estonia
- HEIGHT: 7-0
- DRAFT AGE: 22
After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim 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 Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.
25. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Spain
- HEIGHT: 7-3
- DRAFT AGE: 21
As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins
- TEAM: Connecticut
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Indiana
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup.
27. Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin
- TEAM: Texas Tech
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Texas
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 21
Texas Tech junior JT Toppin has somehow become underrated this season despite averaging 22.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the country vs. Houston on Jan. 24, he had 31 points with 12 rebounds and three assists. It was his fifth game with at least 30 points and his 13th double-double out of 19 appearances.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Amari Allen
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Wisconsin
- HEIGHT: 6-7
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists with 2.2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play in January. He also shot 42.1 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 3.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.
- TEAM: Iowa State
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Wisconsin
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 21
While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from mid-range, among any prospect in the nation.
30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Illinois
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season 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 basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for AJ Dybantsa and top prospects
