Anshari Taslim
The impending 2026 NBA Draft is already being shaped by significant hypothetical scenarios, with widespread speculation surrounding a potential trade involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Should such a blockbuster deal materialize, particularly to the Miami Heat as projected in the latest mock draft, the ripple effects would extend across the league, profoundly influencing team strategies and draft night dynamics. The Milwaukee Bucks, facing a potential rebuild, would likely pivot their draft approach, focusing on future assets and long-term development. Amidst this uncertainty, the Washington Wizards are projected to select Darryn Peterson, a dynamic freshman guard, with the first overall pick.
Peterson, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound freshman from Kansas, is widely regarded by some analysts as the top prospect in his class. Averaging an impressive 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 38.2% from three-point range, Peterson demonstrated a versatile scoring ability and advanced court vision during his collegiate debut. His selection at No. 1 would provide the Washington Wizards with a foundational talent to anchor their rebuilding efforts. The Wizards, who have been actively seeking a cornerstone player to lead their franchise, would find Peterson’s offensive prowess and potential two-way impact a compelling fit for their roster construction. His capacity to create his own shot and operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations aligns with the modern NBA’s demands for primary ball-handlers.
Following Peterson, the Utah Jazz are projected to select AJ Dybantsa from BYU with the second pick. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9, 217-pound freshman forward, boasts an impressive stat line of 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, despite a 33.1% mark from beyond the arc. His high prospect and position rankings (1st in both categories) underscore his elite talent. For the Jazz, securing Dybantsa, who has ties to the state from his high school senior year at Utah Prep, would fulfill a long-term vision, adding a versatile scorer and playmaker to their evolving lineup.
The Memphis Grizzlies, holding the third overall selection, are projected to add Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound freshman forward from Duke. Boozer posted exceptional numbers in his freshman season, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, coupled with a remarkable 39.1% three-point shooting percentage. Analysts have noted that Boozer’s performance, which included one of the best one-and-done seasons in college basketball history, has almost become underrated in the current draft cycle. His blend of playmaking, rebounding, and scoring would provide an immediate and substantial boost to the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, potentially positioning him as a clear-cut No. 1 pick in many other draft classes.
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Completing the "Big Four" of this draft class, the Chicago Bulls are slated to pick Koa Wilson, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound freshman from North Carolina, at No. 4. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, though his three-point percentage stood at 25.9%. Described as the "easiest decision" for the Bulls, Wilson offers untapped offensive potential alongside significant athleticism and defensive capabilities. His addition would provide Chicago with a versatile wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor, addressing their need for a high-ceiling player capable of developing into a primary option.
The draft’s complexity is further highlighted from the fifth pick onwards. The Los Angeles Clippers are projected to select Jayden Wagler, a 6-foot-5, 188-pound freshman guard from Illinois, who led his team to the Final Four. Wagler’s 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 39.7% three-point shooting make him an intriguing prospect. This pick is identified as a potential turning point, with the Clippers possibly considering a trade down if they are confident in securing another prospect like Brayden Burries later in the lottery.
At pick No. 6, the Brooklyn Nets are projected to take Darius Brown, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound freshman point guard from Louisville. Brown’s season was impacted by a back injury, but when healthy, he averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and shot 34.4% from deep. His potential as the best point guard in the class, if medical clearances are satisfactory, makes him a high-reward pick for a Nets franchise in need of significant talent infusion following a series of first-round picks that have yet to yield substantial returns.
The Sacramento Kings, picking seventh, are expected to select Tre Acuff, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman from Arkansas. Acuff’s impressive collegiate performance included 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and an outstanding 44% three-point accuracy. His connection to Kings General Manager Scott Perry, who coached Acuff’s father in the 1990s, adds an intriguing layer to this projection. Acuff is widely considered the draft’s premier true point guard, capable of being an offensive engine, a critical need for Sacramento. Reports have suggested the Kings might even consider trading up to ensure his acquisition.
The Atlanta Hawks, at No. 8, are projected to add Jace Flemings, a 6-foot-3, 183-pound freshman guard from Houston. Flemings contributed 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and shot 38.7% from three, positioning him as an immediate two-way impact player for the Hawks.
A significant trade unfolds at pick No. 9, where the Oklahoma City Thunder move up, acquiring the pick from the Dallas Mavericks (in exchange for picks 12 and 17). The Thunder utilize this selection to draft Mate Mara, a 7-foot-3, 260-pound junior center from Michigan. Mara, who averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and shot 30% from three, was one of college basketball’s top shot-blockers. His addition would bolster the Thunder’s already deep roster, providing significant depth at the center position and reinforcing their defensive identity.
With the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami influencing the Milwaukee Bucks’ strategy, the team utilizes their own pick at No. 10 to select Jalen Ament, a 6-foot-10, 211-pound freshman forward from Tennessee. Ament is labeled a "boom-or-bust" prospect, having shown flashes of improvement while averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and shooting 33.3% from three. However, questions persist regarding his overall efficiency, particularly after shooting below 40% from the field.
The Golden State Warriors, at No. 11, are projected to take Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-foot-9, 241-pound senior forward from Michigan. Lendeborg’s stats include 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 37.2% from three. Despite concerns about his draft age, he is considered a clear-cut top-10 talent by some, offering the Warriors a seasoned, impactful player who fits their strategic targeting of mature, ready-now prospects.
Dallas, with the first of their two acquired picks, selects Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound freshman guard from Arizona, at No. 12. Burries averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and an impressive 39.1% from beyond the arc. Securing Burries, who was considered a potential top-9 pick, after trading down, would represent a significant win for the Mavericks, adding a talented scorer to their backcourt.
Milwaukee then makes its second first-round pick at No. 13, selecting Jonas Steinbach, a 6-foot-10, 248-pound freshman center from Washington. Steinbach, a double-double machine with 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 34% three-point shooting, is seen as the center of the future for the Bucks post-Giannis. His exceptional hands and interior presence would provide a strong foundation for their new direction.
The Charlotte Hornets, holding pick No. 14, are projected to draft Morez Johnson Jr., a 6-foot-9, 250-pound sophomore forward from Michigan. Johnson Jr. averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and shot 34.3% from three. While the Hornets have shown interest in traditional centers, Johnson Jr. offers size and versatility, capable of exploiting mismatches offensively and guarding multiple positions defensively.
The Chicago Bulls, with their second first-round pick at No. 15, are projected to take Tahaad Carr, a 6-foot-5, 184-pound sophomore guard from Baylor. After a limited freshman year, Carr blossomed at Baylor, leading the team with 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and impressive 49.4/37.4/80.1 shooting splits. His offensive upside is seen as a worthwhile investment.
At No. 16, the Memphis Grizzlies select Jeremy Anderson, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound sophomore guard from Texas Tech. Anderson, who averaged 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and shot 41.5% from three, is one of the draft’s top shooters and possesses the ability to create his own shot. This pick positions him as the Grizzlies’ point guard of the future.
Dallas, with its final first-round pick acquired from Oklahoma City, drafts Karim Lopez, a 6-foot-8, 222-pound power forward from Mexico, at No. 17. Lopez, the sole international player consistently featured in mock drafts due to a perceived weaker international class, averaged 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and shot 32.6% from three. His draft range typically falls in the late lottery to early 20s, making this a solid value pick for additional frontcourt size.
A third trade in the first round sees the Minnesota Timberwolves moving up to No. 18 to select Caleb Philon, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound freshman guard from Alabama. Philon, who averaged 22 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and shot 39.9% from three, reportedly visited with Minnesota. Given the Timberwolves’ lone original pick is at No. 28, trading up for a player projected higher indicates a strong belief in Philon’s potential, echoing their aggressive trade for Rob Dillingham in a previous draft.
The Toronto Raptors, at No. 19, are projected to pick Ben Okorie, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound freshman guard from Stanford. Okorie was one of college basketball’s leading scorers, averaging 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and shooting 35.4% from three. His ability to attack the rim is a key asset, and he is expected to be drafted higher than some initial projections.
The San Antonio Spurs, holding pick No. 20, address a significant need by selecting Isiah Peat, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound freshman forward from Arizona. Peat averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and shot 35% from three. His role as a true power forward to complement Victor Wembanyama is crucial. While his jumper is a work in progress, his winning mentality and cultural fit are highly valued by the Spurs organization.
At No. 21, the Detroit Pistons select Jaxon Graves, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound freshman forward from Santa Clara. Graves, an "analytic darling," posted 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and an impressive 41.3% from three. Despite not having eye-popping traditional stats, his advanced metrics and decision to remain in the draft following significant collegiate hype position him as the latest first-round talent from Santa Clara.
The Philadelphia 76ers, at No. 22, are projected to select Dylan Evans, a 6-foot-6, 186-pound sophomore guard from Duke. Evans’s development from a catch-and-shoot specialist to a legitimate second scoring option for a top collegiate team is notable, averaging 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and shooting 36.1% from three. He is a strong "best player available" option for the 76ers.
Atlanta, with its second first-round pick at No. 23, adds Joshua Cenac, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound freshman center from Houston. Cenac, who averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists, with 33.3% from three, offers untapped potential due to his frame, athleticism, and motor, making him a prospective impactful player in the league.
The reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks, at No. 24, could target a big man, but instead select Noah Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound freshman guard from Arkansas. Thomas, with 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 41.6% from three, could provide valuable scoring off the bench for a team focused on a repeat championship run.
The Los Angeles Lakers, at No. 25, address their significant need for a center by drafting Jaylen Quaintance, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound sophomore from Kentucky. Despite playing only four games last season and averaging 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, with 0% from three, Quaintance is considered one of the class’s most unique prospects. When healthy, he is lauded as one of the best defenders, representing a high-upside pick.
At No. 26, the Denver Nuggets are projected to select Amari Swain, a 6-foot-7, 211-pound junior forward from Texas. Swain was productive in his lone season at Texas, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and shooting 34.4% from three. Given the thin wing class, Swain’s potential as a two-way player could see him drafted considerably higher.
The Boston Celtics, at No. 27, make their first-round selection with Trevon Jefferson, a 6-foot-8, 246-pound senior forward from Iowa State. Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 34.5% from three. Making his first appearance in a first-round mock, Jefferson is recognized as a highly skilled passer and a future impactful role player at the professional level.
Charlotte, with its second first-round pick at No. 28, drafts Ejiofor, a 6-foot-8, 245-pound senior forward from St. John’s. Ejiofor was one of college basketball’s top defenders, averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and shooting 30.5% from three. He is considered a strong candidate for a late first-round selection, or an early second-round pick.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, at No. 29, are projected to take Trey Stirtz, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior guard from Iowa. Stirtz, who averaged 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and shot 35.8% from three, has had a remarkable ascent from Division II basketball. His selection would represent a "best player available" choice for the Cavaliers.
Closing out the first round at No. 30, the Dallas Mavericks select Donovan Reed, a 6-foot-10, 265-pound senior center from Connecticut. Reed’s dominant NCAA Tournament performance underscored his capabilities as a throwback big man, thriving in the post and defensively. He averaged 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks in his final collegiate season, providing Dallas with a formidable presence in the paint.
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