NBA Draft 2026 Mock: One of the Most Talent-Heavy Classes in Recent Years: The NBA Draft 2026 Mock continues to shift rapidly as top college freshmen, international stars, and experienced upperclassmen deliver big performances across high-pressure games in December. This class is loaded—featuring elite guards with high playmaking IQ, powerful modern forwards with versatility at both ends, and wings capable of becoming franchise cornerstones.
The race for the No.1 pick remains a three-way battle, while the rest of the lottery is filled with dynamic scorers, high-motor rebounders, and polished international prospects showing maturity beyond their age.
Here is the latest full mock draft, followed by deep insights into each major storyline shaping the 2026 NBA Draft conversations.
The Battle for No.1: Three Players Leading the Race
Darryn Peterson – Kansas (Pick 1 Projection: Washington)
The dynamic 6’6’’ guard continues to show elite shot creation, scoring bursts, and control in big games. After returning from an early-season hamstring issue, he stepped up again with composed scoring nights, maintaining his status as the lead candidate for No.1.
Cameron Boozer – Duke (Pick 2 Projection: Indiana)
One of college basketball’s most productive players this season, Boozer has posted dominant nights against top schools like Arkansas, Florida, Michigan State, Kansas, and Texas. His scoring, rebounding, and high IQ make him one of the safest prospects in the class.
AJ Dybantsa – BYU (Pick 3 Projection: Sacramento)
An explosive 6’9’’ wing with elite midrange scoring and big second-half takeovers, including a standout display at the Jimmy V Classic. When locked in for full stretches, he shows superstar-level ceiling.
See Also: Most Points Scored in an NBA Game
NBA Draft 2026 Mock – Full First-Round
Top 30 Picks (Latest Projection)
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | Darryn Peterson | SG/PG | 6’6″ |
| 2 | Indiana | Cameron Boozer | PF | 6’9″ |
| 3 | Sacramento | AJ Dybantsa | SF | 6’9″ |
| 4 | Atlanta | Caleb Wilson | SF/PF | 6’10” |
| 5 | Oklahoma City | Nate Ament | SF | 6’10” |
| 6 | Brooklyn | Kingston Flemings | PG | 6’4″ |
| 7 | Charlotte | Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | 6’5″ |
| 8 | Utah | Koa Peat | PF | 6’8″ |
| 9 | Dallas | Braylon Mullins | SG | 6’6″ |
| 10 | Portland | Tounde Yessoufou | SG/SF | 6’5″ |
| 11 | Milwaukee | Jayden Quaintance | PF | 6’10.5″ |
| 12 | Memphis | Karim López | SF | 6’8″ |
| 13 | Chicago | Labaron Philon | PG | 6’4″ |
| 14 | San Antonio | Yaxel Lendeborg | PF | 6’9¾” |
| 15 | Miami | Thomas Haugh | PF | 6’9″ |
| 16 | Golden State | Hannes Steinbach | PF | 6’11” |
| 17 | Atlanta | Chris Cenac Jr. | PF/C | 6’11” |
| 18 | Memphis | Cameron Carr | SG | 6’5″ |
| 19 | Charlotte | Patrick Ngongba II | C | 6’11” |
| 20 | Oklahoma City | Bennett Stirtz | PG | 6’4″ |
| 21 | Toronto | Meleek Thomas | PG | 6’5″ |
| 22 | Boston | Dash Daniels | SG | 6’6″ |
| 23 | Oklahoma City | Dame Sarr | SG/SF | 6’7″ |
| 24 | Minnesota | Neoklis Avdalas | SG/SF | 6’8¾” |
| 25 | LA Lakers | Darius Acuff | PG | 6’3″ |
| 26 | New York | Isaiah Evans | SF | 6’6″ |
| 27 | Denver | Miles Byrd | SG | 6’6″ |
| 28 | Cleveland | Sergio de Larrea | PG/SG | 6’6″ |
| 29 | Detroit | JT Toppin | PF | 6’9″ |
| 30 | Washington | Flory Bidunga | C | 6’10” |
Rising Stars Shaking Up the Lottery
Caleb Wilson – North Carolina
- One of the most aggressive and productive forwards this season
- Dominant rebounding and constant paint pressure
- Big nights in major matchups during December
Nate Ament – Tennessee
- A long, skilled 6’10’’ scorer
- Strong defensive instincts
- Perfect modern-NBA forward profile
Kingston Flemings & Mikel Brown Jr. – The PG Surge
The increased use of pressing defenses across college basketball has made ball-handling guards extremely valuable in this draft.
Both have:
- Excellent decision making
- Low turnover rates
- Ability to run offenses and score
This year’s guard class is unusually deep, giving multiple teams a chance at long-term lead guards.
Veteran Forward Making Noise: Yaxel Lendeborg
Why Lendeborg Is Now a First-Round Lock
- Excellent two-point finishing (80% range)
- Improved outside shooting
- Strong defense with a 7’4’’ wingspan
- Smart playmaking from the forward spot
- One of the most complete upperclassmen in the draft
His only concerns—age and quickness—haven’t stopped teams from valuing his production and IQ.
Read Also: NBA Draft 2026: Top Prospects Race, Rising Trends
Mock Draft Themes and Trends
1. Wings and Forwards Dominate the Top 10
Size + versatility remain the most sought-after traits.
2. Point Guards Are Rising Quickly
Pressing defenses have made secure ball handlers rise in value.
3. International Players Look Polished
Several international wings and guards already play high-level competition overseas, making them strong first-round options.
4. Big Men Are Moving Down the Board
Unless they offer shooting or switchability, centers are slipping toward late first round.
Matchups and Events That Shifted the Mock Draft
Major performances came from:
- Jimmy V Classic in early December
- High-profile non-conference games
- Ranked-vs-ranked clashes at neutral sites
- Key rivalry games on national TV
Players like Dybantsa, Boozer, and Wilson made big moves following these high-attention games.
How the Draft Order Is Shaped
Important Rules
- Lottery decides picks 1–4 through ping-pong draw
- Non-playoff teams fill picks 5–14 in order of record
- Playoff teams fill picks 15–30 purely by record
- Tie-breakers are decided by random drawing
- Second round follows team record from worst to best
This year’s race remains unpredictable due to close records near the bottom of the standings.
The season is entering its most important phase, and the coming weeks will further shape how the final mock board settles.
FAQs – NBA Draft 2026 Mock
Who is projected to go No.1?
Darryn Peterson currently leads, but Boozer and Dybantsa remain strong contenders.
Which position is strongest in the 2026 draft?
Point guard and wing positions are especially deep.
Who is the biggest riser in December?
Caleb Wilson and Mikel Brown Jr. have moved up significantly.
