The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating event, with intrigue at the top and among the guard prospects. As we delve into the mock draft, it's clear that the top picks will be crucial in shaping the future of these franchises. Let's take a closer look at some of the key players and teams involved.
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa is a 6-9 wing who is considered the no. 1 prospect in this year's draft. The Washington Wizards are doing due diligence on him, and sources suggest that they haven't made a final decision yet. Dybantsa is viewed as a more dynamic personality with leadership tendencies, both in the locker room and in the community. His ability to lead and his all-around game make him an attractive option for the Wizards.
Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson
Darryn Peterson, a 6-5 guard, is another top prospect. The Utah Jazz have not yet come in for a workout with Peterson, but they are still considering him as a top pick. Peterson's hard work and competitiveness make him an appealing option, despite questions about his leadership ability. The Jazz are undecided on what to do at No. 2, and connections to Cameron Boozer or Dybantsa may not be the deciding factor.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer, a 6-8 forward, ticks all the boxes for the Memphis Grizzlies. The organization has consistently drafted well, and Boozer is seen as a skilled player who produces well for his age and possesses a high-level basketball IQ. He is almost the prototypical player Memphis wants to build around as it enters a new era following the trades of Jackson and Bane.
Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson, a 6-9 wing, would fit well at the four next to Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis as the team's long-term building blocks. Wilson blends power, explosiveness, and coordination in a way that other players can't. The Bulls worked out other players, but Wilson is seen as an easy pick if he gets to No. 4.
LA Clippers (via IND): Keaton Wagler
Keaton Wagler, a 6-5 wing, is seen as the best fit of the four guards for the LA Clippers. He has added muscle to his frame during the pre-draft process and has the ability to play both on and off the ball. The Clippers are prioritizing size next to Darius Garland, and Wagler is a bigger option than the other highly-rated guards.
Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.
Mikel Brown Jr., a 6-4 guard, is one of the highest-upside guards in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Brooklyn Nets have done a significant amount of legwork on him and are considering him as a top pick. Brown has impressed teams throughout the pre-draft process, and his back injury is not a concern for most teams.
Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.
Darius Acuff Jr., a 6-2 guard, is the most polished point guard in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Sacramento Kings are likely to stay at No. 7 and select the best guard who falls to them. Acuff is seen as a massive win for the Kings, who are in desperate need of an offensive engine at the lead guard slot.
Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): Kingston Flemings
Kingston Flemings, a 6-3 guard, is the point guard that NBA teams dream of. The Atlanta Hawks are open for business with this pick and are discussing both trade-up and trade-down scenarios. Flemings' ability to pressure the rim with his speed would fit wonderfully with the Hawks' roster.
Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries
Brayden Burries, a 6-4 guard, is built for the modern NBA. He's seen as a tough guard who can dribble, pass, and shoot, and will also defend at a high level with physicality. The Mavericks are exploring trading this selection and considering several different players and positions.
Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament
Nate Ament, a 6-10 wing/forward, is a swing as a big wing. The Bucks have a lot of history valuing these types of players, and Ament's versatility makes him an attractive option. With Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential departure via trade, it makes sense for Milwaukee to take the highest possible upside.
Golden State Warriors: Aday Mara
Aday Mara, a 7-3 big, drops from No. 8 in my last mock, but he's still within his range of potential outcomes. Mara's high IQ and ability to finish above the rim, block shots, and pass would fit exceedingly well within Steve Kerr's offensive structure.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Morez Johnson Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr., a 6-9 big, continues to draw excitement from teams. He's seen as a top big off the board, and his range starts as early as No. 8 with Atlanta. Johnson ticks all the boxes of a Thunder player, and his professionalism and love for the game make him an appealing option.
Miami Heat: Christian Anderson Jr.
Christian Anderson Jr., a 6-1 guard, has impressed in pre-draft workouts with his shooting ability, feel for the game, and willingness to give effort on defense. The Heat are trying to figure out their standing in potential star trades, and Anderson could be involved in a deal.
Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach
Hannes Steinbach, a 6-10 big, is unlikely to slip out of the lottery. He would provide the Hornets with the toughness and physicality they need at center. Steinbach is already about 250 pounds and comes in at nearly 7-foot in shoes, making him an appealing option for the Hornets.
Chicago Bulls (via POR): Yaxel Lendeborg
Yaxel Lendeborg, a 6-9 big, is a versatile player type that new Bulls president of basketball operations Bryson Graham is prioritizing. Lendeborg is massive, athletic, and skilled, and his ability to defend at the point of attack and get out in transition at a high level makes him an attractive option for the Bulls.
Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX): Bennett Stirtz
Bennett Stirtz, a 6-3 guard, has been associated with nearly every team from No. 16 through No. 21. The Grizzlies are always a threat to move up and acquire the player they want from the middle of the first round.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): Dailyn Swain
Dailyn Swain, a 6-7 wing, possesses all the attributes that the Thunder prioritize, including rim pressure, positional size, strength, and length. Swain's ability to get to the rim makes him an appealing option for the Thunder.
Charlotte Hornets (via PHX): Allen Graves
Allen Graves, a 6-8 forward, would appeal to the Hornets with his ability to rebound, make quick decisions on the court, and shoot standstill 3-pointers. His ability to play in an aggressive defensive structure would also be a plus.
Toronto Raptors: Cameron Carr
Cameron Carr, a 6-5 guard, would provide the Raptors with some offensive juice and shooting next to Scottie Barnes. Carr's ability to knock down shots and get in transition, along with his high-level defensive playmaking, could appeal to the Raptors front office.
San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Karim Lopez
Karim Lopez, a 6-8 wing, has some questions to answer as a defender and shooter, but his rebounding and ability to drive into the lane are enticing. The Spurs need tough, physical rebounding ability at the four spot, and Lopez could provide that.
Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Labaron Philon Jr.
Labaron Philon Jr., a 6-3 guard, is a playmaking guard who can shoot and get in transition with speed. The Pistons are looking for another playmaking guard to lessen Cunningham's burden, and Philon's range is fairly wide.
Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): Koa Peat
Koa Peat, a 6-7 wing, could use his athleticism and strength to crash along the baseline and make smart plays while also providing tough defensive energy. The 76ers need a four with some power to his game, and Peat brings that in a big way.
Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): Chris Cenac Jr.
Chris Cenac Jr., a 6-10 big, is seen as a high-upside swing for teams that can afford to be patient and wait for him to improve his feel for the game. The Hawks can afford to take a swing on a big with perimeter skills like this.
New York Knicks: Tariss Reed Jr.
Tarris Reed Jr., a 6-10 big, could provide the Knicks with elite rebounding and overall strength. If they remain unsure about a Robinson return, selecting a big who can play real minutes next season would be highly valuable.
Los Angeles Lakers: Zuby Ejiofor
Zuby Ejiofor, a 6-8 big, is a versatile player who can defend and protect the rim well for his size. He has some shooting potential and could play next to a center, depending on who it is.
Denver Nuggets: Jayden Quaintance
Jayden Quaintance, a 6-9 big, is considered one of the big mysteries of draft night. The Nuggets have been looking for a backup for Nikola Jokić, and Quaintance's defensive ability and potential make him an intriguing option.
Boston Celtics: Sergio De Larrea
Sergio De Larrea, a 6-6 wing, had a strong season for Valencia and measured exceedingly well. He plays the kind of style that should blend well with Boston's scheme as a quick decision-maker, a sharp passer, and a terrific shooter from distance.
Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Ebuka Okorie
Ebuka Okorie, a 6-1 guard, is another player with a wide range, but I don't think he will fall out of the first round. The Timberwolves are exploring potential point guard options, and Okorie's ability to get to the rim makes him an appealing option.
Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Henri Veesaar
Henri Veesaar, a 6-11 center, could be targeted by teams selecting early in the second round to target this pick in a trade. The Cavaliers have to cut money from their books, and Veesaar's versatility makes him an attractive option.
Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): Isaiah Evans
Isaiah Evans, a 6-6 wing, would represent a terrific floor-spacing and shooting option for the Mavericks. Evans played with Flagg last season at Duke and has a terrific understanding of what the NBA's Rookie of the Year requires.
Second Round
The second round of the draft is filled with talented players who could make an impact in the NBA. Teams will be looking to add depth and find hidden gems who can contribute immediately or develop into key players over time.
In conclusion, the 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event with a lot of intrigue at the top and among the guard prospects. As we've seen, the top picks will be crucial in shaping the future of these franchises, and the second round is filled with talented players who could make an impact in the NBA. It's a draft that promises to be both exciting and unpredictable, with a lot of potential for teams to find the players who will define their future success.
