The dust has settled from the 2025 NBA Draft, with prospects putting their finishing touches on the summer league cycle in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. Next up is essentially a two-month-long dead period before teams reconvene for training camp in late September.
With that, let’s shift our focus towards the 2026 NBA Draft class, which projects to feature a generationally strong top five, all competing in the college ranks with prestigious programs.
Beyond that, it’s a talented group of prospects that will certainly shift in the coming year. But for now, let’s break down where they’re projected to land, starting with a much-anticipated future BYU standout.
1) Utah Jazz
AJ Dybantsa, G, BYU
Rated as the No. 1 high school player in the country and a consensus five-star recruit, AJ Dybantsa has tons of anticipation surrounding him as he enters his freshman year with the BYU Cougars.
A 6’9″ athletic, springy wing, he has all the tools to fulfill the “generational talent” label that he’s been tabbed as. Dybantsa’s already done it on a national stage, scoring 24 points for Team USA during the Nike Hoop Summit in a variety of different ways.
With the Utah Jazz most likely tanking for positioning in the draft, it’s a hand-in-glove fit that would allow Dybantsa to stay in Utah and begin his career. The Jazz, despite numerous lottery selections in recent years, need a young franchise cornerstone to build around. Dybantsa would be exactly that.
2) Washington Wizards
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
The son of former NBA veteran and two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron Boozer is easily the most physically imposing player in this draft class.
Standing 6’9″ and a chiseled 234 pounds, Boozer manhandles opponents down low. But he’s far from resigned to the paint, as he’s developed the skills and shooting ability over the past year to be more than comfortable playing on the perimeter.
He’ll be the focal point offensively for the Duke Blue Devils next season and will presumably parlay an excellent season into a top-three selection in the 2026 draft. On the Washington Wizards, Boozer would fill a dire need for a go-to scorer and an ultra-talented player that the franchise can hang its hat on.
3) Brooklyn Nets
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Arguably the most pro-ready prospect among this class, despite being just 18 years old, Darryn Peterson has displayed diverse scoring skills along with possessing all-world athletic abilities.
His frame is also pro-ready; at 6’5″ and 195 pounds, he routinely overpowered opposing guards at the high school level, an intriguing aspect to watch as he enters next season with the Kansas Jayhawks in the Big 12. If Peterson isn’t able to completely bully defenders, he has a very reliable 3-point shot and can slash to the rim extremely quickly.
The Brooklyn Nets had five first-round picks in 2025, using each of them on ball-handling players with unknown ceilings or floors. With none expected to blossom into superstars, the expectations should be that the Nets will be back in the lottery once again. Taking Peterson gives them a shot of relevancy in New York, along with a chance of having an All-NBA talent on their roster.
4) Charlotte Hornets
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
What sticks out the most with Nate Ament is his sweet-shooting stroke at 6’9″. Developing his ability to handle the ball and create his own shot, it’s not a problem of who’s guarding him once he passes half-court — he can rise up whenever he pleases.
The issue is that he’s skinny at around 190 pounds. He’ll need to beef up to be able to survive the rigors of SEC play with the Tennessee Volunteers, setting him up nicely for a transition into the NBA.
Extremely talented offensively and still making huge steps to improve his game, Ament has a chance to rise even further in this draft. If the Charlotte Hornets are in position to select him in 11 months, they shouldn’t think twice, as Ament would fare well shooting from deep off dishes from point guard LaMelo Ball.
5) Portland Trail Blazers
Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
Year 3 of the Scoot Henderson experience will be pivotal in who the Portland Trail Blazers target in 2026. But if it’s anything like what Years 1 and 2 have been, they’ll have to look in a different direction, even with Damian Lillard back.
Mikel Brown Jr., suiting up next season for the Louisville Cardinals, is arguably the top point guard in this draft class and could be a viable option for the Blazers. With skills and maturity on the court far beyond his age, the Florida native is expected to have a big year as the lead creator for the Cardinals.
He’s a terrific passer, routinely finding the open man with ease. Streaky as a shooter, Brown should be able to develop that part of his game at Louisville.
Landing with the Blazers would be ideal for a youngster like Brown, who will have several mentors on the roster to learn from.
6) Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Jayden Quaintance, F, Kentucky
An immensely talented player who flashed his potential during his freshman year at Arizona State, Jayden Quaintance decided to transfer to Kentucky for his second season before presumably jumping to the NBA in 2026. A former five-star prospect and the second-ranked center in the Class of 2024, the 6’9″ big man is extremely springy and may project as a switchable, lengthy defender at the next level.
The Memphis Grizzlies value players who can defend at a high level. At the same time, they have several success stories of developing young prospects’ offensive game, something that would certainly benefit Quaintance.
7) Chicago Bulls
Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Karim López, a 6’8″ forward, has been an integral part of the amateur Mexican national teams as easily the best player. He played in the NBL last season and revealed himself as a terrific shooter down the stretch of the season, contributing largely as a role player.
But that didn’t mean that he didn’t leave it all on the floor, as his effort was noticeable. He chased after rebounds and was a hounding presence defensively, which is exactly the type of player that the Chicago Bulls covet. Having stockpiled wings in recent drafts, they could add another in Lopez.
8) Sacramento Kings
Dame Sarr, G, Duke
The trade of point guard De’Aaron Fox left the Sacramento Kings without much offense at either guard position. They signed Dennis Schröder in free agency, but still need creation and shooting on the perimeter.
Dame Sarr, who will be coming out of Duke, could provide exactly that. A quick-moving slasher with the capability to finish high above the rim, he’d be an electrifying presence for the Kings.
Improving his 3-point jumper should be the top priority for Sarr, but he’ll have plenty of opportunities to shore up that aspect of his game while playing alongside Boozer.
9) Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
With Trae Young’s name routinely becoming floated in trade rumors, it seems like it’s inevitable before he’s out the door. If that were to happen, or even if not, as the Atlanta Hawks need another point guard, Tahaad Pettiford would be a nice addition in Atlanta.
Pettiford came off the bench last season for the Auburn Tigers, displaying quickness on the ball and finishing well with his lefty scoops in the paint. Also, a reliable shooter from deep, he could fill a similar role as Young in the future, with more of an emphasis on distributing to their talented wings.
10) Toronto Raptors
Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
At 6’10”, Chris Cenac Jr. will be able to show off his immense athletic ability at the center position for the Houston Cougars during his freshman season. That athleticism and mobility translate to both sides of the court, where he can finish above the rim and anchor the Cougar defense.
With the Toronto Raptors lacking a rim-protecting presence inside, Cenac would be a viable selection for them with a long-term view in mind.
11) Miami Heat
Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
The Miami Heat need to find a point guard to pair with 2025 All-Star Tyler Herro, who handled much of the ball-handling responsibilities last season and could use a young guard to ease the load.
Darius Acuff is one of the top point guards in the country, entering his freshman season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Strong and with a tight handle on the basketball, Acuff gets to the paint in a hurry and has no problem burrowing his way through bigger defenders. He’s a dynamic player who is needed in Miami.
12) Memphis Grizzlies
Dash Daniels, G, Melbourne United (NBL)
Much like his older brother, Dyson, Dash Daniels excels on the defensive end of the floor. He’s arguably a better player with the ball in his hands than Dyson, as the younger brother can create his own shot and for others at 6’5″. While 12th overall is a huge accomplishment, don’t be surprised if Daniels rises more throughout the next year.
The Grizzlies traded shooting guard Desmond Bane and drafted Cedric Coward with hopes of replacing him, but Coward isn’t a good enough defender to hide point guard Ja Morant’s defensive weaknesses on the perimeter. Daniels could be that guy to guard the opposition’s top player in the backcourt.
13) Milwaukee Bucks
Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Extremely springy and athletic, the 6’9″ Caleb Wilson could learn immensely playing alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Still raw, he could move up even more with a solid freshman season with the North Carolina Tar Heels. The first project will be improving his jumper from deep.
The Milwaukee Bucks have little young talent and would benefit from taking a high-ceiling prospect of Wilson’s mold.
14) Dallas Mavericks
Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
In win-now mode, it makes sense for the Dallas Mavericks to grab a veteran college player if they land the last pick in the lottery.
Bennett Stirtz has come a long way during his college career, beginning at the D-II level, transferring to Drake, and now joining the Iowa Hawkeyes for his final season. Not particularly great at any skills, Stirtz is instead very good at nearly everything. As a lead ball handler last season, he can create for others while also playing off the ball on the wing.
15) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Isaiah Evans, G, Duke
The San Antonio Spurs should be looking to surround 7’3″ center and emerging superstar Victor Wembanyama with all the shooting that they can. This means Duke’s Isaiah Evans should be near the top of their list in the 2026 draft.
Evans was disappointed during his freshman season, not logging as much play time as expected. When he did play, however, he was a sniper from long range while also showing promise defensively. If he can be a 3-and-D wing, that’d be a major victory for the Spurs in adding him to the roster.
16) Indiana Pacers
Koa Peat, F, Arizona
With an NBA-ready frame, Koa Peat is a powerful forward, and while his stats may not jump off the page for the Arizona Wildcats next season, every other stat should. He grabs rebounds, is unselfish, and racks up steals and blocks with his high-level effort defensively.
On a fast-paced, open-court team like the Indiana Pacers, athletic defenders are always welcome. Peat’s presence would allow others to fit more easily into scoring roles, as he’d handle much of the load defensively.
17) Detroit Pistons
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg had a decision to make during the 2025 draft process: stay in the draft and be on the line between being a first and second-round pick or bet on himself, transfer to Michigan, and boost his draft stock. He chose the latter and will be showing off his versatile, all-around game with the Wolverines.
Assuming he has an expected dominant season, Lendeborg could be in position to land with the Detroit Pistons. Isaiah Stewart has been a solid backup big, but Lendeborg could take it to the next level, as he’s far more talented while having a similar level of physicality.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Joseph Tugler, C, Houston
With starting center Isaiah Hartenstein facing a contract extension that may be too expensive for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the coming years, the franchise has to begin looking for physical presences in the draft. They took Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber in 2025 and could look to further bolster their depth with Houston’s Joseph Tugler in 2026.
An incredibly talented defensive center, Tugler has all the tools to succeed on that end in the pros. Combined with his dogged effort, he projects as a safe bet to immediately be an option as a defensive anchor. Getting him on a rookie contract would be a massive win for the Thunder, who are quickly becoming an expensive roster.
19) Golden State Warriors
Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Braylon Mullins is a prototypical knockdown shooter set to join the UConn Huskies this upcoming season. With solid passing abilities and a nice feel for the game as well, there’s hope that he can expand his game further to creating more of his own shots.
That wouldn’t matter too much for the Golden State Warriors, who could use a marksman shooter to complement their roster in a way that Klay Thompson did in his prime. Selecting Mullins is a shot at recreating that, making it a worthy pick for the Warriors.
20) Atlanta Hawks (via SAS)
Nikolas Khamenia, F, Duke
A five-star prospect and the 15th-rated player in the 2025 class, per 247 Sports, Nikolas Khamenia is a terrific all-around player, possessing all the skills to have success at the next level. His top skill is probably his passing, but the 6’8″, 215-pound wing has range past the 3-point line as well.
His time at Duke will tell a lot, but the Atlanta Hawks seem like a perfect fit for the versatile Khamenia. They already have a bevy of talented wings; why not add another?
21) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Karter Knox, F, Arkansas
With the second of their three first-round picks, the Thunder take a developmental prospect who might not be ready to play in each of the next two seasons but has star potential in the future.
Karter Knox was talented yet unpolished during his freshman season at Arkansas. His athleticism and defense are major strengths, with his offensive game lagging behind. If he develops it enough during his sophomore season, he could go much higher than No. 21. But if he falls here, Oklahoma City has the luxury of waiting their time as he develops.
22) Boston Celtics
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
This summer’s free agency cycle has not been kind to the Boston Celtics’ center position, as nearly every contributor at the position is set to play elsewhere next season. Building at center through the draft should be their main priority, and Aday Mara out of Michigan is a nice place to begin.
At 7’3″, he has great length and blocked and dissuaded shots around the rim at UCLA. His offense improved as the year went along, as he has a deceptively good feel for finding open teammates. Now playing for the Wolverines, he should be squarely on the Celtics’ radar.
23) Los Angeles Lakers
Alex Condon, F, Florida
Another team badly needing depth and young talent at center, the Los Angeles Lakers, could target the versatile Alex Condon in 2026. He nearly declared in 2025, but decided to return to the Florida Gators in hopes of building his draft stock further.
With the ability to shoot threes, protect the rim, guard on the perimeter, and have a nice feel for the game overall, Condon is the type of player who would feed off of franchise superstar Luka Dončić, making him a perfect complement on the Lakers.
24) Denver Nuggets
Braden Smith, G, Purdue
The Denver Nuggets have arguably never had a highly-reliable backup point guard in the Jamal Murray era. Expected to have another late first-round pick, Purdue’s Braden Smith should be in that range and could be the answer.
A Naismith Award favorite heading into next season, Smith’s mature floor game leads to him racking up the assists. Also becoming more aggressive during his junior season, he can create his own shot and knock down open shots from beyond the arc, a needed skill when playing alongside Nikola Jokić.
25) Minnesota Timberwolves
Tounde Yessoufou, F, Baylor
Though still raw, Tounde Yessoufou is a tremendous athlete and does well enough handling the ball to get to his spots and finish around the rim. Expected to be a focal point for the Baylor Bears, the 6’6″ forward’s performance will be intriguing to watch regarding his draft stock.
Looking to contend, the Minnesota Timberwolves would be more than happy to take the potential that Yessoufou demonstrates and nurture him for a year before hoping he breaks into their rotation.
26) Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
Boogie Fland, G, Florida
Boogie Fland was given the keys to head coach John Calipari’s offense early on at Arkansas and took off, excelling as the team’s offensive engine. With a quick, aggressive first step and elite passing vision, Fland is expected to have a big season with the Florida Gators in 2025-26.
Though Fland plays the same position as the All-Star point guard Ball, he showed the ability to play off the ball and still attack with a similar fervor, making this a nice addition for the Hornets.
27) New York Knicks
Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s
Having improved greatly during his time at St. John’s, on both ends of the court, Zuby Ejiofor has put himself in prime position to be selected in the first round come 2026.
The New York Knicks just make sense, as Ejiofor is a rugged, extremely physical center in the paint. What he does isn’t pretty, but it gets the job done. Keeping him in New York would be huge for fanfare and recognition, as well as on-court production, where he could aid the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson at center.
28) Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU)
Thomas Haugh, F, Florida
Continuing to add cheap players at the forward position will be a priority for the Thunder in the years to come. Thomas Haugh, much like Condon, displayed a high level of versatility during his time on the national championship-winning Florida Gators off the bench in 2024-25.
Now expected to have a larger role in 2025-26, his game will be shown off much more, putting him under the microscope of whether or not he should be a first-rounder. But if March Madness was any indication, he’d be a nice fit in the Thunder’s system.
29) Cleveland Cavaliers
Alex Karaban, F, UConn
As a title contender, the Cleveland Cavaliers have no time to waste on developing young players. Alex Karaban has been a part of two national championship squads with the UConn Huskies and is an excellent shooter.
Feeding off passing from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, Karaban could step in right away as a key bench floor-spacer. He’s also improved defensively, a huge step for the athletically challenged forward.
30) Washington Wizards (via OKC)
Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State
With largely untapped potential, Magoon Gwath is certainly a long-term bet for the rebuilding Washington Wizards. But that gives them a step up, as there isn’t pressure to win just yet, but an expectation to develop young talent.
Gwath, at 7’0″ and 205 pounds, has a frame that is far from finished, but has guard skills, can shoot the deep ball, and protects the rim very well. Very raw, he’ll need extra attention in his developmental process. But he has the potential to be a star in this league, making it a worthy pick to finish the first round.