The 2026 NBA Draft class has an exceptional amount of talented freshmen, as evidenced by the lottery. In PFSN’s latest mock draft powered by our NBA Mock Draft Simulator, the first 12 picks are one-and-done players.
With a number of NBA teams starting to tank in order to improve their lottery odds, there’s no better time to start projecting what the draft board will look like across both rounds.
1) Sacramento Kings
AJ Dybantsa , F, BYU
Any team would improve by adding a player like AJ Dybantsa, who impacts the game on defense with energy, switchability, and vocal leadership. He is the perfect piece to give Sacramento the exciting young cornerstone it has been lacking for years. Dybantsa is an all-around player with incredible athleticism and IQ, who can challenge recent drafts as the best prospect entering the league since Victor Wembenyama.
Dybantsa is so solid both ways that if he were a defensive-first prospect, he would still be elite in that regard, but Dybantsa is also an elite prospect on offense. At 6’9″, he has all of the physical attributes of a modern wing while scoring at all three levels, creating off the dribble, and finishing above the rim. This elite prospect could immediately change the energy and trajectory of a Kings franchise with players on the wrong side of their prime.
2) Indiana Pacers
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
Just one year removed from an incredible NBA Finals run, in which they fell just short to the Oklahoma City Thunder, life without PG Tyrese Haliburton has been rough in the early goings. With Haliburton expected to make a full recovery, and C Myles Turner leaving for the Milwaukee Bucks, getting a new cornerstone player to run with a fully healthy Pacers squad would go a long way to allowing them to make this run into dominance in the East for a long time.
Cameron Boozer is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. He is versatile offensively, rebounds at an extremely high level, and is a super unselfish playmaker with real shooting touch. He sounds like a chip off the old block. He plays a high-IQ game and defends well. In this day and age, everyone shoots threes, so his skills and ability to stretch the floor make him an excellent prospect with an extremely high floor.
His feel for the game and his steady production whenever he’s asked to contribute make him an intriguing piece for Indiana to fill in for Myles Turner, with arguably more upside than he’s ever had.
3) Brooklyn Nets
Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Caleb Wilson has shown that he can hang with the big boys of the SEC and has worked his way into the top four of this draft class. I think the hard-working, gritty Nets will pass on Darryn Peterson and go for Wilson and his near-nightly double-doubles. He is the best player on the North Carolina team, having shown flashes of being special.
Wilson is a hard worker, extremely efficient, and has a nose for rebounds. While three-point shooting may be a struggle for him, I don’t think that will stop him from being a top player in this draft class, as teams need guys who can do the dirty work while still being able to score at an extremely high level.
4) Washington Wizards
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Darryn Peterson fits the mold of a modern-day NBA point guard and has been compared to the NBA’s reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for his footwork, frame, feel for the game, and maturity. He may be a better shooter from beyond the arc than Gilgeous-Alexander was at this age, too. Peterson is an elite prospect, and Washington would be wise to go with him with this draft’s top pick.
At 19, Peterson fits right in with his impressive physicality, elite athleticism, and the poise to be an elite guard for years to come. He offers the skills to come in and make an immediate impact as an NBA starter, with an extremely high floor. While there are questions about his commitment to certain things pertaining to work ethic, the talent is undeniable, and if Trae Young and Anthony Davis can get in his ear and wise him up, this could be a sneaky team next year.
5) Atlanta Hawks (via NO)
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Flemings has shown incredible development under Kelvin Sampson at Houston and has been the highest riser in this draft for me and many others. I think he is a perfect fit in Atlanta alongside a superstar in Jalen Johnson and a knockdown shooter in Nickiel Alexander-Walker, and he is just missing a lead guard to play both sides of the ball and create offense for himself and others. Flemings fits that mold as the answer at point guard for Atlanta with his confidence, elite athleticism, and newfound efficiency from the field.
6) Utah Jazz
Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Nate Ament possesses elite guard skills for a 6’9″ forward. He handles the ball smoothly and makes incredible shots. His shooting skills at a very high release point, with a repeatable motion, and his constantly improving playmaking make him a perfect fit next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and the many guards of Utah. It will help that he doesn’t need to lead the offense right away, but he has the skill set to take over at any time.
Defensively, Ament uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and rotate as a help defender. He projects as a switchable wing but must bulk up and stay aggressive in physical matchups. His slight frame and occasional passivity are areas for development as he transitions to the pro level, but playing next to a player like Jackson Jr. will help him ease into significant defensive responsibilities.
With a pick this high, you are hoping to get a difference maker for years, and with the skill set he already has, combined with his massive upside, he is a hard player to pass on at this stage of the draft.
7) Memphis Grizzlies
Mikel Brown, G, Louisville
Whether Ja Morant is on the roster next season or not, Mikel Brown Jr. is a perfect fit. Brown is a super athletic point guard who is creative with the ball and a perfect fit for a team that is itching to fill those shoes.
Brown’s vision and IQ make him a top pick, as he can utilize his versatile offensive skill set against whatever the defense gives him and his team. He has the potential to be an outstanding offensive player and is working to get stronger to improve defensively, but I wouldn’t call him a liability on defense either.
This season is big for Brown, and I think the lottery is a safe spot to expect him to land. I told you in my preseason piece to expect the world to learn his name at Louisville, and he has shone bright and shows no signs of slowing down.
8) Dallas Mavericks
Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
With the confidence and skill that Darius Acuff has shown this season, and to constantly show up for his team night in and night out, he seems like the perfect running mate for Cooper Flagg and the suddenly young Mavericks. Acuff has had a memorable season overall, but set an Arkansas freshman record with 49 points in a 117-115 double-overtime loss to Alabama.
Acuff can score from all three levels and is a great facilitator and leader, which are necessary to lead an offense. Look for Dallas’ youth movement to bring fun back to the Mavericks sooner rather than later.
9) Chicago Bulls
Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
Hannes Steinbach has developed well physically and needs to add more muscle to be a real defensive threat. Steinbach’s already above-average rebounding, excellent positioning, and impressive footwork on defense make him seem like a legitimate prospect. He has experience playing in Germany and has transitioned into the NCAA with ease, and has flown up my draft board.
Steinbach averages 18 points per game, with 11.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks. I don’t think the 1.2 blocks tell the full story, though, as he has had multiple blocks in three of the last four games, which were all in Big Ten play. Chicago is getting a Vucevic replacement that can protect the rim better than he ever did.
10) Milwaukee Bucks
Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
With the news that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stick around if the team is trying to win, bringing in a wing like Keaton Wagler can help the offense immensely. He draws fouls, plays hard, and is a huge part of Illinois’ success this season. Being efficient around Giannis is essential to the Bucks’ success, and I think Wagler fits in beautifully with his size and skill set.
Wagler has the capability to take over any game at any time, with incredible performances in the biggest games of the year.
Illinois went into a road game at fourth-ranked Purdue and won thanks in large part to 46 points from Wagler. Look for the Bucks to pursue him and bring in a veteran point guard to lead the charge and foster his development.
11) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Watching the Thunder shoot threes, it is incredible how, in some games, the shots are falling for these guys, and in others, they all collectively can’t buy a bucket. Outside of Isaiah Joe, of course. Braylon Mullins is a 6’5″ shooter with a quick release, seemingly limitless range, and is decisive with the ball in his hands. He finishes nicely at the rim, even without elite athleticism, which would play nicely into his role with the champs.
He is also a solid defender, with a very high competitive level and the skills to grow into a great 3-and-D player who could make a lasting impact as the Thunder seek to build their dynasty out and reload with young talent once again.
12) Portland Trail Blazers
Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
If Portland could make a first-round pick in a lab, Brayden Burries would be the result. He is an incredible defender who is disruptive in the passing lanes and consistently makes plays for this outstanding Arizona team.
At 6-foot-4, Burries has the ideal size to take on whatever defensive tasks come to him, and he is a capable three-point shooter. I don’t project him to become a large part of the offense right off the bat, but I do think he fits the mold and will help Portland continue its upward trajectory.
13) Charlotte Hornets
Jayden Quaintance, F/C, Kentucky
With this draft lacking talented big men, I expect the Raptors to grab Jayden Quaintany, with his 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman last season. He is also an elite rebounder who utilizes his athleticism and body very well to get great position on the glass.
He transferred to Kentucky for his sophomore season, and there isn’t a much better platform to showcase your skill than on the Wildcats, so I think the masses will learn and love his game very quickly. To get to this fifth spot, see him more involved in the offense, flash his offensive potential, and dominate the offensive glass.
He is an excellent fit with the Raptors’ core, and playing alongside ball-dominant players like Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley could be good for him to contribute with his skill set now and work on becoming more of an offensive force as time goes on. He could work on being more decisive, but the maturity in his game, combined with his upside on both sides of the floor, makes him a great pick at five here for Toronto to be their center of the future.
14) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
Lendeborg transferred to Michigan to try to secure the first-round assurance he is seeking, as he considered entering the 2025 NBA Draft but decided to transfer instead. With Danny Wolf’s and Vladislav Goldin’s losses, he will have plenty of opportunity to show that an impressive Combine performance was no fluke to a much bigger audience.
He has shown the ability to take over a game completely, as he did in the American Tournament with 30 points, 20 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks against Wichita State. He is a strong power forward with a highly versatile offensive game.
He is okay defensively. His primary defensive skill is his nose for steals, as he averaged 1.7 per game last year, which is very impressive for a forward. I think he has room to grow at the next level, but with how well-rounded his offensive game is, he should be a first-round lock this time, sitting right at the end of the lottery.
15) Miami Heat
Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
Labaron Philon has remained consistent as one of the best scorers in the nation this season, averaging over 25 points per game with great efficiency and size. If Coach Spoelstra could help Philon unlock some defense out of that frame, this could be the steal of this draft, but in any case, the Heat need a guy who can lead the offense and get them a bucket, and Philon fits that mold better than anyone in this draft class.
16) Golden State Warriors
Tounde Yessoufou, F, Baylor
At 6’5″, Tounde Yessoufou is a pro-ready frame that thrives in transition and physical half-court play. While Yessoufou is a work in progress offensively, he is the definition of a slasher. He blows by defenders with his burst and overpowers them with his strength. His shot has potential.
Defensively, Yessoufou stands out with his switchability, motor, and anticipation. He can guard wings and forwards, using his physicality and lateral quickness to disrupt plays. His high energy and willingness to compete on every possession make him an ideal fit next to Draymond Green and in an extremely competitive environment.
17) Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
With DeAndre Ayton in town, the center position is held down for now, but bringing in a talent like Chris Cenac Jr. would make the Mark Williams trade falling through end up being a blessing in disguise. With Ayton in town, it will push him to get better, but also not force him to take on a big role out of the gates. I do see a future where he takes over the starting role, but it would be nice for L.A. to have two capable options.
Cenac runs the floor well, switches well defensively, and protects the rim at a very high level. These are all things that the Lakers are clearly missing from Anthony Davis, albeit he is not the offensive player Davis is; that is not needed from him with Luka Doncic running the show.
His offensive game is developing, and I don’t see him pushing his range beyond the arc, but he looks to have the potential to be an excellent mid-range shooter and an impact player here for a long time.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Karim Lopez is a brilliant player who has handled the ball like a guard and is an energetic defender. He plays hard, is a strong team player, and rebounds well. He makes up for his lack of strength with a smooth, fundamentally sound game without glaring holes.
Lopez’s season is underway in New Zealand, and he continues to flash his potential. However, he also shows that he is not a finished product, which would be an unfair expectation for a young player. It seems like, with the war chest of picks the Thunder have, they would use one on a raw, but extremely talented forward who could help them in the future.
19) Charlotte Hornets (via PHX)
Thomas Haugh, PF, Florida
Thomas Haugh was a key player in the Gators’ national championship run and has showcased a mature, Swiss Army knife-like skill set that Charlotte could use on the wing. He draws fouls and assists at a very high level, and the only real knock on him is his age, and that doesn’t bother me.
The Hornets developed Nick Richards and Mark Williams well, and I trust their ability to show him the ropes as an impact NBA player. His championship pedigree, maturity, and high level of ball care could help Charlotte step forward as a team, which would be welcome, as they have already shown they are capable of it this season.
20) Toronto Raptors
Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
The champs have another pick here, and I love the idea of them going back to the Duke well and drafting Patrick Ngongba II here. The 2026-27 NBA Season will be the last on Isaiah Hartenstein’s contract, and with a year behind him, I think Ngongba can fit right into that role without the Thunder having to pay close to $30 million a year with the extensions for their young core kicking in.
In the flashes he has played, Ngongba has shown the potential to be an elite two-way center who takes good shots, protects the ball, and can pass a bit. He seems like a seamless fit next to Chet Holmgren inside as the Thunder continue their dynasty.
21) Los Angeles Lakers
Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
Isaiah Evans is my steal of the draft, and is only this low because of how loaded Duke is, but I think he may be. Evans is a versatile 6’6″ wing. As a freshman, Evans averaged 6.8 points in under 14 minutes, shooting 41.6% from three. His quick release, NBA-range shooting, and ability to score off the move or the dribble make him a dangerous perimeter threat with high upside.
The only reason he is falling this low is that the prospects he is behind are being drafted ahead of him. Whoever drafts Isaiah Evans is getting a player who has been part of winning teams and will still be hungry to show what he can do beyond his time at Duke. Evans should get a chance to be the top offensive option on the second unit and become an elite duo with Tyler Herro when the team needs points.
He will need to add some strength to be good enough defensively to have a prominent role on a good NBA team, but he has the length and feel for the game to become good on that side of the ball if so. If he carves out a bigger role at Duke this year, we may see him rise on this board very quickly, and that wouldn’t be surprising.
22) Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Alijah Arenas, G, USC
Alijah Arenas should be a high school senior, but he is not, and he has been thrown right into Big Ten play and has shown flashes of why USC wanted to give him a chance so early. He has great size and has stepped up when the Trojans needed him to, with three games of 24 or more points, showcasing an ability to get to the rim, draw fouls, and compete at this level.
Look for Arenas to be brought in as a project, and I think there is no one better for him to shadow than Cade Cunningham.
23) Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Tennessee
Cameron Carr has a nose for the ball, and it shows with his 1.4 blocks per game as a shooting guard. He is a capable scorer, can knock down threes consistently, and rebounds well for a guard. His incredibly multifaceted game would make any team better if it projects to the next level, and I think in a system like Atlanta, his strengths could be emphasized and used to make a major impact.
24) Denver Nuggets
Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Bennett Stirtz is a hooper; he can hit threes and take care of the ball. Stirtz is super efficient and would benefit from the attention Nikola Jokic draws, without needing a large role to make a difference in this offense. I think this is one of the cases where age makes a guy fall more than he should, and Stirtz is playing in meaningful games sooner than later, and making a difference in said games.
25) New York Knicks
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
If Joshua Jefferson were 19, he would be considered a top-five pick, but he is not, and the Knicks will be happy to bring him in here. He has an incredible sense for the game and creates for others, even as a big man, and he competes night in and night out. He has two triple-doubles this season, and I think he will confirm his status as a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
26) Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Amari Allen, SF, Alabama
Things feel a little different in Philly right now. Yes, they aren’t taking the world by storm quite yet, but the rise of Tyrese Maxey and the way VJ Edgecombe has played have brought life to the hope for this franchise, and bringing in a guy like Amari Allen will continue moving them forward.
Allen is a strong rebounder, and on a per-36-minute basis would be considered an elite passer as well. If he could learn to limit the fouls, he could be a really key rotational piece for a 76ers team that is only a couple of pieces away from being something in the East
27) Boston Celtics
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Aday Mara is a 7-foot-3 center who has a great feel for the game, blocks 2.6 shots per game, and on a per-36-minute basis would average a double-double a night with almost four assists. The Celtics need size to return to their elite form, and with Jayson Tatum returning, they will have more than enough playmaking with their current roster.
They just need a big man to neutralize their opponents, and not hold them back, which I see Mara filling that role quite nicely.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Freshman guard Meleek Thomas is a strong ballhandler with a lot of upside whose stock will shoot up this year. But for where he stands now, I like him here in Oklahoma City, where they can focus on him perfecting his craft and reaching his highest potential peaks. Thomas draws fouls and hits his free throws, but teams will start salivating over him if he shows the same aggressiveness and success.
29) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
7-foot Henri Veesaar can do alot on the basketball floor, and to be that size, be a solid rebounder, and shoot over 43% from beyond the arc is extremely rare, and I think the Mavericks backfill the loss of Anthony Davis with a more modern center, and this Mavericks team shows some potential in 2026-27, and then once Marc Cuban re-enters the fold, they get some free agents in and they compete for real again.
30) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
Not many guards can give you 40 points one night, 13 rebounds another, and get three or more steals in huge conference wins. Ebuka Okorie can do this, and he is one of the youngest players in the draft. He has really looked incredible from three of late, hitting 2.8 threes per game on 48%.
I think there is a chance that he stays another year to get his stock up, maybe even transfer to a ranked school, but at this time, he is already a first-round pick for me, and I think he would be a great fit in Minnesota.
2026 NBA Mock Draft | Round 2
31) Sacramento Kings
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
32) Memphis Grizzlies
Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas
33) Brooklyn Nets
Sergio de Larrea, G, Spain
34) New York Knicks (via WAS)
Tyler Tanner, PG, Vanderbilt
35) Chicago Bulls (via NO)
Malachai Moreno, C, Kentucky
36) San Antonio Spurs (via UTA)
Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan
37) Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL)
Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
38) Los Angeles Clippers (via MEM)
Juke Harris, SG, Wake Forest
39) Houston Rockets (via CHI)
Dash Daniels, G, Australia
40) Boston Celtics (via MIL)
JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech
41) Brooklyn Nets (via LAC)
Zuby Ejiofor, PF, St. John’s
42) Sacramento Kings (via CHA)
Alex Karaban, F, UConn
43) San Antonio Spurs (via POR)
Hugo Facorat, F, France
44) Denver Nuggets (via ATL)
Ryan Conwell, G, Louisville
45) Charlotte Hornets (via GS)
Alex Condon, C, Florida
46) San Antonio Spurs (via MIA)
Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
47) Orlando Magic
Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida
48) Phoenix Suns (via PHI)
Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
49) Dallas Mavericks (via PHX)
Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
50) Toronto Raptors
Paul McNeil Jr., SG, NC State
51) Golden State Warriors (via LAL)
JoJo Tugler, PF, Houston
52) Washington Wizards (via MIN)
Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
53) Los Angeles Clippers (via CLE)
Keyshawn Hall, SF, Auburn
54) Chicago Bulls (via DEN)
Miles Byrd, G, San Diego State
55) New York Knicks
Bruce Thornton, PG, Ohio State
56) Houston Rockets
Darrion Williams, SF, NC State
57) Atlanta Hawks (via Boston Celtics)
Nate Bittle, C, Oregon
58) Minnesota Timberwolves (via SA)
Noa Kouakou-Heugue, F, France
59) Washington Wizards (via OKC)
Milan Momcilovic, F, Iowa State
60) New Orleans Pelicans (via DET)
Jaden Bradley, PG, Arizona