2026 NBA Mock Draft: Top Four Prospects Vie for No. 1

With the 2025 NBA Draft complete and top talents like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper heading to the next level, attention is quickly turning to the incoming 2026 class. We have been evaluating these young players for a considerable period, having released initial mock draft projections back in February. There`s significant excitement surrounding the top prospects in the 2026 group, with some NBA executives suggesting that the potential star power within the top five players is historically high. Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament are all considered potential cornerstone players for an NBA franchise.

Over the past few years, we`ve observed these leading prospects develop, and our understanding of the top of the class tends to become quite accurate by this stage. For example, our June 2024 forecast for the 2025 draft correctly identified four of the top five selections and six of the first eight. This trend has historically proven reliable.

The large number of college and international players from the 2025 class who chose not to enter the draft or withdrew before the deadline (amounting to up to two dozen players from our top 100 list) has contributed to unusual depth in our early first and second-round projections for the 2026 draft class.

However, teams still need to gather much more information about the prospects likely to fall later in the lottery and the rest of the first round. This isn`t considered a particularly deep group of high school seniors heading to college, nor is the 2007-born international class, set to become draft-eligible for the first time, viewed as exceptionally thrilling.

Every year, we witness lesser-known players significantly improve their draft stock during the college season, as seen with prospects like Cedric Coward, Nique Clifford, Walter Clayton Jr., and Danny Wolf in the most recent draft cycle.

This unpredictability is what makes draft projections engaging. Nobody knows precisely when or where new talents will emerge, keeping NBA scouts constantly evaluating.

Analyzing the Top Contenders for the No. 1 Pick in 2026

There are four compelling prospects considered strong candidates for the first overall pick: Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament. However, most NBA front offices currently believe it would be challenging, though not impossible, for anyone other than Peterson and Dybantsa to claim the top two spots, absent significant unforeseen developments.

We had ample opportunity to evaluate all four of these players, along with others, at key events in April such as the Chipotle Nationals, Nike Hoop Summit, and McDonald`s All American Games. Further evaluations took place at the USA Basketball under-19 training camp in Colorado Springs during June.

Darryn Peterson solidified his position as a potential No. 1 pick following an outstanding final high school season at Prolific Prep. He proved exceptionally difficult to defend in transition and demonstrated versatility in changing speeds out of pick-and-roll actions. Peterson is capable of pulling up for deep 3-pointers and finishes explosively around the rim.

He has also shown notable improvement as a passer and defender. Heading to Kansas, where coach Bill Self is expected to entrust the 6-foot-6 guard with the offense, Peterson will have an excellent platform in the competitive Big 12 conference to solidify his status at the top of the draft board.

A.J. Dybantsa, previously considered a virtual certainty for the No. 1 spot before a somewhat less impressive high school senior season, delivered a spectacular showing at the USA Basketball U19 training camp a few weeks ago. Appearing more focused on creating opportunities for teammates than seen previously, Dybantsa was a dominant force in transition. He also effectively guarded positions from point guards to power forwards, showcasing a combination of physical strength and intensity rarely observed in an 18-year-old.

He scored effortlessly and made numerous sophisticated reads in the pick-and-roll, including timely pocket passes and lobs, illustrating significant strides in his decision-making and willingness to share the ball. If Dybantsa maintains this level of performance, he appears almost certain to emerge as the top pick. His performance at the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup and as a freshman at BYU will heavily influence our projected order, contingent also on Peterson`s performance.

Cameron Boozer cannot be overlooked as a candidate for the top selection, particularly after his exceptional showing at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He was instrumental in leading USA Basketball to a tough overtime victory against the World Team, contributing 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists. Boozer anchored his team`s defense and displayed a remarkable understanding of the game. However, some NBA executives express reservations, viewing Boozer as physically mature early and lacking elite explosiveness, potentially relying too heavily on strength-based interior plays.

To silence these critics, he will need to consistently make perimeter shots and demonstrate versatility in passing and defense. We anticipate he will have a season at Duke akin to what Cooper Flagg produced, potentially surprising his doubters.

Nate Ament is a more recent entrant into the No. 1 pick discussion and is considered the furthest from reaching his full potential among the four, partly due to his current weight (186 pounds). Nevertheless, exceptionally talented 6-foot-11 wing players possessing his fluidity, shot-making ability, defensive versatility, and scoring prowess are frequently identified as potential franchise cornerstones.

Several NBA executives emerged from the McDonald`s All American Game in April stating that Ament possesses All-Star potential. Having begun practice at Tennessee in mid-June, Ament appears to be adding strength and is expected to play a prominent role in the SEC. This will provide him with every chance to build his case as a potential surprise No. 1 candidate. — Givony

Top Returning College Prospects to Monitor

While the majority of our initial projected first-round selections for 2026 are rising freshmen or international players, 11 of the top 30 are returning to the NCAA, most having participated in the pre-draft evaluation process this spring before deciding to stay in college. Here are some of the key returning players NBA teams will be evaluating closely:

Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Quaintance was just 17 years old throughout his freshman year at Arizona State, making him ineligible for this year`s draft. NBA teams observed him closely, drawn by his impressive physical attributes and flashes of talent as a finisher and dunker around the basket. Given that he could have been a high school junior, his significant shot-blocking numbers (2.6 per game) were particularly striking.

Although Quaintance is still quite raw in terms of skills, especially his jump shot, and needs significant technical refinement and improved court processing, his extreme youth for the college level affords him considerable benefit of the doubt. NBA scouts are eager to see if he can make substantial progress after transferring to Kentucky. He will have a major opportunity there to establish himself as a lottery-level talent, though significant development is required before he is truly NBA-ready. His recovery speed from ACL surgery in March will be a key factor to watch. — Woo

Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan

Lendeborg was a breakout player last season at UAB and is transferring to Michigan, where he is expected to have a large role and a significant NIL deal after considering entering the 2025 draft. He showed positive signs at the combine but not enough to guarantee a first-round selection. Michigan has lost considerable frontcourt talent, including first-rounder Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin, providing Lendeborg with a similar opportunity to boost his draft stock. Lendeborg is a late-blooming prospect who combines offensive skills, defensive playmaking, and excellent length, and he is expected to be a key contributor for Michigan. — Woo

Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

Stirtz began trending upward significantly with NBA scouts in March, performing well in the NCAA tournament and generating first-round buzz. Given the positive momentum, his decision to bypass the entire pre-draft process this spring was somewhat surprising. Instead, Stirtz will follow Ben McCollum, his former coach at Drake and Northwest Missouri State, to Iowa. There, he will take charge of the offense and have a platform to further prove himself in the Big Ten conference. He is a talented playmaker who is expected to be among the top guards nationally. — Woo

Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke

Evans, a five-star recruit, did not fully break through at Duke last season, playing a limited role on a strong team before deciding to return. A perimeter specialist with a slender build, Evans will likely have more offensive opportunities on a revamped Blue Devils roster, allowing NBA teams a better look at his capabilities. His limitations in decision-making and defense impacted his consistent playing time last season. Evans must improve in these areas to solidify his standing as a first-rounder next year. His shooting ability is a legitimate NBA asset, but he needs to work to win over scouts. — Woo

Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn

Pettiford impressed on the first day of the NBA combine. While he didn`t do enough to secure the first-round spot he aimed for, he reminded scouts of his talent before returning to Auburn. He should have more freedom to operate next season, as the Tigers have significant backcourt minutes available. Pettiford`s scoring ability and explosiveness provide him a chance to succeed as an undersized guard, but NBA teams want to see him expand his playmaking and improve defensively. His size (6-1, 175 pounds) projects him as a potential spark plug off the bench. Still, if Pettiford can reframe the narrative around his potential, he could land in the first round. — Woo

Initial 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks

The projected order for the 2026 top 10 is based on various factors, including ESPN betting odds, power rankings, and analyst projections.

1. Washington Wizards

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, 6-6, Age: 18.4
Freshman, Kansas
Peterson was arguably the premier player in high school last season, possessing a highly sought-after combination of size, length, explosiveness, and the ability to create his own shot. He is an effective passer and shows strong defensive playmaking potential in addition to his scoring talent. Heading to Kansas under coach Bill Self, Peterson is set to be the primary offensive engine for a team built around his dynamic skills, giving him an excellent chance to confirm his position as the top prospect in the upcoming draft. — Givony

2. Utah Jazz

A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, 6-9, Age: 18.4
Freshman, BYU
Dybantsa has consistently produced impressive statistics wherever he has played, though he had a somewhat inconsistent season last year at Utah Prep. He looked significantly better at the USA Basketball U19 World Cup in June, demonstrating improved efficiency and dominating both ends of the court. Every NBA team is looking for wing players like Dybantsa, who stand 6-9 and can score from anywhere, pass while on the move, and defend multiple positions effectively. He has already enrolled at BYU, where he will be given significant offensive responsibility and the chance to prove he deserves the No. 1 pick. This process could begin soon at the FIBA U19 World Cup. — Givony

3. Brooklyn Nets

Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Age: 17.9
Freshman, Duke
Boozer is one of the most impactful high school players recently observed, boasting a history of winning achievements that few prospects can match. He possesses exceptional court awareness and is capable of handling the ball, passing, shooting, and defending various positions. He plays with relentless physicality, excels at rebounding, and takes pride in dominating his opponents in the post. His outside shooting has also seen considerable improvement over the last year. Boozer`s freshman season production could rival that of Cooper Flagg, positioning him as a legitimate contender for national Player of the Year honors, despite some NBA executives questioning his long-term potential ceiling. — Givony

4. Charlotte Hornets

Nate Ament, SF, 6-11, Age: 18.5
Freshman, Tennessee
Ament, who was a late bloomer, has grown significantly over the past year and is now filling out his 6-11 frame. He is a remarkable shotmaker with improved passing and defensive versatility. His ability to create his own shot almost whenever he desires gives him arguably the highest potential upside among prospects in this class. He is expected to be a primary focus for Tennessee, providing NBA teams with an opportunity to assess whether he can develop into a consistently efficient and impactful player in the challenging SEC. — Givony

5. Sacramento Kings

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-4, Age: 18.8
Committed to Louisville
Having grown from 5-10 to 6-4 during his high school career, Brown has demonstrated dynamic scoring instincts and talent as a ball handler, passer, and perimeter shooter. Brown, who weighs 176 pounds, exhibits inconsistency as a finisher, defender, and decision-maker. However, his ability to handle the physical demands of college basketball on both ends of the court will significantly influence his effectiveness as a freshman at Louisville. — Givony

6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)

Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, 6-10, Age: 17.9
Sophomore, Kentucky
Despite being younger than several highly regarded rising high school seniors, Quaintance had a very productive freshman campaign at Arizona State, ranking among the top shot blockers in college basketball. He has a well-built physique, large hands, and a 7-foot-5 wingspan, coupled with exceptional mobility. NBA teams will be closely observing his recovery and performance after undergoing ACL surgery in March, which might result in a slower start at Kentucky. — Givony

7. Chicago Bulls

Karim Lopez, SF/PF, 6-9, Age: 18.2
New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Lopez had an impressive season with the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL Next Star program, showing notable growth in his outside shooting. Standing 6-9, he possesses guard-like skills along with the physicality and motor necessary to defend larger opponents. Scouts are keen to see his continued progress in his second season in the Australian league, where he is likely to take on a more significant role. — Givony

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, Age: 18.9
Freshman, North Carolina
At 6-9, Wilson has the ideal physical profile, featuring an excellent build, length, and developing versatility on both ends of the court that could potentially be refined into a highly intriguing prospect. He is capable of securing defensive rebounds and initiating transition offense with passes on the move. While Wilson needs to improve his intensity level and outside shooting, he possesses innate attributes that cannot be taught and is loaded with potential long-term upside. — Givony

9. Memphis Grizzlies

Dame Sarr, SG/SF, 19.0
Freshman, Duke
Sarr aims to follow the path of other highly-rated international prospects, like Kasparas Jakucionis and Egor Demin, by transitioning from the Spanish development system to college basketball on a revamped Duke squad. The 6-8 wing is a versatile defender who has shown promising flashes as a perimeter shooter, passer, and shot creator in EuroLeague and ACB play last year. However, he remains raw in several aspects, including his decision-making. — Givony

10. Miami Heat

Dash Daniels, SG, 6-6, Age: 17.5
Melbourne United (NBL)
Daniels is likely to be the youngest prospect in the 2026 draft class, turning 18 in mid-December, which makes predicting how he will handle the demanding nature of the Australian NBL next season challenging. He shares many similar strengths and weaknesses with his brother Dyson (a guard for the Hawks) but is larger, stronger, and has greater length at the same age, which is beneficial for his NBA projection. Similar to his brother, he is an excellent defender and is still developing as a ball handler, shooter, and scorer. However, he possesses a strong feel for the game and plays with good pace and unselfishness. Based on his performances in the NBL1 league this summer, he appears to be making progress with his shooting. — Givony

Remaining Prospects on the 2026 Big Board

• 11. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston, freshman
• 12. Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas, freshman
• 13. Nikolas Khamenia, SF/PF, Duke, freshman
• 14. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan, super senior
• 15. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa, senior
• 16. Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke, sophomore
• 17. Sergio De Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
• 18. Koa Peat, PF, Arizona, freshman
• 19. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn, freshman
• 20. Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn, sophomore
• 21. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston, junior
• 22. Aday Mara, C, Michigan, junior
• 23. Tounde Yessoufou, SF/PF, Baylor, freshman
• 24. Andrej Kostic, SG, Kansas State, freshman
• 25. Ognjen Srzentic, SG/SF, Mega Superbet (Serbia)
• 26. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington, freshman
• 27. Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona, junior
• 28. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama, sophomore
• 29. Alex Condon, C, Florida, junior
• 30. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, senior
• 31. Boogie Fland, PG, Florida, sophomore
• 32. Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas, sophomore
• 33. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan, sophomore
• 34. Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John`s, senior
• 35. Alex Karaban, PF, Connecticut, senior
• 36. Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas, junior
• 37. JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech, junior
• 38. Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke, sophomore
• 39. Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State, junior
• 40. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida, junior
• 41. Darrion Williams, SF/PF, NC State, senior
• 42. Derrion Reid, SF/PF, Oklahoma, sophomore
• 43. Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati, sophomore
• 44. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina, junior
• 45. Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois, junior
• 46. Kam Williams, SF/PF, Kentucky, sophomore
• 47. Ian Jackson, SG, St. John`s, sophomore
• 48. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois, junior
• 49. Mackenzie Mgbako, PF, Texas A&M, junior
• 50. Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, senior
• 51. Wesley Yates III, SG, Washington, junior
• 52. Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville, senior
• 53. Nolan Winter, C, Wisconsin, junior
• 54. Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State, sophomore
• 55. Donnie Freeman, PF, Syracuse, sophomore
• 56. Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas, sophomore
• 57. Kwame Evans Jr., PF, Oregon, junior
• 58. Tobi Lawal, PF, Virginia Tech, senior
• 59. Richie Saunders, SG, BYU, senior
• 60. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Illinois, junior